Book: Her Wicked Roots by Tanya Pell
Reviewed by Weird | weird.reads.books
Rating: 4.5/5
I have a slight confession: I was drawn to this book because of the absolutely gorgeous cover. After reading the summary and learning it was gothic horror (one of my favorite genres), I had to read this book. Sometimes it’s okay to judge a book by its cover, because this one is as stunning inside as out.
Following Cordelia, Pell paints a beautiful, uneasy atmosphere. The town wants nothing to do with her as she searches for her brother. A position as a maid at a grand estate pulls her into the orbit of its mysterious lady and botanist, Lady Evangeline, the dangerous and beautiful daughters, Briar and Prim, and a staff of maids who keep far too many secrets.
This novel is a queer retelling of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Rappaccini’s Daughter” (which I haven’t read), so I wasn’t sure what to expect. In addition to a classic gothic house that seems to speak, we got a garden that feels alive and nature going peculiarly wrong (how lovely!). Eyes are everywhere; you never feel alone. The maids move like a small cult, devoted to Lady Evangeline and her daughters, all for the garden’s benefit. It’s fascinating.
Overall, I’m so glad I read this. The ending landed exactly where I felt it was heading. I jokingly called it the “Gothic Gay Horticulture Horror” while reading, and I mean that as a compliment. Now that I know it’s as beautiful as its cover, I can safely order the physical copy for my trophy case. I definitely recommend this if you love gothic horror.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tanya Pell for the ARC. All opinions are my own.