The Review

“My Darling Dreadful Thing” by Johanna Van Veen is an exquisite blend of gothic horror, psychological thriller, and sapphic romance that captivates from the very first page. Set in a world where the dead can walk among the living, Van Veen weaves a tale filled with chilling suspense, intricate characters, and hauntingly beautiful prose.

The story follows Roos Beckman, a young woman with a unique companion – the ghostly figure of Ruth, her spirit companion. Together, they navigate a world of fraudulent séances organized by Roos’ mother until a chance encounter with the wealthy widow Agnes Knoop changes everything. Invited to live at Agnes’ eerie estate, Roos finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and mysteries, all while grappling with the question of what is truly real.

From the very first page, the narrative grips you with its unique blend of first-person storytelling and epistolary narration. Through the eyes of our protagonist, Roos, and the probing inquiries of Dr. Montague, we are drawn into a web of intrigue and uncertainty, never quite sure what to believe. Van Veen’s mastery of this narrative technique keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eagerly devouring each twist and turn.

The atmospheric setting, described with exquisite detail, immerses you in a world of crumbling estates, eerie séances, and lingering spirits. The author’s reverence for the gothic genre is evident in every page, evoking a sense of unease and fascination that is impossible to resist.

I was particularly impressed by the author’s handling of sensitive topics, such as abuse and mental illness, which are portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. Despite the dark subject matter, there is a sense of hope and resilience that shines through, underscoring the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

But what truly sets this book apart is its characters. From the resilient and complex Roos to the enigmatic Agnes, each character is fleshed out with depth and nuance, grappling with their own traumas and desires. The relationships that develop between them are both tender and fraught with tension, adding layers of emotional complexity to an already richly woven narrative.

At its core, “My Darling Dreadful Thing” is a story about love, loss, and the darkness that lurks within us all. It is a tale that will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading, leaving you haunted by its beauty and complexity. Johanna Van Veen has crafted a truly unforgettable debut, and I eagerly await whatever dark delights she has in store for us next.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“My Darling Dreadful Thing” by Johanna Van Veen is a captivating blend of gothic horror, psychological suspense, and sapphic romance that grips readers from the outset. Set in a world where the boundaries between the living and the dead are blurred, the narrative follows Roos Beckman, a young woman bound to the spectral presence of Ruth, her ethereal companion. Their journey unfolds against the backdrop of deceitful séances and the enigmatic estate of the affluent widow Agnes Knoop, where secrets and mysteries abound. Through a masterful narrative technique that blends first-person storytelling with epistolary elements, Van Veen plunges readers into a realm of chilling intrigue and elegant prose. Rich in atmospheric detail and nuanced characterization, “My Darling Dreadful Thing” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the darkness that resides within us all, cementing Van Veen’s place as a formidable talent in the realm of gothic fiction.