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A review by ruthypoo2
Nana by Brandon Massey
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a wild book in that it's one of those where you can see the downward spiral happening for someone in the story, and so can another character in the book, but there's nothing can be done to get someone to open their eyes and quite literally, wake up! There's a constant tension throughout the book and it drives the story, making the reader anxious to know if there's any hope for a happy ending.
The book begins with a legitimately creepy opening titled, "Before..." Picture an elderly widow returning after dark to the large home she lives in alone, and hearing something upstairs she feels compelled to investigate. It's amazing how a good writer can take a setting that you normally feel so safe in, like your own home, and turn it into a sinister haunted house. All it takes is a little creak or open door here and there to get the goosebumps rising on this reader's arms!
The bulk of the story is told from the perspectives of Troy and his wife, Monica who live with their young daughter and son. Early in the story, Monica's estranged mother, Grace, enters the picture and ends up staying with her daughter's family so she and Monica can get reacquainted. Then odd and tragic things start affecting the family, but can these incidents be traced back to the arrival of Monica's mother?
I enjoyed the evolving cat and mouse game that was woven throughout the story between Troy and his mother-in-law, Grace. I think all the characters were well crafted and you either love, hate, or can get terribly frustrated with their action or inaction. The plot was interesting and though not entirely unique, it was presented in a modern and brutal way.
I listened to the audiobook edition and enjoyed the narration of Leon Nixon. Mr. Nixon did an excellent job voicing all characters and presenting their unique and disparate personalities. The narration contributed to the eeriness of the story and built momentum with good pacing.
The book begins with a legitimately creepy opening titled, "Before..." Picture an elderly widow returning after dark to the large home she lives in alone, and hearing something upstairs she feels compelled to investigate. It's amazing how a good writer can take a setting that you normally feel so safe in, like your own home, and turn it into a sinister haunted house. All it takes is a little creak or open door here and there to get the goosebumps rising on this reader's arms!
The bulk of the story is told from the perspectives of Troy and his wife, Monica who live with their young daughter and son. Early in the story, Monica's estranged mother, Grace, enters the picture and ends up staying with her daughter's family so she and Monica can get reacquainted. Then odd and tragic things start affecting the family, but can these incidents be traced back to the arrival of Monica's mother?
I enjoyed the evolving cat and mouse game that was woven throughout the story between Troy and his mother-in-law, Grace. I think all the characters were well crafted and you either love, hate, or can get terribly frustrated with their action or inaction. The plot was interesting and though not entirely unique, it was presented in a modern and brutal way.
I listened to the audiobook edition and enjoyed the narration of Leon Nixon. Mr. Nixon did an excellent job voicing all characters and presenting their unique and disparate personalities. The narration contributed to the eeriness of the story and built momentum with good pacing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Rape
Minor: Death and Animal death