A review by abbie_
Abyss by Pilar Quintana

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

Thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this sad little book, I’m a sucker for a mental health narrative. This one is told through the eyes of a child, eight-year-old Claudia who lives with her parents in Colombia. Though she continually watches her parents, her mother who suffers from depression, and her overworked father, she often doesn’t fully grasp the complexity of the adults’ lives around her - but she understands enough. The depiction of depression and suicidal tendencies in this book are brutal, so do look after yourself if you read it, but it’s so well done. The imagery of that cliff road with the fog and the steep drop-off - glorious. Your heart will break for Claudia, ten times over, during the course of this book. 

Excellent translation by Lisa Dillman
Expand filter menu Content Warnings