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verosnotebook 's review for:
Before Mars
by Emma Newman
Emma Newman is fast becoming one of my ‘go to’ authors! Her previous two books in this Planetfall universe have been favourites of mine too, each combining popular genres, such as scifi and crime thriller, with deeply psychological subjects.
In this instance, she crafts a mystery that might be paranoia while shining a light on something that society still has problems with - depression (postpartum) and the deeply ingrained belief that parental/filial love comes by effortlessly. Anna’s narration is not going to be to everyone’s taste, the author exposing the character’s inner voice without any censorship, and it is very raw.
Although the thriller aspect was very well orchestrated and compelling, it is Newman’s portrayal of Anna’s inner turmoil that really gripped me. She has the knack of being able to present difficult topics in such an honest way, challenging society’s non-acceptance of people who don’t fit its narrow mold. There is much more I could say but instead I’ll end this review with one of Emily Dickinson’s beautifully evocative poems:
Much Madness is divinest Sense -
To a discerning Eye -
Much Sense - the starkest Madness -
’Tis the Majority
In this, as all, prevail -
Assent - and you are sane -
Demur - you’re straightway dangerous -
And handled with a Chain
In this instance, she crafts a mystery that might be paranoia while shining a light on something that society still has problems with - depression (postpartum) and the deeply ingrained belief that parental/filial love comes by effortlessly. Anna’s narration is not going to be to everyone’s taste, the author exposing the character’s inner voice without any censorship, and it is very raw.
Although the thriller aspect was very well orchestrated and compelling, it is Newman’s portrayal of Anna’s inner turmoil that really gripped me. She has the knack of being able to present difficult topics in such an honest way, challenging society’s non-acceptance of people who don’t fit its narrow mold. There is much more I could say but instead I’ll end this review with one of Emily Dickinson’s beautifully evocative poems:
Much Madness is divinest Sense -
To a discerning Eye -
Much Sense - the starkest Madness -
’Tis the Majority
In this, as all, prevail -
Assent - and you are sane -
Demur - you’re straightway dangerous -
And handled with a Chain