A review by sophia_mt
Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk

dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

“Every horror has a moment when it glistens; after that, it's just sad.”
Thirst is structured in two parts, the first a chaptered account of a girl turned vampire against her will, her persecution starting in Europe, and her flight to Buenos Aires. These chapters are compelling, gory, and full of lust, as she tries to balance her overwhelming desire with survival.
The second part of the story is formatted as diary entries from a woman, Alma, in the process of accepting her mother’s illness and explaining it to her young son. Surprisingly, I felt more drawn into this part of the book. Yuszczuk’s descriptions of grief were poignant and heartbreaking. I felt so connected to this heroine and her struggles with loneliness and fear.
The two women’s paths converge in present-day Buenos Aires, seemingly very late in the book, and they find themselves drawn to one another. This is where I feel I disconnected with the story. The tone felt more melancholy than tense or thrilling, and rather than getting a ‘Killing Eve’ vibe between these women, I felt more mournful for Alma’s story.
All said, this book is beautifully written and has interesting reflections on mortality, motherhood, and desire. If the premise interests you, I recommend checking it out.
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