A review by grimmlin666
Blackwater: The Complete Caskey Family Saga by Michael McDowell
5.0
In college I did an independent study on American Gothic, and I think if I could do it all over again I would do an independent study just on this book. There’s so much to chew on here. Between the generational trauma and usage of classic southern American landscapes, I could have written an entire thesis. Michael McDowell you have a new life long fan. (He also wrote Beetlejuice so I shoulda know this would be a match made in heaven)
And while this book is incredible and goes on my favorites list, the audiobook is by far the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. Matt Godfrey—a native of Alabama, just like the family in the book—not only juggles 15+ characters, he also ages their voices throughout the narration. Just by one sentence you know who’s speaking and how old they are which takes an incredible amount of skill! He compliments McDowell’s writing so beautifully and together they build this insanely immersive world. I recommend this 30+ hour experience to anyone thinking of checking out this series.
And while this book is incredible and goes on my favorites list, the audiobook is by far the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. Matt Godfrey—a native of Alabama, just like the family in the book—not only juggles 15+ characters, he also ages their voices throughout the narration. Just by one sentence you know who’s speaking and how old they are which takes an incredible amount of skill! He compliments McDowell’s writing so beautifully and together they build this insanely immersive world. I recommend this 30+ hour experience to anyone thinking of checking out this series.