You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by arykalden
Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll admit this book wasn’t what I expected, but it does well for what it is. We follow soon to be sixteen year old Carmela who longs to work and learn in her mother’s apothecary. The story centers on the struggles of women in this period of history.
We learn more about Carmela and her family and the dangers they face. (Largely at the hands of their husbands, fathers, and those who call them witches for their skill with herb craft.)
In between chapters are poems that further shed light on the situations going on in Carmela’s life.
The book is literary, feminist, and I felt ended rather abruptly. Perhaps it told all the story it needed to.
I’ll admit this book wasn’t what I expected, but it does well for what it is. We follow soon to be sixteen year old Carmela who longs to work and learn in her mother’s apothecary. The story centers on the struggles of women in this period of history.
We learn more about Carmela and her family and the dangers they face. (Largely at the hands of their husbands, fathers, and those who call them witches for their skill with herb craft.)
In between chapters are poems that further shed light on the situations going on in Carmela’s life.
The book is literary, feminist, and I felt ended rather abruptly. Perhaps it told all the story it needed to.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Abortion
Minor: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Gaslighting