A review by savvylit
Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

Sorrowland is a thrilling and captivating story right from the start. Solomon plunges readers directly into Vern's post-escape world in the woods. The details of Vern's former cult, The Blessed Acres of Cain, are then slowly revealed to the reader in increasingly disturbing flashbacks. Once Vern, Feral, and Howling leave the safety of the land, the story becomes even more riveting. Vern experiences a painful and mysterious physical change. Her evolving form is clearly connected to the cult she left behind - but she doesn't know how or why. Readers join Vern on her voyage of discovery and learn the truth of it all alongside her.

Beyond the engrossing and mysterious plot, Sorrowland is also chock-full of loveable characters. Vern is palpable, nuanced, and relatable. Feral and Howling are adorable and some of the most fully-formed child characters I've ever experienced in fiction. Bridget and Gogo are beautifully portrayed characters whose imperfections make them all the more loveable. Essentially, every single character in this book felt like a real person & now I miss them all.

Last - but not at all least - the thematic content in this book is a delight. Solomon gives us queer love, found family, government conspiracy, cult dynamics, backwoods survivalism, and magical realism. If any of these themes appeal to you, Sorrowland is not to be missed!

Content Warnings