My Darling Dreadful Thing

I think my favorite thing about My Darling Dreadful Thing is the overall idea. If I just read an outline of the concept with the biggest plot points and the ending, I’d love it. So basically I’d love a synopsis, I guess.

Agnes and Wilemijn felt very one-dimensional, and even Roos, the MC, didn’t feel fully developed to me. We got more information about her than anyone else, and it was easier to understand her and relate to or sympathize with her because of that, but it’s still not enough as I think it could have been. I felt bad for Roos because of her upbringing and her life experiences, but I also found her kind of annoying and it was hard to get past that.

Every couple chapters, there’s a short transcript of an interview between Roos and a doctor that takes place after the events of the book. The interviews make it clear that Roos is an unreliable narrator, and I did enjoy that aspect quite a bit.

I did love Ruth, and that Johanna van Veen took inspiration from bog bodies to explain her origins and why there aren’t a ton of spirits wandering around everywhere. Ruth’s fierce overprotection of and loyalty towards Roos was creepy, but kind of in a sweet way, considering the lack of affection Roos had all her life. I loved the descriptions of the way Ruth possessed Roos and used her body for various tasks, like performing the séances.

The writing in general was great, in first person from Roos’ perspective (with the exception of the interview transcriptions). The story takes place in the 50s but Roos uses somewhat antiquated language which is both lovely and a bit haunting. There’s some descriptive language in My Darling Dreadful Thing which paints a beautiful picture I truly wish I could see. For those who can visualize, I bet something wonderful can be found in the descriptions of the house Roos is brought to live.

Aside from a few character complaints, I feel like this is a book I should have loved, but I when I ask myself if I liked it and attempt to answer the question simply, my answer is “it was okay.”