Dearest by Jacquie Walters - Book Review✨
Dearest is a unique take on the New Mother story and an impressive debut. I really enjoyed the topics explored, as well as the Supernatural bits and Body Horror.
In this story we are following, Flora, who just had her first child, a girl, Iris, 6-weeks ago. Iris arrived a little early and unfortunately, Flora’s husband is still deployed, so she’s left to navigate these early stages of 1st-time parenthood alone. As adorable as Iris is, it’s not an easy thing.
As time passes, Flora feels herself slipping. Her sleep-deprived brain is playing tricks on her and she’s struggling navigating the endless lonely days.
When it reaches the point where Flora feels like she’s losing it, she receives an unexpected visitor; her estranged mother. Even though her mom hasn’t been a part of her life in years, Flora hesitantly accepts the help being offering.
Her mother agrees to stay with her and Iris, at least until her husband returns.
Even with her mother around, Flora is still experiencing odd occurrences that cause her to believe something is going on in the house, or like someone is after her and Iris. Is it in her head, or are there actually much darker forces at work?
Rating: 5/ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One aspect that really stood out to me in Dearest was how authentically it portrays postpartum struggles. As someone who has experienced the isolation and mental fatigue that often accompanies early motherhood, I found Flora’s descent into uncertainty and fear heartbreaking yet believable. The supernatural elements and body horror motifs added a chilling layer to the narrative, enhancing the suspense without overshadowing the emotional core. The unexpected visits from Flora’s estranged mother and the eerie occurrences in the house raise questions about the nature of reality versus trauma-induced hallucinations, making the psychological tension palpable. I appreciated how the story taps into common anxieties faced by new parents, such as feeling alone while caring for a fragile infant and the fear of losing grip on sanity. These elements create a strong connection with readers who might be navigating similar experiences but also appeals to fans of psychological and supernatural horror. The endorsement snippets captured in the images highlight the fast-paced and terrifying nature of the book, aligning perfectly with my impression of the story’s grip and pace. I highly recommend Dearest to readers looking for a fresh take on horror that delves deeply into the emotional labyrinth of new motherhood.
