A review by armchair_vibes
Blackwater: The Complete Caskey Family Saga by Michael McDowell
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Stunning southern gothic horror.
In terms of vibes they are maxed out. We have the oppressive heat, sticky swampland and occasional torrential downpours. Then we have the muddy Perdido river that threatens to wipe away the town. These elements are used brilliantly to create such vivid imagery and atmosphere.
Despite this being a horror it doesn't try too hard to be scary. Its main focus is the
Caskey family and their internal struggles against each other whilst trying to maintain their social status and wealth.
I would say it's slow paced but there is lots of drama and fascinating characters so it never felt boring. The horror elements are used sparingly and executed perfectly at the right moments.
Mcdowell crafts a dark, intimate and often tragic family tale that spans several generations. He explores many themes, including death, loneliness, parenthood and generational trauma. All the while the threat of something much scarier and mysterious lurks at the heart of the family.
This book is stunning, so much to love about it. I can happily say it has taken the number one spot of best horror I have read to date.
In terms of vibes they are maxed out. We have the oppressive heat, sticky swampland and occasional torrential downpours. Then we have the muddy Perdido river that threatens to wipe away the town. These elements are used brilliantly to create such vivid imagery and atmosphere.
Despite this being a horror it doesn't try too hard to be scary. Its main focus is the
Caskey family and their internal struggles against each other whilst trying to maintain their social status and wealth.
I would say it's slow paced but there is lots of drama and fascinating characters so it never felt boring. The horror elements are used sparingly and executed perfectly at the right moments.
Mcdowell crafts a dark, intimate and often tragic family tale that spans several generations. He explores many themes, including death, loneliness, parenthood and generational trauma. All the while the threat of something much scarier and mysterious lurks at the heart of the family.
This book is stunning, so much to love about it. I can happily say it has taken the number one spot of best horror I have read to date.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape