savvylit's reviews
253 reviews
The Houseguest: And Other Stories, by Amparo Dávila
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
The hype is true: Amparo Dávila was an absolute master at building dread. Her stories have often been compared to those of Shirley Jackson and that comparison is valid. Like Jackson, Dávila wrote stories that are rooted in real domestic scenes and something is just a little... off. That being said, Dávila's voice is still distinctly her own and deeply rooted in the culture of her native Mexico.
Each story in The Houseguest is a perfect example of psychological horror. Where Dávila shines the brightest, though, is in her ability to capture a very specific female fear of male obsession and violence. In several stories in this collection, the true domestic terror isn't mysterious but rather all too familiar: a former lover, an obsessed friend, a stranger on a bus. The latter story featuring the stranger on a bus is one I won't soon forget. That character's fear was so palpable that I instantly adopted it as my own.
Each story in The Houseguest is a perfect example of psychological horror. Where Dávila shines the brightest, though, is in her ability to capture a very specific female fear of male obsession and violence. In several stories in this collection, the true domestic terror isn't mysterious but rather all too familiar: a former lover, an obsessed friend, a stranger on a bus. The latter story featuring the stranger on a bus is one I won't soon forget. That character's fear was so palpable that I instantly adopted it as my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death, Stalking, Violence, Murder, Infidelity, and Child abuse
Women Talking, by Miriam Toews
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
In Women Talking, Miriam Toews takes an absolutely brutal and horrific real event and gives voice to its victims. By setting the story after the crimes have occurred, she allows the focus to be on the women as individuals and as a collective force. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that these women are so much more than their victim status.
Having grown up Mennonite herself, Toews is able to paint a portrait of a specific faith and devotion that is unique to these conservative communities. Women Talking brilliantly weaves a collective feminist awakening into a story about deep faith in God and divine justice.
I've never read anything like this novel before and I absolutely fell in love with Toews' haunting prose. I can't wait to read more of her work!
Having grown up Mennonite herself, Toews is able to paint a portrait of a specific faith and devotion that is unique to these conservative communities. Women Talking brilliantly weaves a collective feminist awakening into a story about deep faith in God and divine justice.
I've never read anything like this novel before and I absolutely fell in love with Toews' haunting prose. I can't wait to read more of her work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Sexual violence, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Gaslighting
Grand Union, by Zadie Smith
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
What a delightful final read of 2022! Zadie Smith has such a uniquely observational writing style. Reading this collection made me feel like I was a fly on the wall, witnessing real interactions. Each story in Grand Union is an instantly immersive character study. Ranging from hopeful to humorous to heavy, Smith effortlessly encompasses the humanity that dwells in two of the world's largest cities.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Child abuse
Moderate: Transphobia and Racism
The Stone Sky, by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
(Review is for the whole trilogy but still spoiler-free:)
This series was absolutely riveting and compelling. The Broken Earth trilogy is not only a sci-fi/fantasy epic but also a centuries-spanning mystery. Jemisin's characterization and world-building are perfection. Personally, I do not usually enjoy books with heavily detailed world-building, but my interest in the characters kept me invested long enough to accept and eventually delight in the setting of Broken Earth. Syenite, Alabaster, Essun, Lerna, Innon, Tonkee, Hoa, Nassun, Ykka... I truly fell in love with each of these often deeply flawed humans being stretched to the limits of survival.
This trilogy is stunning for its honesty and nuance regarding the spectrum of humanity. Among the known characters, there is no strict good vs. evil dichotomy. There are just humans with or without the knowledge to make the right decisions. Even characters who seem to be enemies are more complex than that. Additionally, Jemisin's characters often challenge the gender binary and celebrate love in all forms. Lastly, beyond the multi-faceted people, this series contains disturbing and thought-provoking analogies for real world oppression and hatred. The subject matter is heavy but realistically and compassionately portrayed. I can't wait to read more of Jemisin's work!
This series was absolutely riveting and compelling. The Broken Earth trilogy is not only a sci-fi/fantasy epic but also a centuries-spanning mystery. Jemisin's characterization and world-building are perfection. Personally, I do not usually enjoy books with heavily detailed world-building, but my interest in the characters kept me invested long enough to accept and eventually delight in the setting of Broken Earth. Syenite, Alabaster, Essun, Lerna, Innon, Tonkee, Hoa, Nassun, Ykka... I truly fell in love with each of these often deeply flawed humans being stretched to the limits of survival.
This trilogy is stunning for its honesty and nuance regarding the spectrum of humanity. Among the known characters, there is no strict good vs. evil dichotomy. There are just humans with or without the knowledge to make the right decisions. Even characters who seem to be enemies are more complex than that. Additionally, Jemisin's characters often challenge the gender binary and celebrate love in all forms. Lastly, beyond the multi-faceted people, this series contains disturbing and thought-provoking analogies for real world oppression and hatred. The subject matter is heavy but realistically and compassionately portrayed. I can't wait to read more of Jemisin's work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Child death, Death, Grief, Violence, Racism, and Pregnancy
The Obelisk Gate, by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
(Review is for the whole trilogy but still spoiler-free:)
This series was absolutely riveting and compelling. The Broken Earth trilogy is not only a sci-fi/fantasy epic but also a centuries-spanning mystery. Jemisin's characterization and world-building are perfection. Personally, I do not usually enjoy books with heavily detailed world-building, but my interest in the characters kept me invested long enough to accept and eventually delight in the setting of Broken Earth. Syenite, Alabaster, Essun, Lerna, Innon, Tonkee, Hoa, Nassun, Ykka... I truly fell in love with each of these often deeply flawed humans being stretched to the limits of survival.
This trilogy is stunning for its honesty and nuance regarding the spectrum of humanity. Among the known characters, there is no strict good vs. evil dichotomy. There are just humans with or without the knowledge to make the right decisions. Even characters who seem to be enemies are more complex than that. Additionally, Jemisin's characters often challenge the gender binary and celebrate love in all forms. Lastly, beyond the multi-faceted people, this series contains disturbing and thought-provoking analogies for real world oppression and hatred. The subject matter is heavy but realistically and compassionately portrayed. I can't wait to read more of Jemisin's work!
This series was absolutely riveting and compelling. The Broken Earth trilogy is not only a sci-fi/fantasy epic but also a centuries-spanning mystery. Jemisin's characterization and world-building are perfection. Personally, I do not usually enjoy books with heavily detailed world-building, but my interest in the characters kept me invested long enough to accept and eventually delight in the setting of Broken Earth. Syenite, Alabaster, Essun, Lerna, Innon, Tonkee, Hoa, Nassun, Ykka... I truly fell in love with each of these often deeply flawed humans being stretched to the limits of survival.
This trilogy is stunning for its honesty and nuance regarding the spectrum of humanity. Among the known characters, there is no strict good vs. evil dichotomy. There are just humans with or without the knowledge to make the right decisions. Even characters who seem to be enemies are more complex than that. Additionally, Jemisin's characters often challenge the gender binary and celebrate love in all forms. Lastly, beyond the multi-faceted people, this series contains disturbing and thought-provoking analogies for real world oppression and hatred. The subject matter is heavy but realistically and compassionately portrayed. I can't wait to read more of Jemisin's work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Racism, Violence, Death, Grief, and Injury/injury detail
The Fifth Season, by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
(Review is for the whole trilogy but still spoiler-free:)
This series was absolutely riveting and compelling. The Broken Earth trilogy is not only a sci-fi/fantasy epic but also a centuries-spanning mystery. Jemisin's characterization and world-building are perfection. Personally, I do not usually enjoy books with heavily detailed world-building, but my interest in the characters kept me invested long enough to accept and eventually delight in the setting of Broken Earth. Syenite, Alabaster, Essun, Lerna, Innon, Tonkee, Hoa, Nassun, Ykka... I truly fell in love with each of these often deeply flawed humans being stretched to the limits of survival.
This trilogy is stunning for its honesty and nuance regarding the spectrum of humanity. Among the known characters, there is no strict good vs. evil dichotomy. There are just humans with or without the knowledge to make the right decisions. Even characters who seem to be enemies are more complex than that. Additionally, Jemisin's characters often challenge the gender binary and celebrate love in all forms. Lastly, beyond the multi-faceted people, this series contains disturbing and thought-provoking analogies for real world oppression and hatred. The subject matter is heavy but realistically and compassionately portrayed. I can't wait to read more of Jemisin's work!
This series was absolutely riveting and compelling. The Broken Earth trilogy is not only a sci-fi/fantasy epic but also a centuries-spanning mystery. Jemisin's characterization and world-building are perfection. Personally, I do not usually enjoy books with heavily detailed world-building, but my interest in the characters kept me invested long enough to accept and eventually delight in the setting of Broken Earth. Syenite, Alabaster, Essun, Lerna, Innon, Tonkee, Hoa, Nassun, Ykka... I truly fell in love with each of these often deeply flawed humans being stretched to the limits of survival.
This trilogy is stunning for its honesty and nuance regarding the spectrum of humanity. Among the known characters, there is no strict good vs. evil dichotomy. There are just humans with or without the knowledge to make the right decisions. Even characters who seem to be enemies are more complex than that. Additionally, Jemisin's characters often challenge the gender binary and celebrate love in all forms. Lastly, beyond the multi-faceted people, this series contains disturbing and thought-provoking analogies for real world oppression and hatred. The subject matter is heavy but realistically and compassionately portrayed. I can't wait to read more of Jemisin's work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, Violence, Death, Injury/injury detail, Pregnancy, and Racism
Pig Tales: A Novel of Lust and Transformation, by Marie Darrieussecq
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
1.0
This short novel is an easy read. The whole book is just one 145-page paragraph. Darrieussecq's narrator is straightforward and just self-conscious enough to be believable.
In many ways, this book utilized magical realism to make some poignant conclusions about human nature and politics. However, I couldn't look past all of the incredibly racist and xenophobic asides about Muslims and Africans. These asides were so offhanded that it felt less like the narrator's thoughts and more like the author highlighting & reinforcing stereotypes that she actually believes in herself. For instance, the narrator implies numerous times that an African client is more depraved than her other clients. With this and many other similar implications, Darrieussecq upholds an incredibly colonial and racist worldview.
I stumbled upon this novel because I had heard it was similar to Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder. If you've heard the same thing, I'd pass on this book. You're not missing much.
In many ways, this book utilized magical realism to make some poignant conclusions about human nature and politics. However, I couldn't look past all of the incredibly racist and xenophobic asides about Muslims and Africans. These asides were so offhanded that it felt less like the narrator's thoughts and more like the author highlighting & reinforcing stereotypes that she actually believes in herself. For instance, the narrator implies numerous times that an African client is more depraved than her other clients. With this and many other similar implications, Darrieussecq upholds an incredibly colonial and racist worldview.
I stumbled upon this novel because I had heard it was similar to Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder. If you've heard the same thing, I'd pass on this book. You're not missing much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Animal cruelty, Abortion, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Body horror, Racism, Xenophobia, Sexual content, Sexism, and Misogyny
All the Lovers in the Night, by Mieko Kawakami
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This being my third novel of hers, I think I can fairly say that Kawakami is a master of distinct and heart-wrenching characters. When this novel begins, Fuyoko's life is rigidly routine-oriented. She works and that's it - it's quite sad, honestly. Though Fuyoko's life seems boring in theory, Kawakami's deeply human and straightforward narration keeps it interesting. Like her other novels, All the Lovers in the Night is a book about self-discovery and shirking expectations. At its core, this novel celebrates the ability that individual friendships have to push us to see the world in a completely new way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Rape, Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Sula, by Toni Morrison
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sula is undoubtedly a book about friendship. However, where the novel's strength really lies is in Morrison's unparalleled characterization. Each character, whether central to the story or briefly mentioned, feels palpably true to life. Though Sula and Nel are the focus, this book is ultimately a tragic portrait of an entire community.
Of course, Morrison's skill at character studies extends to the titular Sula herself. Despite the era in which Sula lives, she has no interest in marriage, family, or any other aspect of living a traditional woman's life. This makes her community at large distrustful of Sula and her intent. Such a character must have been especially groundbreaking when this book was first published in 1973. An independent woman eschewing rules in the 1930s? And a Black woman at that? Sula, flaws and all, is one-of-a-kind. Even in 2022, I won't soon forget Sula and her story.
Of course, Morrison's skill at character studies extends to the titular Sula herself. Despite the era in which Sula lives, she has no interest in marriage, family, or any other aspect of living a traditional woman's life. This makes her community at large distrustful of Sula and her intent. Such a character must have been especially groundbreaking when this book was first published in 1973. An independent woman eschewing rules in the 1930s? And a Black woman at that? Sula, flaws and all, is one-of-a-kind. Even in 2022, I won't soon forget Sula and her story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Infidelity, Murder, Racism, Injury/injury detail, Emotional abuse, War, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Death of parent, and Child death
All's Well, by Mona Awad
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
All's Well has very intense descriptions of chronic pain. Miranda's pain truly dictates every part of her day. Despite her immense suffering, she experiences disbelief and cruelty from friends and medical professionals alike. Everyone Miranda knows suggests that her symptoms are psychosomatic. As if real, lasting pain wouldn't be a consequence of a traumatic accident. Mona Awad vividly and empathetically portrays Miranda's world of pain and the resulting painkiller addiction.
This wouldn't be a Mona Awad book, though, without a hypnotic descent into fever dream territory. After Miranda has a magical encounter at a pub, her narration becomes more and more unreliable. What's real in Miranda's life? She herself has no idea. This segment of the book was certainly an entertaining rollercoaster ride. However, it seemed to drag on and on only to maintain ambiguity. Perhaps my lack of familiarity with Shakespeare's less popular plays is what led to my feeling of disconnect from All's Well by its ending. I could tell that Awad was referencing Shakespearean tropes and characters but many of the references flew right over my head.
This wouldn't be a Mona Awad book, though, without a hypnotic descent into fever dream territory. After Miranda has a magical encounter at a pub, her narration becomes more and more unreliable. What's real in Miranda's life? She herself has no idea. This segment of the book was certainly an entertaining rollercoaster ride. However, it seemed to drag on and on only to maintain ambiguity. Perhaps my lack of familiarity with Shakespeare's less popular plays is what led to my feeling of disconnect from All's Well by its ending. I could tell that Awad was referencing Shakespearean tropes and characters but many of the references flew right over my head.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Chronic illness, Drug use, Addiction, Suicidal thoughts, Ableism, and Injury/injury detail