In the Dream House book review

In The Dream House Review

available November 5, 2019

When I heard Carmen Maria Machado had a new book, I didn't care if it was short stories, a novel or whatever else she could possibly come up with. Finding out it was a memoir ... I was stoked! I was not wrong to be so either. In truth and honesty, I can't decide between a four and five stars rating. It's been bugging me since I read it. Why it's not an immediate five stars book is complex. It's not anything Carmen did or didn't do. It's a feeling, a gut instinct. The book blows me away. It combines genres and style brilliantly. The discussion of abuse between partners was something that hit me far to close to home. My feeling for the description and prose of this book run deep. Partly because of her first book Her Body and Other Parties that book was an easy five stars. I was left changed after that book and breathless. Not to say this book didn't also leave me in awe. I did to a point. I know the story of abuse well, and so there were moments when though a person who's never gone through abuse would go, "wow so that's what that's like". For me, I felt more like yes this feeling is exactly it, but go deeper. As I read this book I felt cold and alone. Hopeful at the same time. 

There are moments where I broke down and sobbed and moments of pure anger. It was a rollercoaster of a book. I enjoy that kind of book. Something that makes me feel things. Even if it makes me uncomfy. This book takes horror themes and makes them non fiction. It's amazing. I would say that is the part of this book that blew me away the most. The mix of genre fiction with non fiction was unbelievable. All in all this book is worth reading. She's an incredible writer and this is no exception. It comes out on November 5, 2019. It's something you should pick up at your local bookstore. Thank you to Graywolf Press for sending me an advanced readers copy. I look forward to working with you in the new year. Have a great day everyone and I'll write again Friday.