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A review by ginnylambda
Model Home by Rivers Solomon
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'd walk down any literary path with Solomon. At first I was disappointed it was so short - but when the reveal happened (truly horrifying, because of the plausible aspects) I saw how the story needed to be tighter than their other works. You still have to trust Solomon but they won't betray you. But do read the content warnings! There isn't detailed child molestation on page but the dread and implications of past and active abuse are gnarly. The 'haunting' turns out to be white neighbours who have been drugging the protagonist's family and, in the case of an older female neighbour molesting the protagonist most of their childhood. The protagonist's teen child is also groomed and assaulted by a different female pedophile. The protagonist's inner monologue of self-hatred and disgust might be rough for someone who is in a depressive episode or struggling with autistic burnout.
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, and Vomit
Moderate: Violence and Abandonment
Minor: Animal death and Gun violence