Scan barcode
A review by rorikae
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
'The Salt Grows Heavy' by Cassandra Khaw is a retelling/continuation of the classic Little Mermaid story but with a focus on horror.
The story follows a mermaid who has recently been freed from the clutches of her husband and set out into the world with a plague doctor as her companion. When they come across a group of children playing a horrific game, they are pulled into the workings of a small community that will reveal more about each of their past experiences.
Khaw writes in a decadent, evocative voice that drips off the page. This is definitely a novella that is steeped in language and I know that probably won't be to everyone's taste. It was definitely to mine. Their word usage and descriptions brought me directly into the story, especially moments of body horror. It's important to go into this book knowing that it is full of gore with lots of body horror and a touch of close to cannibalism. Through their reworking of the classic Little Mermaid tale, Khaw explores the horrors behind being forced to give up a part of yourself and how to regain that later in life. I've had hit or miss experiences with Khaw's writing in the past but this is definitely a hit.
The story follows a mermaid who has recently been freed from the clutches of her husband and set out into the world with a plague doctor as her companion. When they come across a group of children playing a horrific game, they are pulled into the workings of a small community that will reveal more about each of their past experiences.
Khaw writes in a decadent, evocative voice that drips off the page. This is definitely a novella that is steeped in language and I know that probably won't be to everyone's taste. It was definitely to mine. Their word usage and descriptions brought me directly into the story, especially moments of body horror. It's important to go into this book knowing that it is full of gore with lots of body horror and a touch of close to cannibalism. Through their reworking of the classic Little Mermaid tale, Khaw explores the horrors behind being forced to give up a part of yourself and how to regain that later in life. I've had hit or miss experiences with Khaw's writing in the past but this is definitely a hit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cannibalism, Death, Gore, Grief, Murder, Toxic relationship, Violence, Body horror, and Child death