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A review by poisoned_icecream
Pieties by Marc Ruvolo
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Andrew has been diagnosed with AIDS, and leaves New York to return to his religious and homophobic parents' home. At night he hears footsteps in the walls, which he assumes are rats. Also, his mother's cats keep disappearing and his father has been walking outside during the night in his garden. Andrew begins to suspect he is having an affair.
This novella is definitely worth checking out. It is queer, creepy and unsettling. The real horror in my opinion though is not whatever is lurking in the walls, but the homophobic bigotry, rich and violent gay men, and Andrew's best friend Christine. All the people whom Andrew should be able to trust turn on him due to him being sick and/or gay. I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy queer horror.
This novella is definitely worth checking out. It is queer, creepy and unsettling. The real horror in my opinion though is not whatever is lurking in the walls, but the homophobic bigotry, rich and violent gay men, and Andrew's best friend Christine. All the people whom Andrew should be able to trust turn on him due to him being sick and/or gay. I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy queer horror.
Graphic: Ableism and Homophobia
Moderate: Animal death