Reviews

Ah women, stop apologizing.

This was unexpected - and I hate writing that because it comes across a little mean spirited - but I simply mean, whatever you think this story will be based on reading the synopsis, I can guarantee this book will not be entirely what you presumed.

I freaking loved this story and was exactly the right horror read for me - powers that be help the poor reader during “spooky season” who doesn’t want to read bone shilling, disturbing horror but (gasp!) wants an itty bitty scary read to pair with the season. Cackle delivers for you my fellow scaredy-cats.

Cackle is charming and cozy, it’s spooky but not disturbing, it’s funny and feminist. It is this feminist conversation - why women make themselves small, why they apologize for being who they are, liking what they like, looking how they look. They bend, they contort, and why? How freeing it is when you can face life as you are, right in this moment. It’s a powerful goal that I know many of us struggle to attain and I appreciated Rachel Harrison’s message to us all. “He fears me because he is small. I will not shrink myself down to his size, or anyone else’s, for their comfort. For their appeasement.

If you’re looking for a quickly paced witchy story that is going to deliver small town charm, steaming cups of coffee, delicious descriptions of food, and a good dash of spook without the blood - grab ahold of Cackle and enjoy! That was perfectly delightful.

heathlbag's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kdermody's review against another edition

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dark funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I have complicated feelings about this book. On one hand, the setting of this story was delightful, and the

teensy spider familiars

were so adorable. However, I ended up feeling a little lackluster about our MC and the ending of the novel.

I think I would’ve liked a dual perspective. Perhaps with Sophie

100+

years ago when she moved to the town. Or a perspective from Oskar, or another one of the town residents. We don’t end up hearing much about the town citizens unless it’s from Sophie. I was missing some sort of resolution for the town itself, and didn’t end up satisfied.