_dosia_ 's review for:

Everything Under by Daisy Johnson
4.0
challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was really beautifully and lyrically written and I enjoyed the form, with Gretel narrating via a monologue addressed to her absent mother. The imagery of life on the canal was striking and beautiful, and the addition of magical realism, mythological elements and a monster in the canal created an eerie, ancient atmosphere. 

I initially rated this book quite highly in my personal ratings, but it ended up quite forgettable for me personally - still, it was a compelling and creative re-telling of the Oedipus myth written by a third, forgotten sibling, with a complex exploration of the relationship between mother and child. 

It was unsettling, heart-breaking, creepy and quite gross at times, especially once you put all the pieces together. I might give this another read in the future with a fresh eye and see if it stands out to me more.