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A review by thedustbunnyslibrary
The Vile Thing We Created by Robert P. Ottone
4.0
Lola and Ian Sumner are a young couple living in a small town called Resting Hollow. Ian works as an English/LA teacher while Lola professionally bakes from home.
When Lola and Ian deliver an order of cupcakes to a friend’s house for a birthday party, they quickly note that all their former friends are there with their kids. Feeling painfully excluded, Lola and Ian decide maybe it’s time to start trying for a baby.
I loved this spooky slow burn so much! Ian and Lola are such an adorable and admirable couple. They spend their free time watching horror movies, Lola dances to her records while she bakes, they have cute nicknames for each other, and they support each other through everything. I loved spending time with them and was so sad for the book to end.
But they’re not the best decision makers. Early on, we learn that Ian’s not confident in becoming a dad and Lola is scared to get pregnant again. During her first pregnancy, she had an abortion as she and Ian weren’t ready for a baby so early into their relationship. Now, Lola’s afraid the abortion may have lasting negative effects. But they’re determined to have a child.. just so they can be invited to parties again. What could possibly go wrong, right?
As you can imagine, the story deals heavily with the struggles of motherhood. Postpartum depression, trauma, grief, physical health, mental health, and even racism. The author did an amazing job capturing the details of what a new mom can go through. From intense and debilitating complications, to slipping a mirror between your legs on the toilet to check your episiotomy scar.
So where does the horror come in? During her traumatic pregnancy, Lola has visions of an eerie, dark figure with glowing purple eyes outside of the house at night. I don’t want to tell you what this leads to. Going into this book blind made it so much more captivating to watch it gradually unfold.
Sadly, I was underwhelmed by the explanations in the end. But overall I absolutely loved this book with its lovable characters, disturbing imagery, and touching story. It’s going on my Favorites list!
When Lola and Ian deliver an order of cupcakes to a friend’s house for a birthday party, they quickly note that all their former friends are there with their kids. Feeling painfully excluded, Lola and Ian decide maybe it’s time to start trying for a baby.
I loved this spooky slow burn so much! Ian and Lola are such an adorable and admirable couple. They spend their free time watching horror movies, Lola dances to her records while she bakes, they have cute nicknames for each other, and they support each other through everything. I loved spending time with them and was so sad for the book to end.
But they’re not the best decision makers. Early on, we learn that Ian’s not confident in becoming a dad and Lola is scared to get pregnant again. During her first pregnancy, she had an abortion as she and Ian weren’t ready for a baby so early into their relationship. Now, Lola’s afraid the abortion may have lasting negative effects. But they’re determined to have a child.. just so they can be invited to parties again. What could possibly go wrong, right?
As you can imagine, the story deals heavily with the struggles of motherhood. Postpartum depression, trauma, grief, physical health, mental health, and even racism. The author did an amazing job capturing the details of what a new mom can go through. From intense and debilitating complications, to slipping a mirror between your legs on the toilet to check your episiotomy scar.
So where does the horror come in? During her traumatic pregnancy, Lola has visions of an eerie, dark figure with glowing purple eyes outside of the house at night. I don’t want to tell you what this leads to. Going into this book blind made it so much more captivating to watch it gradually unfold.
Sadly, I was underwhelmed by the explanations in the end. But overall I absolutely loved this book with its lovable characters, disturbing imagery, and touching story. It’s going on my Favorites list!