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A review by gmrickel
Something Kindred by Ciera Burch
3.0
Review notes from PerpetualPages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpPNePiy06k
- "Queer, paranormal, coming-of-age story described as magical realism meets Southern Gothic."
- "CW for explorations of child abandonment; explorations of death and grief, especially in relation to cancer; allusions to past child abuse and an alcoholic parent; some experiences of bullying and homophobia; some underage drinking; instances of infidelity; and some panic attacks."
- "I appreciate how the story pairs paranormal elements and eeriness with complex family drama. The same way Jericka fears the spirits haunting the town because she doesn't understand them, she also fears the truths her family has yet to face because those also can't be seen unless hit by a certain slant of light."
- "Through both the paranormal and familial elements, the story really explores the difference between merely recognizing that trauma has occurred versus actively contenting with that trauma and struggling to try and heal those wounds."
- Healing is active. Paranormal side of the story gets at the healing.
- Family dynamics are more prominent than paranormal elements.
Comps: We Deserve Monuments (for the premise, themes)
I was really excited to read a book comp'd to <i>We Deserve Monuments</i>. I didn't love this one nearly as much as I did that one, but I was still moved by several passages. I liked how the interactions with ghosts were used to bring trauma and emotions to light so that people could face their feelings (and either choose to address them or not). I shared a deep understanding with the protagonist in her desire for stability of place when it comes to home. More to come!
- "Queer, paranormal, coming-of-age story described as magical realism meets Southern Gothic."
- "CW for explorations of child abandonment; explorations of death and grief, especially in relation to cancer; allusions to past child abuse and an alcoholic parent; some experiences of bullying and homophobia; some underage drinking; instances of infidelity; and some panic attacks."
- "I appreciate how the story pairs paranormal elements and eeriness with complex family drama. The same way Jericka fears the spirits haunting the town because she doesn't understand them, she also fears the truths her family has yet to face because those also can't be seen unless hit by a certain slant of light."
- "Through both the paranormal and familial elements, the story really explores the difference between merely recognizing that trauma has occurred versus actively contenting with that trauma and struggling to try and heal those wounds."
- Healing is active. Paranormal side of the story gets at the healing.
- Family dynamics are more prominent than paranormal elements.
Comps: We Deserve Monuments (for the premise, themes)
I was really excited to read a book comp'd to <i>We Deserve Monuments</i>. I didn't love this one nearly as much as I did that one, but I was still moved by several passages. I liked how the interactions with ghosts were used to bring trauma and emotions to light so that people could face their feelings (and either choose to address them or not). I shared a deep understanding with the protagonist in her desire for stability of place when it comes to home. More to come!