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A review by queerandtalkative
What Stalks Among Us by Sarah Hollowell
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
I liked the conversations around toxic friendships and relationships. Felt very grounded in reality. The imagery in the book was very vivid. The body horror with the corn was great. I could imagine the maze and the scenes playing out in this seemingly never-ending maze. I enjoy the idea of the maze being a metaphor for being stuck in a toxic cycle of a relationship(s).
My criticisms come toward the end, I didn't quite like that it was spelled out for the audience that Anthony was a abuser. It felt very much "villain story arc" verses "the hero" (Helena). I usually prefer when things are more metaphorical, and they allow the audience to think what it could mean.
Although, I can see the benefit of the writing being explicit for a younger audience who might not detect abuse as easily. Or for those that might benefit from it being explicitly said. I think for me, if the story really leaned fully into the metaphor of the maze representing an abuse cycle and didn't really outwardly explain it, it would have worked better. Also, writing wise, I love when things are explored rather than outwardly said. The author did both, explore the subject and state what's happening which I don't love. Overall, great read!
My criticisms come toward the end, I didn't quite like that it was spelled out for the audience that Anthony was a abuser. It felt very much "villain story arc" verses "the hero" (Helena). I usually prefer when things are more metaphorical, and they allow the audience to think what it could mean.
Although, I can see the benefit of the writing being explicit for a younger audience who might not detect abuse as easily. Or for those that might benefit from it being explicitly said. I think for me, if the story really leaned fully into the metaphor of the maze representing an abuse cycle and didn't really outwardly explain it, it would have worked better. Also, writing wise, I love when things are explored rather than outwardly said. The author did both, explore the subject and state what's happening which I don't love. Overall, great read!