A review by the_library_of_mary
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I'm not much of a horror reader, but this seemed interesting to me. I have seen Cassandra Khaw's other work, but never read them, so I thought a short book would be a good introduction. The grotesque descriptions throughout this book were the highlight for me ( as strange as that seems). This author embraces animalistic attributes of not only our mermaid but of the human characters as well. The brutal nature of mankind is easily broken and the way she portrays that it fascinating. 

The pacing was quick and the development between our plague doctor and mermaid appropriately matches that. You can tell this is a story of gore and brutality covering it's core as a love letter. The realization and impracticability of love in this book was done so well. 

I don't know if I will venture into her other books, again this isn't my normal type of reading but I did enjoy it as a quick read to branch out.