Scan barcode
thebookishapoth's review
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"Sh*t moves fast in the apocalypse."
I finished this book early in the day & took the remaining afternoon to decompress...
Cataclysm is such an apt name for the story found within these pages.
The passages often leave you with a sense of disarray, heftiness, cynicism, and despondency.
I enjoyed, in the most unsettling way, the story told by Tiffany Meuret about a woman-a mother-a machine & the catastrophic possibilities of unchecked & unbidden rage found within.
I was not expecting to read this book & find such a deep reflection of my own intrusive thoughts & introspections as a mother & overall-average human being living in, but mostly questioning, today's time & current events.
Do not misunderstand, I felt a bit lost throughout the story, having to backtrack & reread for clarification on some occurrences. I am still left feeling unsure if I fully know what happened in this book. But I think that is part of the point, part of the intrigue.
The questions & concepts presented by Meuret (e.g. what defines a human/the elements of control/mothers are wired different-BEWARE!) allow for a true examination of self & our perceptions of the world we currently reside in.
"I have to keep my rage in a jar and use sparingly because it spoils to s*icide when exposed too long to air."
"All they had they squandered. How very human of them."
"Power is not exponential - it requires a target. Without one, it devours you whole."
Thanks to NetGalley, Spaceboy Books, & of course, Tiffany Meuret for this unusual, apocalyptic read. Pub Date 04.02.24
I finished this book early in the day & took the remaining afternoon to decompress...
Cataclysm is such an apt name for the story found within these pages.
The passages often leave you with a sense of disarray, heftiness, cynicism, and despondency.
I enjoyed, in the most unsettling way, the story told by Tiffany Meuret about a woman-a mother-a machine & the catastrophic possibilities of unchecked & unbidden rage found within.
I was not expecting to read this book & find such a deep reflection of my own intrusive thoughts & introspections as a mother & overall-average human being living in, but mostly questioning, today's time & current events.
Do not misunderstand, I felt a bit lost throughout the story, having to backtrack & reread for clarification on some occurrences. I am still left feeling unsure if I fully know what happened in this book. But I think that is part of the point, part of the intrigue.
The questions & concepts presented by Meuret (e.g. what defines a human/the elements of control/mothers are wired different-BEWARE!) allow for a true examination of self & our perceptions of the world we currently reside in.
"I have to keep my rage in a jar and use sparingly because it spoils to s*icide when exposed too long to air."
"All they had they squandered. How very human of them."
"Power is not exponential - it requires a target. Without one, it devours you whole."
Thanks to NetGalley, Spaceboy Books, & of course, Tiffany Meuret for this unusual, apocalyptic read. Pub Date 04.02.24
muchadoaboutashley's review
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
drakaina16's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy.
Cataclysm is unlike any book I've ever read. Some of the passages about motherhood actually made my breath catch; they were so true and beautiful. It's also quite a meditation on what it means to be human and the things we'll do to try to keep our children safe. If you have an "avant garde horror" category in any reading challenges, this would be an excellent choice.
Cataclysm is unlike any book I've ever read. Some of the passages about motherhood actually made my breath catch; they were so true and beautiful. It's also quite a meditation on what it means to be human and the things we'll do to try to keep our children safe. If you have an "avant garde horror" category in any reading challenges, this would be an excellent choice.
More...