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A review by sonnyygrayy
Brutes by Dizz Tate
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Remember when we would beg our moms to let us audition for that totally real and not-at-all sketchy talent agency, but they refused and we got mad? Dizz Tate portrays the scary reality of adults preying on children’s desire for stardom and attention in this southern gothic, somewhat surrealist horror novel.
If you like Ethel Cain’s album Preacher’s Daughter, you will love this book. Sammy is a televangelist’s daughter, constantly being exploited by her father for religious gain. When she finally meets a friend, Mia, the exploitation continues. As I was reading, I was reminded a lot of Cain’s songs Family Tree, Gibson Girl, and Ptolemaea.
Many people were confused by the ending of this book, but I think I got it. It’s a metaphor for the trauma these girls endured at the hands of Stone. Jody is perpetually stuck in that day, searching for the “monster in the lake” when there probably wasn’t one to begin with. The monster was Stone.
If you like Ethel Cain’s album Preacher’s Daughter, you will love this book. Sammy is a televangelist’s daughter, constantly being exploited by her father for religious gain. When she finally meets a friend, Mia, the exploitation continues. As I was reading, I was reminded a lot of Cain’s songs Family Tree, Gibson Girl, and Ptolemaea.
Many people were confused by the ending of this book, but I think I got it. It’s a metaphor for the trauma these girls endured at the hands of Stone. Jody is perpetually stuck in that day, searching for the “monster in the lake” when there probably wasn’t one to begin with. The monster was Stone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Child abuse