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A review by savethegibbons
American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennett
adventurous
mysterious
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
This is a great book in a lot of aspects. I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the overall "small-town" theme. In ways other small town horror books have let me down, American Elsewhere continued to keep me engaged.
There are a couple flaws though. Namely, the author uses the word "queerly" way too much (they use it to refer to something as weird). It's extremely noticeable just how much this word comes up, and it can kind of take you out of the story with how jarring it is to keep seeing it. Secondly, there is an inappropriate relationship that I feel wasn't really criticized enough; while it's clear the main character is disgusted by it, I wish there was more said about it.
Overall, if you're a fan of cosmic and/or small town horror, it's definitely worth a read.
There are a couple flaws though. Namely, the author uses the word "queerly" way too much (they use it to refer to something as weird). It's extremely noticeable just how much this word comes up, and it can kind of take you out of the story with how jarring it is to keep seeing it. Secondly, there is an inappropriate relationship that I feel wasn't really criticized enough; while it's clear the main character is disgusted by it, I wish there was more said about it.
Overall, if you're a fan of cosmic and/or small town horror, it's definitely worth a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Child death, Gore, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship