Feminist Horror 💕 Book Review 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Genre: Horror
Rachel Harrison knocked another out of the park! I really enjoyed her take on a haunted house story. The characters were so unlikable in the most dysfunctional yet likable way. The book isn’t a typical “in your face” type of horror story. I think it’s more creepy than anything. I never thought I’d read about a haunted bi-level home in suburbia but somehow it worked. I honestly would’ve liked it to be scarier and to have more scenes of “activity” but Harrison does a fantastic job describing the horrors of family dysfunction, self sabotage, and in my opinion, touches on the “hysterical woman” social issue. I love how passages from Alexandra’s book were inserted and included her annotations. The ending left some to be desired but overall, I’d say this is a great read to pick up for fans of Rachel Harrison, beginner horror readers, or anyone looking for a fun book to pass the time.
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Rachel Harrison’s novel stands out in the horror genre for its thoughtful integration of feminist themes with traditional haunted house elements. Unlike many horror stories that rely heavily on jump scares or overt supernatural events, this book leans into psychological unease and the real horrors found within family dysfunction and social stigmas. The use of a suburban bi-level home as the setting adds an unexpected layer of familiarity and intimacy to the story, making the creeping dread more personal and relatable to readers. One of the notable aspects of the book is its exploration of the "hysterical woman" trope—a social issue reflecting how women’s mental health concerns are often dismissed or misunderstood. Harrison’s subtle approach in weaving this theme through character interactions and internal struggles enriches the narrative and offers a fresh perspective on feminist horror. Inserting passages from the fictional character Alexandra’s own book with annotations further builds depth and authenticity, providing readers with multiple layers of storytelling that invite deeper reflection. Fans of Rachel Harrison and beginner horror readers alike will appreciate the nuanced character development, where unlikeable traits are portrayed realistically, highlighting human flaws rather than idealized heroism. Although some readers may crave more intense supernatural phenomena or scarier scenes, the novel’s strength lies in its eerie atmosphere and emotional tension. It effectively conveys horror through family dynamics and self-sabotage, broadening the scope of what modern horror can encompass. Given the USA Today bestselling status of Rachel Harrison and praise from outlets like The New York Times calling her feminist horror novels both original and entertaining, this book is highly recommended for anyone looking to explore horror with a meaningful social edge. Whether you enjoy psychological thrillers or horror with strong thematic substance, this novel offers a compelling and thought-provoking read that lingers beyond the final page.