A review by elm
The North Water by Ian McGuire

5.0

[EDIT] I'm now upgrading the rating to 5 stars. I originally only gave the book 4 stars because it took me awhile to become invested in the characters and the plot (though in hindsight that may have been because I was reluctant to read this book, so probably didn't enter into the book with the best mindset...). It was the only reason I hesitated over giving it a 5 star rating, but since finishing I've been unable to stop thinking about it: the characters, the plot, just the general mood of the book didn't leave me for days. Truthfully, since the very last word I've been lowkey itching to reread it! A book that can stay with me as much as this one has is definitely worthy of a 5 star rating!

Well.. that was truly horrific...
I think I should create a new bookshelf, call it 'not for the faint-hearted', and place this book right at the VERY TOP BECAUSE HOLY SHIT!!!!!! That was by far the most gruesome book I have ever read. I didn't think it was possible for a book to almost make me throw up but, hey, now I know that it is indeed possible!!! Very very (unfortunately) possible. wow...