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A review by lydiaj1020
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
I have complicated feelings about this book. After digesting this book, I’d say the author is a very skilled writer but a questionable content decision-maker. This book contains all the TW: CSA, SA/R, etc.
I read this book because it was nominated in my book club. It was marketed as a dark comedy, but I was surprised that after the first chapter it was just dark. The suspense was well done, and it had me whip through the book in just a few days (unusual for me).
Some of the plot points are truly horrific, but the author does not present them with gravity, even for events that lead to death. The descriptions of certain traumatic scenes were *choices.* Especially regarding children.
I found the ending all around underwhelming. After the battles Patty leads, this plan felt demeaning in so many ways. I fear the author meant it to be an empowering moment for women. I imagine most people don’t pick up this book for the social commentary, but the characters and character dynamics left me disappointed. (Why is this book club friends? Why would Mrs. Greene plead with these white women? Etc.)
This book does suspense really well though. There were scenes that horrified me in a good way where I couldn’t put the book down. I’d recommend this book for a popcorn read— filling but not nutritious.
I read this book because it was nominated in my book club. It was marketed as a dark comedy, but I was surprised that after the first chapter it was just dark. The suspense was well done, and it had me whip through the book in just a few days (unusual for me).
Some of the plot points are truly horrific, but the author does not present them with gravity, even for events that lead to death. The descriptions of certain traumatic scenes were *choices.* Especially regarding children.
I found the ending all around underwhelming. After the battles Patty leads, this plan felt demeaning in so many ways. I fear the author meant it to be an empowering moment for women. I imagine most people don’t pick up this book for the social commentary, but the characters and character dynamics left me disappointed. (Why is this book club friends? Why would Mrs. Greene plead with these white women? Etc.)
This book does suspense really well though. There were scenes that horrified me in a good way where I couldn’t put the book down. I’d recommend this book for a popcorn read— filling but not nutritious.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Murder