Book Review: In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

In the Dream House
by Carmen Maria Machado (Biography Machado)

They say that Machado’s writing is unlike any other. I agree. It is extremely powerful. Also, we do not have enough published voices like hers. I somewhat wish that the topics she writes about were more commonplace, so that we do not gush so hard when we have a singular title to idolize over our years and years of living. This is one of those titles that reminds me why I am a librarian. I hope that the gems I find, such as this, can help make it easier for other readers in town to find what they need, although I realize we are all just tiny specks of dust in a giant’s eye.

This memoir is about a violent relationship. The literary devices used in this book help propel the reader through the very quick chapters. Despite that, I had to put the book down often for its intensity of emotion. It was interesting and depressing to learn that Machado ran the gamut of literary devices to write her experiences partly because they were so terrorizing, even in their retelling. This is a critical read for those needing to learn more about how violence presents itself in domestic partnership.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado, The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy, Milk and HOney by Rupi Kaur or The Apology by Eve Ensler.]

[ official In the Dream House page on the official Carmen Maria Machado web site ]

Recommended by Naomi S.
Eiseley Branch Library

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