alisebarr5 's review for:

The Antidote by Karen Russell

4.25

challenging dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.24/5)
Book Review: Antidote by Karen Russell 

This book had a slow start—I almost didn’t continue—but I’m so glad I did. Set in the fictional town of Uz, Nebraska, Antidote is a unique and atmospheric novel rooted in the Dust Bowl era, framed by two real-life disasters: the Black Sunday dust storm and the Republican River flood of 1935. With elements like prairie witches, murder, photography, basketball, colonialism, and even a scarecrow and a cat, it reads like nothing else— I've been known to like some weirdly unique books (Shark Heart anyone?) and appreciate its wild originality. I've only read one other historical fiction novel set during the Dust Bowl, and it’s such a bleak, fascinating period to explore. 

The story blends historical fiction, magical realism, and murder mystery. It's imaginative while addressing weighty themes: systemic oppression, racism, colonial violence, and the deliberate erasure of history. Yet despite these heavy topics, there's balance—magic, symbolism, and hope woven in. It’s a reminder of how fiction can hold truth while still offering escape. If you can get through the slow beginning, you’ll be rewarded with a haunting, layered, and thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page. 

Take time to read the author's note on the factual history related to the events in this novel.