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A review by riley_rogers
Dominion: A Novel by Addie E. Citchens
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
[TW: Animal death, Rape, Sexual Assault, Violence, Death, Drug Abuse]
Dominion is a stunning debut novel that weaves together drama, brutality, humor, and a profound exploration of the human condition, all while detailing the fall from grace of the Winfrey family. Dominion is told through three distinct perspectives – through Priscilla, “Wonderboy’s” mother, through Diamond – Wonderboy’s lover, and an intentionally ambiguous viewpoint.
At the heart of the narrative is Wonderboy, the perfect picture of a pastors son – handsome, intelligent, sporty, friendly, and always respectful of the women around him. His family, his friends, and both Priscilla and Diamond believe he is the definition of perfect. The majority of the school would willingly throw themselves at Wonderboy, Diamond included. However, as revealed early in the prologue, they both like each other, sneaking wistful glances at each other during the Sunday sermon.
“I had heard so many things about what that child did with them lips. Merciful father, say it aint that one. Manny was special, my baby –I couldn’t bear to have him turned out by some wordly hussy.”
Of course, Priscilla wasn’t fond of Diamond, both due to her “stripper” name and her poor upbringing. Diamond didn’t grow up with the comfort of a stable home, had to scrounge for food, and faced childhood abandonment by both parents, a sharp contrast to the affluent Winfrey family. Naturally, Diamond is drawn to him regardless.
What then is detailed is the heart wrenching drama of a woman who loses herself, her sense of identity, and her passions all to a man who may not be as flawless as he seems.
“They weren’t much younger than me, but I felt ages older, maybe light-years. Old enough that a future I wasn’t ready for was staring me in the face.”
Priscilla’s inner turmoil runs parallel to Diamond, her struggles within marriage and the actions of her husband. Watching the slow reveal and descent into both knowledge and acceptance only made the conversations she had all the more raw, touching, and uncomfortable.
“On the evening of February 14, 1976, my husband explained to me that because Eve ate the apple, I would have to eat the snake. I knew in the scheme of things, this probably wasn’t so bad a thing to do, especially since this was my husband, but try as I could, I could not get comfortable with it.”
Each women directly faced different challenges from their families and their lovers. They also watched the patriarchy play – with haunting quotes such as these, marking how subservience has dominated not only society, but religion as well.
“To woman he gave a womb, and to man he gave dominion-that’s what I teach my boys because that’s what the living Word say.”
Dominion is an unforgettable read, although something I wouldn’t typically pick up off a shelf. Citchens has a stunning debut novel that masters southern diction, where dialogue flows effortlessly. Not only is it an enjoyable read, it does excellent work analyzing the human condition and the consequences of the patriarchy.
Dominion is a stunning debut novel that weaves together drama, brutality, humor, and a profound exploration of the human condition, all while detailing the fall from grace of the Winfrey family. Dominion is told through three distinct perspectives – through Priscilla, “Wonderboy’s” mother, through Diamond – Wonderboy’s lover, and an intentionally ambiguous viewpoint.
At the heart of the narrative is Wonderboy, the perfect picture of a pastors son – handsome, intelligent, sporty, friendly, and always respectful of the women around him. His family, his friends, and both Priscilla and Diamond believe he is the definition of perfect. The majority of the school would willingly throw themselves at Wonderboy, Diamond included. However, as revealed early in the prologue, they both like each other, sneaking wistful glances at each other during the Sunday sermon.
“I had heard so many things about what that child did with them lips. Merciful father, say it aint that one. Manny was special, my baby –I couldn’t bear to have him turned out by some wordly hussy.”
Of course, Priscilla wasn’t fond of Diamond, both due to her “stripper” name and her poor upbringing. Diamond didn’t grow up with the comfort of a stable home, had to scrounge for food, and faced childhood abandonment by both parents, a sharp contrast to the affluent Winfrey family. Naturally, Diamond is drawn to him regardless.
What then is detailed is the heart wrenching drama of a woman who loses herself, her sense of identity, and her passions all to a man who may not be as flawless as he seems.
“They weren’t much younger than me, but I felt ages older, maybe light-years. Old enough that a future I wasn’t ready for was staring me in the face.”
Priscilla’s inner turmoil runs parallel to Diamond, her struggles within marriage and the actions of her husband. Watching the slow reveal and descent into both knowledge and acceptance only made the conversations she had all the more raw, touching, and uncomfortable.
“On the evening of February 14, 1976, my husband explained to me that because Eve ate the apple, I would have to eat the snake. I knew in the scheme of things, this probably wasn’t so bad a thing to do, especially since this was my husband, but try as I could, I could not get comfortable with it.”
Each women directly faced different challenges from their families and their lovers. They also watched the patriarchy play – with haunting quotes such as these, marking how subservience has dominated not only society, but religion as well.
“To woman he gave a womb, and to man he gave dominion-that’s what I teach my boys because that’s what the living Word say.”
Dominion is an unforgettable read, although something I wouldn’t typically pick up off a shelf. Citchens has a stunning debut novel that masters southern diction, where dialogue flows effortlessly. Not only is it an enjoyable read, it does excellent work analyzing the human condition and the consequences of the patriarchy.