A review by juniperbranches
The Binding by Bridget Collins

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I came *this* close to giving up on this one around page 70. I am so incredibly glad I pulled through.

In Emmet Farmer’s world, life on the family farm, life is filled with hard work and small joys. One day he falls sick and can no longer do farm work, and is claimed by the local Book Binder as her apprentice. 

When a desperate young woman comes to them and begs to be rid of the memories of her fathers abuse, Emmet soon learns that books are used to bind and seal terrible memories away. A book binder takes away the painful memory, allowing the person to continue their lives unscathed. Unfortunately, the peace that the book binding process is supposed to bring is a process that is abused by powerful people to continue to perpetuate harm against their unknowing victims again and again. 

This book spins a beautiful and touching queer romance while weaving in a storyline that reads like a Gothic conversion camp narrative. I also think this is the hands down best romance I’ve ever read in a novel. Emmet and Lucian are going to be with me for a long  time
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