A review by james1star
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

dark reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is a very strange novella and whilst I didn’t wholly enjoy it, it was an experience to say the lease. We’re following a mute mermaid and a (possibly) non-binary plague doctor in the aftermath of the her daughters having eaten everyone in the kingdom. Together they travel thought the forest, coming into contact with a group of boys who they go back with and the situation is basically a cult where these ‘saints’ are practicing some sadist games. 

The characters were fine and I did enjoy spending time with them and how things developed, the love story sideplot was, for me, better then the actual plot. The discussion around women’s place and what they have to do to submit to men and society at times is portrayed well enough too. I also like the incision of an androgynous character and Khaw doesn’t really focus on this aspect, we’re just getting to know them and their past. The writing is also very beautiful, it flows well and keeps you engaged. But also it’s very gruesome and disgusting at times too, which somehow read pleasantly - it’s super strange. That being said, it did feel a bit pretentious at times and like Khaw was showing off which make some parts of the plot a little confusing. 

I think I will keep this for a future reread to see if I could get more out of it. 
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