A review by laguerrelewis
Private Rites by Julia Armfield

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

Armfield is an absolute master of atmosphere. You can feel the relentless rain battering down on every page, inescapable and constant to the almost point of normalcy. And that is what unnerves and moves most—how easy it is to understand that outlook. How the apocalyptic becomes normalized and accepted. This is just how it is. Gorgeous writing and gripping characters, and a heavy, heavy truth to it all.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol

Moderate: Self harm, Sexual content, Suicide