A review by le_lobey
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A beautiful nightmare. I found Khaw’s word choice a lot less distracting in this than in Nothing But Blackened Teeth. The rich descriptions built towards the Mermaid’s character and the overall project of juxtaposing the brutality of the story and beauty of the language.
I don’t think I’ve encountered this many new words in a while!
Bathyal -- a scientific term for the preabyssal zone of the sea, but in this context it was really like chthonic, but ocean
Sapidity -- having a good or pleasant taste
Exuviate -- to shed or molt, as a skin
Inimicality -- being hostile or unfriendly
Intaglioed -- artfully engraved
Vellicating -- touching softly to induce chills or tickling
Tunica -- organ mucus sheath
Paillette -- dangling shiny on clothing
I don’t think I’ve encountered this many new words in a while!
Bathyal -- a scientific term for the preabyssal zone of the sea, but in this context it was really like chthonic, but ocean
Sapidity -- having a good or pleasant taste
Exuviate -- to shed or molt, as a skin
Inimicality -- being hostile or unfriendly
Intaglioed -- artfully engraved
Vellicating -- touching softly to induce chills or tickling
Tunica -- organ mucus sheath
Paillette -- dangling shiny on clothing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Domestic abuse, Gore, and Medical trauma