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A review by hagwife
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
An extremely solid and creepy read!
The atmosphere for this book is incredible, from the witch-hares to the tarn to the inhabitants of the house. Kingfisher's voice rings through nicely, even with a different authorial style that Nettle & Bone – the exactness of the descriptions, the wit of the characters, the design of the cast, etc.
Easton is incredible and I think this is one of the few novels I've read with a non-binary protagonist. It is very clear that Easton's gender identity is an integral part of their character and not just decoration. Hob steals the show at every chance and both Angus and Miss Potter are delightful. I also adore that the romance subplot does not center on Easton but instead on Angus and Eugenia because romance happens no matter one's age.
I think the one thing that holds this book back for me is its ties to The Fall of the House of Usher. I really enjoyed reading Kingfisher's artist's note about the questions she posed to herself and how this version of Poe's story came to be. However, I think that the tarn and the witch-hares (which actually feel a little more eldritch than Poe) are actually tied down by the original narrative. I would have loved to see the same elements and setting without tying it back to the Usher's and their house; what Kingfisher came up with is such fun that I would rather see it on its own!
The atmosphere for this book is incredible, from the witch-hares to the tarn to the inhabitants of the house. Kingfisher's voice rings through nicely, even with a different authorial style that Nettle & Bone – the exactness of the descriptions, the wit of the characters, the design of the cast, etc.
Easton is incredible and I think this is one of the few novels I've read with a non-binary protagonist. It is very clear that Easton's gender identity is an integral part of their character and not just decoration. Hob steals the show at every chance and both Angus and Miss Potter are delightful.
I think the one thing that holds this book back for me is its ties to The Fall of the House of Usher. I really enjoyed reading Kingfisher's artist's note about the questions she posed to herself and how this version of Poe's story came to be. However, I think that the tarn and the witch-hares (which actually feel a little more eldritch than Poe) are actually tied down by the original narrative. I would have loved to see the same elements and setting without tying it back to the Usher's and their house; what Kingfisher came up with is such fun that I would rather see it on its own!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Terminal illness
Moderate: Dementia