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A review by podanotherjessi
Private Rites by Julia Armfield
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When I finished this book, I knew I loved it, but I wasn't really sure if I got it. So I immediately started over and read it again. After a second read, I only love it more. When you know the ending, the creepy and eerie feeling that was always in the background comes into much sharper focus. The slow family drama suddenly becomes horror.
This feels like one of those "the ones who get it, get it" kind of books that make it hard to fully explain what's so good. It's the kind of book where normally I'd talk about the personal connection I felt, or how the books made me feel seen, but it really didn't. As much as I tried to see myself in Ila, Irene, or Agnes, I simply couldn't. And yet I felt so much empathy and care for them.
This isn't a story about healing. Rather, it's a story about almost healing; about realizing there's something to heal from and that healing is possible. There's nothing heartwarming about it. Instead, it's very soft and yet harsh.
And of course, it's beautifully written.
This feels like one of those "the ones who get it, get it" kind of books that make it hard to fully explain what's so good. It's the kind of book where normally I'd talk about the personal connection I felt, or how the books made me feel seen, but it really didn't. As much as I tried to see myself in Ila, Irene, or Agnes, I simply couldn't. And yet I felt so much empathy and care for them.
This isn't a story about healing. Rather, it's a story about almost healing; about realizing there's something to heal from and that healing is possible. There's nothing heartwarming about it. Instead, it's very soft and yet harsh.
And of course, it's beautifully written.