Book Review: Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey
As a book blogger, I’m often drawn to stories that linger in the shadows of reality, and Unspeakable Things caught my eye with its poignant blend of nostalgia and horror. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Minnesota, Jess Lourey weaves a chilling narrative rooted in her own hometown’s eerie history. I felt an immediate connection to the community she portrayed, stirring up haunting memories of childhood innocence overshadowed by darker truths.
At the heart of this gripping tale is Cassie McDowell, whose seemingly idyllic life on a farm takes a sinister turn as local boys begin to vanish, only to return changed, both physically and emotionally. Through Cassie’s eyes, we explore not just a mystery but a transition from childhood naiveté to the unsettling realities of adult life. Lourey captures this transformation beautifully, illuminating how innocence can swiftly dissolve under the weight of unspeakable truths.
The writing style is vivid and immersive, allowing readers to really feel Cassie’s internal struggles and the palpable dread that fills her small town. One striking passage resonated with me: “I jumped so high that I left my skin behind.” It’s a haunting metaphor for the dissonance of being both a child and a witness to horrors beyond comprehension. Lourey’s talent for evoking emotion through descriptive prose kept me glued to the pages, as I found myself oscillating between moments of nostalgia and fear.
While the pacing of the story sometimes felt uneven, the internal conflict and the unfolding mystery were enough to keep me engaged. I appreciated how Lourey took her time to develop the characters, ensuring that each one felt flesh-and-blood real, especially Cassie, whose voice was authentic and relatable. As her sister succumbs to the changes haunting the boys, the stakes rise dramatically. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile family bonds can be in times of chaos.
Yet, not all elements left me satisfied. Several readers echoed my sentiment about the abrupt ending; it felt as though we were shown the door to a deeper understanding, only to be left outside, peering in. However, perhaps that aligns with the core chaos of the story—truth often remains elusive, just out of reach.
I found myself reflecting on the moral complexities presented in this book. It dives into themes of social deviancy, the loss of innocence, and the subtle horrors that can lie in the most familiar settings. Lourey’s work provokes thought and introspection long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s a narrative that will keep you checking the corners of your community, asking yourself what lurks beneath the veneer of normalcy.
Unspeakable Things is a haunting read best suited for fans of psychological thrillers, particularly those who appreciate complex characters and morally gray narratives. It’s an exploration of how evil can manifest in the quietest places, and how we navigate the blurred lines between innocence and experience.
In closing, if you’re intrigued by tales rich in suspense and layered with emotional depth, Jess Lourey’s Unspeakable Things might just disturb and enchant you in equal measure. It’s a story that reminds us that sometimes, silence speaks volumes—and what remains unspoken can haunt us deeply.
You can find Unspeakable Things here >>