Delicate Condition

 I enjoyed Delicate Condition from conception to birth, but the last portion – the epidural most have kicked in – took it from like to love. (I don't even know what I'm saying here.) I am giving it 5 stars, but I know this is extra subjective. It had themes I'm into, and it's the kind of horror I enjoy, but I know this is niche.

This is presented as a modern day version of Rosemary's Baby. I not only love Rosemary's Baby but recently buddy read it again with my husband. I'm glad of the timing, with RB fresh in my mind as I read DC.

The comparison is apt and I'm sure RB was in Danielle Valentine's mind as she wrote. Ira Levin seemed to have an understanding of how sexism plays a role in Rosemary's isolation, in her sense of powerlessness. Danielle Valentine, understandably, has an even better grasp of all the many wants misogyny manifests.

Anna, our main character, is a wealthy and privileged white woman. Rosemary, to a slightly lesser extent, is the same. Danielle Valentine, however, acknowledges something that probably didn't occur to Ira Levin – that childbirth is more perilous for women of color, even wealthy women of color. These women are acknowledged and woven into the narrative.

The author can't fully speak for those women, but she can acknowledge them. Our sisters. Now, publishers have to step up to allow all women to be able to tell their stories, to allow women of color to be in the spotlight, to be the main characters. And obviously society and the medical field also need to step up. For all the people who give birth, or struggle to conceive.

(As an aside, I'm also reading Femina, a book about the forgotten women of the middle ages, all the lost voices.)

To an extent, THAT'S the central question of the book. Who looks out for the women that the patriarchy has failed? Especially women at their most vulnerable. Who helps those most in need?

In terms of horror, it's there and there are some scenes that are impactful – gross or anxiety inducing – but the author pulls some punches. There are some additional scenes in the back of my copy that had been removed that didn't pull those punches. Essentially, the book is big on it was just a dream/hallucination. Objectively, this feels like a cop-out, but given my own sensitivities, I'm also relieved. Heh, if you read you'll know.

I'd also like to say the editing isn't as tight as it could be, with some inconsistencies and some line editing issues. 

But there's a lot of genuine horror moments, many just legitimate pregnancy symptoms and side effects turned up to 11. 

I'm childless by choice, but this didn't stop me from rooting for Anna, for rooting for everyone who wants to have children, who has complications on the way, who has been dismissed by medical professionals. (I've experienced the latter, just not in this circumstance.)

Anna's husband is, by the way, the worst. It was interesting to read that a lot of people thought the author was too harsh. I personally laughed. Like, do it again! But spoilers, Darlings. 

The explanations for what all had been happening tied together surprisingly nicely. I think it's debatable if, um, well – you might have your own take on if everyone's choices and actions were justified. The story created a feeling of absolute paranoia very well. I trusted literally no one. I think again without spoiling, we find out that the paranoia is justified, but that there are also forces working in Anna's favor. 

This was a library borrow for me, which is about due, and I also see it's available on KU. (And the subject of this season of American Horror Story.) I'm going to return the book to the library as soon as I post this – there's a waiting line. However, I plan on purchasing my own copy. So, while I know this story won't be everyone's cup of tea, this is my highest praise. 

I was expecting a run of the mill domestic thriller, but this was surprisingly darker (much darker!) then I thought it would be.

A Gripping and Empowering Horror Experience

I couldn't resist requesting “Delicate Condition” on Netgalley after hearing it would be a central theme for American Horror Story - my fascination with all things gore drew me in. The added reference to it being compared to The Silent Patient sealed the deal. To my genuine surprise, I was selected, and what followed was an intense two-day read that could easily be devoured in one sitting. This book evoked such raw and visceral feelings, simultaneously frightening and compelling with its beautiful prose. Anna's grief and paranoia became my own, making me feel as though I was descending into madness alongside her. The book also exposed the infuriating history of downplaying women's physical and mental health as mere hysteria, a fact highlighted even more in the author's poignant note at the end. Skipping it would be a mistake; it will truly touch your heart.

One aspect I loved was the withholding of real explanations until the end. The different female perspectives interspersed with Anna's lightly touched on the plot, leaving me constantly wondering and piecing things together. I almost passed on this book, but learning that it inspired AHS season 12 changed my mind, and I'm so grateful for that discovery. This book is unputdownable, and I highly recommend it to all readers.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the author, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, and NetGalley for providing me with digital access in exchange for this honest review.