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A review by meganmilks
In the House Upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods by Matt Bell
i really love Matt's short fiction, have taught WOLF PARTS a few times now, and had been looking forward to reading his first novel all summer -- even saved it as a reward for finishing up a bunch of other stuff. i'm disappointed.
the epic mythicality of the narrative is at times quite awesome (i particularly enjoyed the squid-whale) and there is a lot to love in its fearless gruesomeness. but ultimately i couldn't get past the narrative's reification of masculine/feminine principles, its obsession with WIFE/MOTHER, HUSBAND/FATHER, SON/CHILD, especially the association of the wife figure with blood and the moon (a blood moon, actually). in the logic of the myth, there can only ever be one (male/female) couple, with child. possibly the most heteronormative novel i've read in years, despite its heavy weirdness. i also had a hard time with the narrative voice, which is humorless and very self-serious.
i know a ton of people love this book -- interested to hear responses. i wonder if this is one of those books/experiences i will appreciate more with distance? i'll report back.
the epic mythicality of the narrative is at times quite awesome (i particularly enjoyed the squid-whale) and there is a lot to love in its fearless gruesomeness. but ultimately i couldn't get past the narrative's reification of masculine/feminine principles, its obsession with WIFE/MOTHER, HUSBAND/FATHER, SON/CHILD, especially the association of the wife figure with blood and the moon (a blood moon, actually). in the logic of the myth, there can only ever be one (male/female) couple, with child. possibly the most heteronormative novel i've read in years, despite its heavy weirdness. i also had a hard time with the narrative voice, which is humorless and very self-serious.
i know a ton of people love this book -- interested to hear responses. i wonder if this is one of those books/experiences i will appreciate more with distance? i'll report back.