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theperksofthewild 's review for:

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
5.0
challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

As soul-crushing, as devastatingly harrowing, as boundlessly horrible this account is - as exuberant the reading experience and as immersive and endearing it catches you.

Shifting the lens from chapter to chapter, switching from abstract concepts to clear-cut words, to historical and cultural references - I am blown away.

Queer villains, queer abuse (a topic profusely neglected) is explored in many different ways, and opens (well, rather rips open) a view into the depths of our community.

The uncomfortableness to call out protects abusers. It is incredibly important to shine light onto the many ways we need to reflect, to discuss, to honestly and sharply look at ourselves.

Besides that context, Carmen lent her voice and story to give a platform for survivors.

As a victim of abuse myself, I found her giving words to feelings, naming situations I have not yet processed, and clearing the ground for new viewpoints and opening rooms for healing.

I wish her nothing but the best, and I am so utterly blown away by her talent, her insights, her brilliant writing. Simply her artistic ability to turn the indigestible into a book I couldn't take my eyes off.