Book Review: The Summer of the Serpent By Cecilia Eudave

    As a reader I am gravitating more and more to horror.  I think this is because there is always something interesting going on in horror. 

  I initially was avoiding horror because I really don't need any adrenaline rushes and perhaps I was just not interested in cathartic reading experiences.  

But Horror to me is so much more. I have been fascinated to read horror novels from other cultures, as they offer such an amazing view into that culture- and it's interesting to see what transcends borders in horror and what needs footnotes for outsiders to fully grasp the horror. 

With all that in mind, I boldly sailed into The Summer of the Serpent by Cecilia Eudave.  As an added bonus, this is a book in translation, and I really want to beef up these books in my list.  In hindsight, I would have probably not read this book if I knew that the animal cruelty  and child abuse would be so prominent in parts of the book. This for me was so very difficult to listen to and although it was not extraordinarily graphic or grotesque in any sort of splatter punk way, it was a tough one to read through. Others may not find this as horrifying as I did, but HELP A READER OUT! 

This novel is only 144 pages. In this brief encounter, the reader is able to experience so many things about the sweltering summer of 1977 in Guadalajara, Mexico. 

   It feels as if this is more of a collection of vignettes with points of view from all angles, all experiencing the same time and space, but somehow, having wildly divergent experiences and emotions all tied up together. If you have ever sat around with siblings and recounted a monumental family trip  and realized that even though you were all there, on that trip, together, each one of you has a different memory- this is exactly how reading this felt. I was immersed in this sensation of a fever dream that often overtook my childhood summer days, and although my circumstances were different, these vignettes did bring back my childhood summers- to an extent. I want to read more from this author, but I will be a bit cautious about the content! 

First Published :  6/30/2026

Pages: 144

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes

Trigger Warnings: Death,  ghosts,  reference to child SA, Animal cruelty (not vague),  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior

 Crooked plow was not on my radar.   I saw a new novel from this author on Net Galley and decided instead of requesting the new novel that perhaps I should explore Crooked Plow- on audio from my local library. This is an award winner, winning the Brazilian LeYa Award and in 2024 it was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize.  I did remember seeing some reviews for this in 2024 and then... it seemed to fizzle out.  I fully took advantage of that fizzle and found that the audiobook was immediately available from my library! 

This is a novel that I probably won't soon forget for many reasons. 

   This story is set in an Afro-Brazilian farming community living on Fazendas.  While technically these Fazendas were basically plantations, the post slavery situation resembled strongly the sharecropping situation in the US  after the Civil War and Emancipation. Folks were free to leave, but the technicalities really left them in poverty and with few options. 

Our story opens with two sister's exploring their Grandmother's secret luggage and enduring an event so traumatic that one sister loses her ability to speak.  Readers watch the two sister's grow and navigate life within their limited choices. Their lives, intertwined with their relatives and with the land, serve as a way for the author to also bring forward the changes that Brazil, and particularly the Sertao area of Bahia Brazil was facing, as tenant farmers grappled with their relationship to the land and their rights as tenants. With relevant themes of generational poverty and trauma, economic and racial injustice and the power of community, it's no wonder this book sparked interest.  I found the writing to be engaging, and the multilayered, multigenerational story to draw me in.  The non-linear style was slightly confusing to me, but I suspect that was because I chose an audio version and the division between chapters where the time switches did occur were not very clear via audio. 

  I found the descriptions of the Jare religious ceremonies to be particularly engaging, and I do want to learn more about this area and time- although passively- i admit, as in, I am more attuned and sensitized to this and will likely prick up my ears if the topic comes up.  Rather than say, going to the library to do a deep dive into the topic.  

  One thing that fascinated me is that the author, a man, chose to center his tale primarily around the lives of women. He writes a great deal about women's work, relationships and struggles, as well as the role of children in the lives of women. I'm always a little skeptical about men writing main character women, though it can be done well.  in this case, I feel that he did capture what life was like as a woman in these areas - essentially - it was a hard row to hoe- with a crooked or straight plow. I do not feel like he really captured the inner lives of women, however, so that area, was sort of flattened, but with so much going on in the novel, I didn't really feel that it was missing, as introspection wasn't the main point as far as I can tell.  I did get that there was a deep respect for women and childbearing, but it seems to be limited to this. Again, given the scope of the novel, there wasn't room for more exploration.  I should note that this book is also a translated work, so some of the spark and meaning may not have hit just right. 

     Overall, I enjoyed this book, and will likely read more from this author.  I don't know that it would reach my top 12 for the year, but I think it's an excellent piece of fiction- again another I'd recommend for book clubs - lots of themes and history to discuss, as well as all the relationships, revenge, and resilience that a reader may want. 

STATS

First Published  6/2023 (English edition) 

Pages: 288

Available as an Audio Book : Yes

Trigger Warnings:  Domestic violence, poverty, misogyny, child death, 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

 

Book Review: The Manor of Dreams by Christina Li

 Wow.  WOW.   Wow. 

I really enjoyed this book by Christina Li.  I am not entirely sure that the way it is being marketed is helping it succeed.  This really isn't a mash up of Mexican Gothic and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. It is also NOT "brimming with romance" So... I feel like a lot of readers who were looking for those two items were mightily disappointed.  I'm still wondering exactly where the romance was in the room with us. 

    This really is a literary fiction novel with elements of horror, mystery and magical realism. It is very well constructed, engaging and the plot unfolds well.  I really enjoyed the audiobook as well. 

No Spoiler synopsis:  Two estranged families must come together for the reading of a will of a famous, but mysterious and reclusive relative. In a surprise, one family inherits the lion's share; the other feels they must contest the will, leading to both families occupying the family mansion for some times.  During this time, readers move between two timelines, which reveal the past and the present as the week in the mansion evolves. 

  Within 352 pages, there is a lot to unpack. 

***** Alert- Spoilers ahead**********

There is discussion of immigration to the United States, family expectations, the "American Dream" , power dynamics in relationships of all sorts, Motherhood,  generational trauma, and history, and quite a lot more. This would be a good book for a book club because it is very accessible for many readers. Although the story seems somewhat unique- The themes all have threads that almost any reader can pick up and find relatable. 

So I enjoyed this novel, felt it was very well written and constructed overall and I gave it 4 stars. 

The only thing I do find kind of strange is that... AGAIN SPOILER ALERT....  

We have a sentient garden. It has killer plants. 

Also in the past 5 years we have had Mira Grant's Overgrowth,  and  Eat the Ones you Love by Sarah Maria Griffin, which also contain sentient plants that quite invade people's personal space. I find that coincidence kind of strange  but I did enjoy all three of these books, so I suppose with a few more it can become it's own  Plant horror genre. 

So do I recommend?  YES.  If you want some modern day drama tied up with the past, combined with some creepy magical plant elements, this is a great one to read.  Just check your triggers! 

STATS

First Published  May 2025

Pages: 352

Available as an Audio Book : Yes

Trigger Warnings:  violence, murder, theme of abuse and loss, Supernatural killers, child death, Domestic violence, racism, classism.

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

Book Review: The Crane Husband, By Kelly Barnhill

   This is a short novel that really surprised me.  OK, so... it would not have if I had read a blurb or anything about the novel. I seriously grabbed this one due to the gorgeous cover. 

That cover... is stunning and I love it so much that I think I may rate the book a tiny bit higher due to the cover choice. 

This is a folk horror novella that is a contemporary retelling of of "The Crane Wife".  It has some horror elements, but it is also quite a gentle read, perhaps in the way the the young narrator gives us the very brutal story in a pragmatic, practical tone that is not devoid of emotion, but is also not overwhelmed by dramatic, over the top florid prose. 

  Our Narrator is a teen living in the American Midwest - after her father's death, she assumes the role of the parent for her mother and her younger brother. She's resourceful and savvy, but when her mother invites a stranger into their lives, she finds she can't entirely "fix" this issue. She's offered help, but she can't quite bring herself to accept it or trust that it will actually be the needed help. As she navigates some very adult situations with only teen ager tools, we come to a conclusion that is satisfying but not entirely joyful. 

I enjoyed this novella very much. It was well written, with a solid propulsive plot, unique imagery and very reflective. 

  I did read this via audio book.  and the narrator was clear and excellent, - not taking anything away from the story. 

STATS

First Published  February 2023

Pages: 118

Available as an Audio Book : Yes

Trigger Warnings:  violence, grief, Animal death, body horror, body injury, child neglect, food insecurity. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly) 

Book Review: Harmattan Season by Tochi Onyebuchi

 Harmattan Season by Tochi Onyebuchi came out in April, and I was lucky to get an advanced listener copy to review. 

This is such a unique novel, I'm not even sure what to think of it! I enjoyed it, 5/5 stars!  Onyebuchi is a master, so I knew I'd be getting a well constructed story-line. I did not anticipate the story AT ALL! 

For me Noir has been a genre that I kind of like, but also kind of don't.  I'm a huge fan of the gritty, no frills characters, but I am not always a fan of the utter desperation that pervades the genre. Onyebuchi  strays from the usual noir narrative by adding in a pinch of magical realism, which adds just enough of the supernatural to sort of lighten the general noir darkness. Add in a unique setting  (post colonial West Africa), and I was sat in my seat listening to this one! 

No Spoiler summary (because spoilers are the baddest thing ever!) Boubacar is a former soldier, former police man, turned private eye for hire in a post-colonial West African country (possibly Mali, possibly not).  Work is not going well, and he's ready to hang it up- deal with his expenses and wait as the Harmattan comes in. The world, however, has other plans for Boubacar. A seriously injured woman stumbles into his home/office and disappears, only to be seen again in a most peculiar circumstance and Boubacar is drawn in to a intense investigation.  He, and the reader, are taken on a grand adventure across the city where he encounters terrifying enemies and unexpected allies. It's quite the mash - up of genres, and for it worked very well. 

   I was attracted to the novel because of the author, but also the title...as my first trip to West Africa was during a Harmattan, which was memorable. It's hard to describe, but that year the dust was so thick, our plane had to land in a different country- which was exciting- except for the lack of Visa for that country. It is easy to imagine the events of the story unfolding in that heavy dust which does sometimes just swirl around a person. 

Dion Graham narrated and his rich clear voice brought the character of Boubacar to life for me! 

STATS

First Published : May 2025

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book : YES

Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, death, grief, racism, (not a complete list- be responsible!)

Book Review The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova 5/5 stars!

 Well, this was a surprise for me! 

I fell in love with The inheritance of Orquidea Divina  by Zoraida Cordova!

 

This book was suggested as a read for our diverse book club and ultimately it was rejected. I was hoping it would come up again for March, but I'm not the moderator for that club and it was never to be seen again!  I had it on hold at the library, and when it came up- i decided Why not try it! 

   I am still surprised at the way this novel just kind of quietly wormed it's way to the top of my listening list of audiobooks. TO be frank, this cover, as beautiful as it is, doesn't really do it justice. It looks so Victorian to me that I was not exactly excited to read about an inheritance from a sort of rigid time period. OF COURSE, this is not at all what this book is about. 

And I do find the alternate cover  is really much better:  Which do you prefer? 

    Readers are treated to a dual timeline story, where we learn about the amazing, resilient Orquidea Divina - and her life from infancy to transformation, because death never really comes for Orquidea. 

In the second timeline we follow her relatives, particularly her grandchildren who are out in the modern world, but are called home for their inheritance. 

   Again, I thought this wasn't for me, but...the characters of Marimar and Reymundo in particular just dragged me right in. I wanted to know what was going to happen for them, and let me attest, readers are in for a wild adventure, full of unique magical realism, drama, a touch of horror,  mayhem, some hard truths, cosmic intervention and love. While this can be enjoyed as a fantastical tale of magical realism,  readers will also be able to relate to characters as they experience dreams broken and dreams realized, feelings of belonging, and rejection, the pain of lies and broken promises and the joys of discovering a place they can call home.  

Currently this book is vying for favorite read of the month- in competition with Kiss of the Fur Queen. 

STATS

First Published 2021

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book : YES

Trigger Warnings:  Body horror, child death, death, infidelity, parent death, alcohol use, 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Kiss of the Fur Queen by Tomson Highway 5/5 stars

 Kiss of the Fur Queen by Tomson Highway is a masterpiece. I discovered it mostly because I was a little disappointed in another book and wanted to read more Cree literature.  First published in 1998 in Canada, it is the author's only novel. Although it is now several decades old, it reads as if it were a freshly published novel and I am surprised that more people are not reading it, given the recent discoveries and discussion regarding Residential schools in both Canada and the United States.  With our new awareness of these "schools" I think this is an important read, especially as it was written, back when I couldn't have told you about the Residential Schools in any serious way and, it gives a nod to the missing/murdered indigenous woman that has been only recently before the public eye. 

     In short, the Kiss of the Fur Queen follows the story of two Cree boys in the 1950's in Canada. They are removed from their homes and sent to a Catholic residential school. There, the boys are subjected to multiple types of abuse, but continue to grow and learn, traveling to a modern city for high school and beyond. The boys straddle traditional Cree culture and modern Canadian culture with great difficulty, eventually finding success in the arts. Throughout the novel, they periodically interact with the enigmatic Fur Queen - who seems to represent the trickster, Wisakedjak. She shows up often at times of decisions and high emotions, reminding the two main characters of the Indigenous culture and values.  The magical realism of the book- really grabbed me, as it just elevated this book from being a story of two Indigenous men removed from their culture.

   The themes and ideas explored throughout the book are specific to Indigenous culture but also broad enough to encompass the humanity as a whole. Highway 's work addresses the complexities of the world, as see through the eyes of children, relationships between siblings, the experience of shared trauma, culture, if one can ever really "return home" after being away and the many forms of grief individuals can experience through life. The writing is impeccable, and although the subject matter was difficult, I found myself fully focused on the trajectory of these two men, their choices and eventually the conclusion. For me, this MAY be one of my most important reads of 2025. I noted some mixed reviews of a review site, and did note that many people couldn't explain why they didn't like the book- they just acknowledged it was an important book but it "wasn't for them" so I suspect, it may have made them extremely uncomfortable with the truth exposed in a brutal but engaging way. Some did cite the blending of the real with the unreal, but I just didn't see that the blending was that fantastical or weird, I think it just covered A LOT of uncomfortable topics without euphemisms or other ways to allow readers to pretend they didn't just read *that*.  

 I listened to this book via Audio. The Narrator is Patricia Cano, who did an amazing job bringing a lyrical quality to the work, and definitely added to my enjoyment- especially given some of the more difficult and long place and people names. Definitely recommend audio. 

STATS:

First Published: 1998

Pages: 320

Available as an Audiobook: YES

Trigger warnings: Child loss,  Parent loss, alcohol use, depression , Child abuse, SA, generational trauma.

As always this is not a complete list, please read responsible.  

Book Review : Ocean Theme Edition: At Sea by Emma Fedor 2.5/5 Stars

Although it might seem I'd abandoned my water theme, it is indeed alive and well.  I admit, I've been of course, pivoting to some paranormal and space based reading but, I've still got several watery books on the list. 

This week I finished At Sea, by Emma Fedor.  

   I have a lot of mixed feelings after the conclusion.  A lot of mixed feelings. So Many - most of them, less positive.  The book did get a flurry of positive blurbs, so... maybe, it's me. 

     No spoilers here  but in summary, Cara ( very dull, flat character)  meets a man who sweeps her off her feet, she eventually becomes pregnant and is looking forward to a life where she's able to pursue her interests, raise a child and spend time with a man who- though complicated- she loves. This is all shattered when the man and child disappear, only to return several years later.  The synopsis just promises, drama and excitement.  The story... gave less. 

This book has everything I usually love!

- Secret super powers!

- an ongoing romantic connection

- the ocean

- fantastical occurrences. 

-dual timeline

What I got was a story that could have been magical realism, (Is the man a Whale hybrid, a super secret military weapon?)  or could have been the story of a domestic nightmare - a mentally ill father endangering his child and others. 

I feel like there was a real failure to commit. The author creates a Magical realism situation which sort of transcends into a Mental Health discussion  but never is either one fully engaged with....

--   If the book was supposed to be about family and relationships with persons with mental health issues- leaving the question about Brendan's "super powers" with no solid answer makes it hard to know., thus making it hard to engage with the work because if it is magical realism I have a certain reaction, if it's discussion on serious mental illness, than it clearly is another.  Either is valid, but leaving it sort of out there for the reader to decide, gives the author a means to shrug off any criticism, if someone doesn't think the magic was that magic- well, it was meant to represent mental health there.  If the mental health representation is not appreciated- well, that was magical realism. BUT, in actuality, the failure to commit, leaves this reader, just thinking well.. ok. that's nice. 

---Leaving her 5 yr old child to dive among the waves - with no conclusion to the activity that most clearly terrified Cara is again, a failure to commit. Did this child breathe under water? Did he drown? Did he just come back smiling?  Again we won't know. It seems sort of a peaceful conclusion and I'm free to decide if the boy disappears, drowns or comes on back, but frankly... with the flatness of all the characters- I kind of didn't care that much. I didn't go looking for a book two. 

       I think this book would make a nice beach read or "airport book" (one you read in the airport and leave behind.)  It didn't inspire me to think deeper about the way our world works, mental health, or even whales. For me it was entirely average and I can think of so many books that better address mental health issues or create more believable magic. 

 Now, there wasn't anything particularly... offensive about the book, so I think I'm going with 2.5/5 stars- it's average. Personally I'd give it a miss and go for something with more meat. 

For Magical Realism in the Ocean, I'd recommend Sylvie Cathrall's  A Letter to the Luminous deep 

Or if looking for a scandalous, family drama, Jacquelyn Mitchard's A Very Inconvenient Scandal  also features Cape Cod and some serious (though different) family situations. 

 

Have you read this book?  Did I somehow miss something entirely? Thoughts? Feel free to share this post and  let me know in the comments! 

STATS

First Published 2023

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book : YES

Trigger Warnings:  death of parent flashback, mental illness, violence, family turmoil  

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)