A review by minimicropup
The Pram by Joe Hill

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Honest, despondent, compassionate 
 
Our MC has moved with their spouse to a rural community for a fresh start after they lost their unborn baby. Together they are grieving in their own ways and planning for the future. 
🇺🇸 Set in a farmhouse and a rural community in Maine, USA 
 
🐺🐕 Growls, Howls, and Tail Wags: 
👍 I was immediately taken in by the writing style and plot. Despite being a short story it seems to unravel at a slower pace so the mysteries and creepiness can gradually build. 
 
😦 There are heavy topics and they are descriptive, particularly around the desire to be a parent and the devastation from miscarriage. Definitely check the content warnings. It seemed like it was dealt with in a realistic (no sugar-coating), but also respectful way and may even be a cathartic read for some. 
 
🥺 The suspense (and horror) is driven by the POV of Willy and his experience with his wife and the excitement of building their family together. I think it’s important that masculine perspectives in stories don’t get overshadowed every time by the toxic ones and this story doesn't veer into toxic masculinity. We get Willy’s perspective of the loss of their child, how he deals with the toll of miscarriage on his wife and the support he provides, while symbolically and realistically showing how he is grieving and feeling helpless. 
 
Mood Reading Match Up: 
  • Symbolic, supernatural horror and magical realism 
  • Commentary on fatherhood, being childfree-by-circumstance, masculinity (the non-toxic kind), and processing grief and resentment 
  • Creepy rural community vibes 
  • Mysterious, enchanted objects 
 
Content Heads-Up: Miscarriage, pregnancy (descriptive, on page). Grief. Depression. COVID-19 (mention). Alcohol (self-medicating). 
 
Format: Kindle Unlimited
Expand filter menu Content Warnings