A review by naniwantstobeacat
The Sins on Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book spoke to me. It was lush and dark and uncertain, with the characters speaking honestly about the experience of trauma and grief and living anyway. I’ve seen others say that it seems that the book is the first in a series rather than a standalone, but I’ve seen no indication of that from the author— the main hint seems to be the ending, with its bit of uncertain conflict and the “happy for now” rather than “happily ever after.” To me, though, this reads as a characteristically Jewish take on life and storytelling, about the importance of living in the current moment while also understanding that the future will likely not always be as kind.