A review by kierscrivener
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

challenging dark informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

This is a powerfully written, researched and told story about Machado's experience and applied to the neglected discussion around domestic abuse in lesbian relationships. Throughout she writes in first and second person in lyrical and introspective ways that draw on cultural references from Star Trek to pop songs, but more commonly draws on allusions to the gothic horror books of the 19th and 20th century. The idea that a seemingly picturesque house is hiding something sinister inside is evocative and something I never saw used as a metaphor for abuse. But it is powerful. She also references academic rsearch and statistics and laws and cases and the perception of f/f relationships and women always being the victim.

This is not only a well written, beautifully done book but it is elevated by emotion and the importance of the discussion.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Biphobia, Body shaming, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence