river_dithers 's review for:

Everything Under by Daisy Johnson

3.75

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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This book was definitely an odd read. I had read Fen by Johnson and was excited to see the emerging fantastical elements, but this book felt darker and less empowering. The descriptions were beautiful and Gretel was a loveable character, but I found it difficult to overcome her mother and the story of Margot. I wanted to see Margot live. Sometimes the plot felt murky, as it became difficult to distinguish between the separate narratives, but I really enjoyed how the ending rounded out, and how Gretel's career ebbed into the early memories.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Suicide