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

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

 I struggle with reviewing non-fiction books because I can never find the right words, words that I would be satisfied with.

This memoir takes us through an abusive relationship of the author and her former girlfriend. The story itself was incredibly painful and difficult to read. It was heartbreaking to see and witness the horrors Machado had to go through. It was also incredibly brave of her to share this difficult time of her life in the open, with all of us readers.

In The Dreamhouse was written so beautifully, and it felt so genuine and intimate. I could not stop crying at times, and I had to take frequent breaks and sit with my thoughts.

I loved the format—shorter chapters mixed with longer ones. I have also really enjoyed the second-person narrative—it somehow felt more intimate, and at times I felt like the author was speaking directly to me. I feel that that made my experience with this memoir even more emotional.

While this book is almost entirely about queer domestic violence, I think everyone would benefit from reading it, whether they are queer or not. I am positive everyone will find or learn something new in this memoir.