A review by tinyjude
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

challenging dark informative reflective fast-paced

4.25

A memoir filled with beautiful metaphors, analogies and cross-boundaries genres and experimentation. Despite being a brief read, the contents of the book makes it harder to consume it in one sitting. The book mainly deals and details an abusive relationship between two queer women, how it starts, develops, how it destroys her but is unable to bolt, and the long-lasting effects of trauma due to said abuse. It is horrifying but highly important as, stated by the author in the book, there aren't many sources that discuss this topic and show light in how, no matter which type of relationship you are (poly, monogamous, same-sex, opposite-sex, etc), abuse is abuse and can happen and has happened. I am glad we are at a time in which we can discuss these topics among the community.

The gaslighting, the jealousy, controlling behaviour, abusive patterns, "happy" moments to overcompensate, the physicial, emotional and sexual harrassment, the consequences... they are all difficult themes to tackle and read, but Carmen María Machado does a marvelous job.

My only complaint is that i'm not the biggest fan of the second person pov in books. Nonetheless, a harrowing, necessary read!
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