Reviews

Mother Howl by Craig Clevenger

deboraha's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

3.0

goobearmilltato's review against another edition

3.0

I absolutely loved Contortionist's Handbook and also enjoyed Dermaphoria, but I'm a little disappointed with this one. I've seen a lot of mediocre tv shows and movies that pepper in fantastical elements as a way to push the plot forward but then leave it open ended as to whether or not those things were true or figments of character's imaginations. This book did exactly that. So, while I was pretty intrigued by the story of Lyle Edison and his attempts to run from his past, I was let down that the actions and elements brought about by Icarus weren't meaningfully explained or explored. My mind raced with possible explanations for things that were ultimately just used as mysterious ways to haunt the main character and force him to confront his past. I wish I had each of these stories separately, instead of smushed together.

jo_183's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

acharis's review against another edition

dark reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

It has been many years since I read Clevenger's last book, but I found familiarity with his voice very quickly.
There is no great mystery to solve, no revelatory answers to shake both protagonist & reader. Just captivating prose & a solid story of what it means to know oneself.

diziet's review against another edition

challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is an odd one. For majority of book it is unclear where the story is going. But the beautiful - flowing - writing and sympathetic/mysterious characters kept me interested. 

Perhaps the whole ‘System’ element - how the characters are under the thumb of large, powerful bureaucratic forces - take up too much space at times - but it does works to set an apprehensive atmosphere, and have you rooting for characters. 

Have put it on my wish list for audio version for another read - listen. 

emmacarambola's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

flavroc's review

mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

richie_beamand's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

xxperksxx's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I am so conflicted about this book which makes me think that it’s worth a read for those adventurous readers. Would love to discuss.
4/11

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darshang07's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5