A review by mstall_
Rainbow Black by Maggie Thrash

challenging emotional funny medium-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

5.0

Rainbow Black by Maggie Thrash is an atmospheric, haunting story that follows Lacey Bond and her family as they navigate claims that they are running a Satanic child daycare in 1980's New Hampshire. Lacey's parents, obviously not satanists and unfortunately just a bit hippie, are ripped from their daughters as the trial begins. Lacey, and her older sister Eclair, are set into an orbit that will eat them up and spit them out. 

Maggie Thrash does a phenomenal job exploring themes of moral panics, gender, sexuality, and justice. The events in the book are grueling and horrific, and yet Thrash is able to inject a dry sense of wit and humor that takes the edge off. Being accused of worshiping satan in your daycare is ultimately a profound absurdity and she writes that absurdity well. This book felt like a queer Strange Things -- coming of age, coming out, defeating the gorgon (aka the American justice system). I thought it was fantastic, and I disagree with other reviewers who said the last half of the book "dragged". I think the story was well paced throughout the novel. 

5/5. Please check trigger warnings.
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