mike_68 's review for:

Black Mouth by Ronald Malfi

5.0

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

---

 Black Mouth is a haunting narrative that intertwines themes of magic, monsters, childhood trauma, and the confrontation of past evils. When I first began reading this book I experienced strong It by Stephen King vibes, with light touches of Something Wicked This Way Comes yet it isn’t long until Malfi turns the story into something quite different.

Plot

"Do you want to see a magic trick?"

Jamie Warren receives devastating news from the police: his mother has taken her own life. Along with this tragic loss, he discovers that his disabled brother, Dennis, is now in their care. Recently out of a ninety-day rehab for alcohol addiction, Jamie feels fragile and overwhelmed at the thought of returning to the place where his trauma began. However, the guilt of having left Dennis behind years ago pushes him to return to his childhood home in Sutton's Quay, West Virginia. Nearby lies Black Mouth, a town filled with dark memories that have haunted Jamie for years.

Mia Tomasina, now a filmmaker, has also faced her own struggles after being orphaned and raised by her uncle. While she has begun to heal and move forward, a trip to a carnival unexpectedly brings back a nightmare from her past. She encounters a frightening figure from her childhood in Black Mouth. When she sends pictures of this figure to Clay Willis, he realizes that their shared history is resurfacing, prompting him to confront their collective trauma.

Jamie, Mia, and Clay, once childhood friends who found comfort and acceptance in the teachings of the Magician, who showed them the beauty of real magic.


However, Dennis's presence complicated their situation, challenging their understanding of acceptance, ultimately leading to a horrific episode that changed their lives. Reunited as adults, they face the monsters from their pasts and seek to uncover the true meaning behind their shared experiences.

The bulk of the story is narrated from Jamie’s first-person perspective as he reflects on the significant events that have shaped not only his own life but also those of his brother and friends.

Writing

"Black Mouth" nearly achieves the status of my ideal horror novel. It boasts well-crafted characters, nail-biting suspense, an enthralling conclusion, and a profoundly touching epilogue. Although the concept of a carnival magician lurking in the woods might seem a bit exaggerated, the narrative deeply explores the psychological horrors of daily life. The book consistently examines the manipulation of vulnerable young minds, tackling themes of abuse, violence, and the behaviors passed down through generations.

The depiction of Denny, a disabled character and the protagonist’s brother, is handled with great respect and dignity. However, the "brotherly bond" between Denny and Jamie may stir some debate. Ronald Malfi presents Jamie as an unlikable figure in the current timeline. Despite having "valid reasons" for his actions, stemming from a troubled childhood, he appears selfish and wallows in self-pity, garnering little sympathy from readers. His emotional detachment and lack of compassion for Denny, who navigates his own challenges with a learning disability, highlight a harsh truth: while Jamie is not cruel to Denny, his impatience and self-absorption are evident. This intricate relationship serves as a reflection of Malfi’s authentic portrayal of alcoholism, as he captures the psychological turmoil and traits linked to addiction.


Mia and Clay's early years in Black Mouth were marked by significant challenges. Mia faced the heartbreaking loss of both her parents in a tragic car accident, forcing her to navigate life on her own. On the other hand, Clay endured constant bullying, targeted not only for his ethnicity but also for his vitiligo, a skin condition that made him stand out. Despite these hardships, both characters grow into resilient adults who refuse to be defined by their past traumas. Mia's natural compassion is evident in her relationship with Denny; her resolve to confront the demons of their shared past and her protective instincts make her a truly admirable figure. Similarly, after leaving Sutton’s Quay, Clay discovers his calling as a social worker, dedicating himself to supporting underprivileged children. His genuine ability to connect with them and gain their trust is touching.

The bond among Mia, Clay, Denny, and Jamie brings a sense of warmth and tenderness to an otherwise somber story. Malfi delves deeply into themes of trauma, substance abuse, exploitation, and vulnerability throughout the novel.