A review by junotranscends
Lakewood by Megan Giddings
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The writing is beautiful and visually striking. Megan has a way with painting unsettling imagery in your mind yet without pages of boring purple prose.
The plot is suitably creepy and unsettling and VERY reminiscent of Jordan Peele’s horror movies. I could envision this in my head as a film so clearly. I loved Lena as a main character and narrator—her strength, her unwavering love for her family, the relationship between herself, her grandmother and mother, it was so flawlessly woven into the story. The relationship between her and her best friend, Tanya, too.
My only complaint was Part 2. I did love the shift in writing format from 3rd person POV to letter writing only, but it did feel like everything moved and wrapped up so quickly compared to the rest of the book. It didn’t ruin the story, but that would be a critique if I had to pick one.
Overall, a fantastic read. Definitely want to check out more of Megan’s work!
The plot is suitably creepy and unsettling and VERY reminiscent of Jordan Peele’s horror movies. I could envision this in my head as a film so clearly. I loved Lena as a main character and narrator—her strength, her unwavering love for her family, the relationship between herself, her grandmother and mother, it was so flawlessly woven into the story. The relationship between her and her best friend, Tanya, too.
My only complaint was Part 2. I did love the shift in writing format from 3rd person POV to letter writing only, but it did feel like everything moved and wrapped up so quickly compared to the rest of the book. It didn’t ruin the story, but that would be a critique if I had to pick one.
Overall, a fantastic read. Definitely want to check out more of Megan’s work!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Cancer, Drug use, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Gun violence, Murder, Racism, and Gaslighting