A review by starrysteph
Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Sorrowland is a dark, haunting reflection on American history and the country’s repeated abuse of Black bodies.

We follow Vern, a pregnant teenager who has fled the religious compound where she was raised and her abusive husband who leads the cult. She gives birth to twins in the forest, intending to raise them far away from the influence of society. But Vern is infected, and she begins to morph into something far beyond her understanding; a violent and powerful rebirth. 

The writing has a beautiful, chilling, lyrical quality. Solomon writes with a righteous rage – the plot is unapologetic and damning. So many elements are explored: rebellion and government manipulation and experimentation using Black and indigenous bodies and queer acceptance and love.

It’s dark and weird and often difficult to press on. I sometimes felt a little lost, but was always entranced. I think you as a reader simply have to embrace the surrealism and surrender to the flow of the story. And the descriptions of Vern’s transformation and that body horror element … absolutely riveting.

The reflections on gender and sexuality were particularly poignant and engaging. 

The story was so complex and deep that I’m already looking forward to a reread - and to letting this one sink in even more.

CW: death, murder, body horror, child death, animal death, violence, self harm, gun violence, psychosis, hallucinations, drowning, racism, sexual assault, pedophilia, medical experimentation, religious bigotry, homophobia, emotional abuse, physical abuse, torture, sexual content

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