A review by cassandrahpenny
The Discomfort of Evening by Lucas Rijneveld

dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I felt sick most of the time while reading this book, especially at the ending. I had a very different story in mind from the blurb - the writing style and imagery were exquisite, I would love to read more (and less traumatic) by Rijneveld. This book has taught me to research content warning beforehand, even if that gives away spoilers, which I usually try to avoid. This is a dark, gruesome, quietly destructive tale told through a traumatised childlike lens - it's left me thinking lots, but unsure whether I want to repeat the experience! Perhaps that is the point...?