tashreads2manybooks's Reviews (1.06k)

As much as I love Emma Donoghue, I can't say I enjoyed this one at all. It read like a how-to manual on survival (or slow death) on a rocky, bird-infested, shit hole of an island with an obtuse, over zealous, infuriating monk. I really struggled with all the nature writing (it's not really my bag) and while I actually really liked the other main characters - it wasn't enough to keep me invested. Very disappointed - but I'm sure this book will find its audience with the more literary set. I just wasn't in the mood unfortunately.

Very unusual and not at all what I was expecting. This is a dark fantasy or I'd even say a social horror about the dominance of one culture over the other, and the repercussions of past generations mistakes - told in a mind boggling way. The writing is excellent too.

I've been sitting on this review for a little while and mulling over it. The first half of this book was a solid 4 (even 4.5) star. It was dark, disturbing, made me feel uncomfortable (like a good horror is supposed to do). But THAT ENDING! WTF?!? I still feel a little sore about it.

Vera comes back to the house her father built to take care of her dying mother. The house holds complicated feelings for her as it was a place of great joy, but also great, disturbing pain. But something in the house will not leave Vera undisturbed - could it be the slightly creepy lodger living in the shed? A dark, unnatural evil under her bed? Or all the bodies buried in the basement?

Love the cover! Love the premise! Love the writing! Not happy with the end reveal. Would love to know your thoughts on it.

After reading some very meh reviews, I went into this one with low expectations. But Grady Hendrix has yet to disappoint me. His books are always fun and manage to (sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly) turn the genre on its head. I like a book (and author) that doesn't take itself too seriously. Looking forward to 'How to Sell a Haunted House' in 2023 - gimme!!!