Book Review: The Poorly Made and Other Things by Rebelin
When I first picked up The Poorly Made and Other Things by Rebelin, I was drawn in by the intriguing premise: a collection of interconnected stories that delve into the sinister legacy of a fictional town, Renfield County. As someone who relishes a good horror tale, especially those that blend mythos and madness, I was excited to explore what Rebelin had crafted after the acclaimed Edenville. And oh, what a spine-chilling journey it was!
Right from the beginning, we’re introduced to Rachel, a frantic sister on a mission to uncover the dark truths of her hometown—a place steeped in a history of violence and despair that has apparently claimed their mother as its victim. Each of her emails to her estranged brother, Tom, is both an urgent plea for understanding and a chilling recounting of the land’s cursed past. The unfurling narrative alternates seamlessly between these emails and gripping short stories centered around the haunting lives that inhabit Renfield.
What astounded me was how the narrative evolves from Rachel’s frantic words to eerie tales that immerse you in the very essence of despair, defying any expectations I might have had. Each story, whether it’s about the harrowing "Detour" or the eerie "Every Thursday We Feed the Cats," builds upon the others, creating a haunting tapestry that is as beautifully unsettling as it is cohesive. The sense of dread is pervasive; it lurks in the shadows of every page, and just when you think you’ve outsmarted it, it delivers a direct blow that leaves you breathless.
Rebelin’s writing style deserves special mention. It’s not just the horror that grips you; it’s the way he marries beautifully crafted language with visceral imagery. The pacing is intentional, allowing the reader to sink into the characters’ lives just enough before chaos erupts. The emails’ timestamps—ranging from “8 hours ago” to “26 minutes ago”—add an urgent tension, as if we are piecing together a puzzle that grows darker with each revealed layer.
One particularly haunting quote that’s stuck with me is, “The land remembers, even when we wish to forget.” This encapsulates the essence of the collection—how history leaves scars that fester, affecting generations. Rebelin’s exploration of this theme resonates deeply, not just within the context of horror but also as a reminder of the legacies we inherit from our past.
If you’re a fan of authors like Josh Malerman, known for weaving rich, interconnected tales, or Sarah Read, whose stories sneak up on you, then this collection is a must-read. It’s more than just a series of horrors; it’s a commentary on how places shape destinies and the madness that can emerge from long-buried secrets.
Having wrapped up my reading, I found myself yearning to revisit Edenville. Having read The Poorly Made and Other Things, I can only imagine how the knowledge of Renfield’s darkness will amplify the experience of that narrative.
In essence, this book is a lush, unsettling tapestry that resonates with both fans of horror and those who appreciate powerful storytelling. So, if you’re ready to dive into a world where the land itself seems cursed, I wholeheartedly recommend picking this collection up. You won’t be disappointed.
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