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A review by deckanddaughter
Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a startling take on the vampire tale. It’s interesting because the first third of the book is familiar- the story of a turned creature existing for centuries trying to reconcile their feral side with the human world. Then we change to Alma’s perspective. Our human narrator. And it shifts in a profound way.
This is still a study on death, grief, connection, and of course, thirst (for various things). But the way Yuszczuk comes at it is refreshingly modern and relatable in a way that more traditional vampire literature isn’t (at least for me).
My main critique (and why it’s a 3.5 for me) is the pacing of the middle third. I understand we have to establish a lot with Alma’s situation but it drags in a jarring way after the first third.
This is still a study on death, grief, connection, and of course, thirst (for various things). But the way Yuszczuk comes at it is refreshingly modern and relatable in a way that more traditional vampire literature isn’t (at least for me).
My main critique (and why it’s a 3.5 for me) is the pacing of the middle third. I understand we have to establish a lot with Alma’s situation but it drags in a jarring way after the first third.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Medical trauma
Minor: Abandonment
Explicit discussion and description of medically assisted suicide due to a terminal illness