Review by tesz - In the Dream House

tesz 's review for:

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

5.0

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

“A reminder to remember: just because the sharpness of the sadness has faded does not mean that it was not, once, terrible. It means only that time and space, creatures of infinite girth and tenderness, have stepped between the two of you, and they are keeping you safe as they were once unable to.”

How do you start a review for a book that has said so much?
How do you rate a book that is so candid and raw that it would feel more like rating someones life, not a piece of literature.

In this poetic, most brilliantly written memoir, Carmen Maria Machada has told the tale that many before haven’t believed or even been willing to listen to. I just want to somehow let her know that this book has reached so many people. And helped these people wether it’s finding comfort in shared experiences or, rather finding understanding in these experiences from a perspective that hasn’t personally lived them. We have listened and will continue to.

This memoir feels more fiction than non-fiction- not because I doubt the existence of the events that occur in it, but rather because the memoir is written in such a fluid, eloquent way that it feels more like the stories we grow up thinking are rather representations of the truth. Models that reveal the truth behind the ‘truth’. But that’s what makes this tale ever the more confronting, poignant, important. This happened. These feelings were felt and are still being felt by so many queer women around the world today. And it is vital that we recognise this. Disregarding this tale as non fiction is defeating its sole purpose. The representation is real, and the discussions on this in Carmen’s memoir are exemplary.

Carmen is able to put words to the feelings we wish we could name. Even if you haven’t personally experienced any of the events in this book, I assure you- you will come across a quote, a chapter, a part of this memoir- where you just feel a rush of familiarity, déjà vu and instantly, its as if like Carmen dipped into your mind and turned an inexplainable sensation into something tangible and real.

To tell a story about a house with ghosts as its inhabitants, makes the haunted feel less alone; the ghosts become less invisible. Between these words- its fascinating how we can find safety between word that describe the opposite.

This memoir has such an intimate and close relationship with reader. Expertly told by switching between first person and second person point of view, the reader is able to observe memories without feeling like an intruder but rather another part of the narrators conscience - bringing you closer to carmen; closer to the experience; closer to the reality.

Every sentence is quotable. Every word is necessary. Moments were captured individually to create something so, so whole. However ugly this story could be perceived as, Carmen’s writing gives beauty to the renewal - without glamorising any aspects of abuse, her writing accepts change and the things that stay.

This memoir is for the people like Carmen, who search for media that reflects a truth - a truth that is rarely represented (domestic abuse in lesbian relationships)- in order to feel less alone. Sometimes the most confronting literature can also hold the most comfort. With that said, like any media you consume, always check the trigger warnings before consumption. This is a very hard book to read but I am so thankful I did.

Content Warnings