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A review by meghan_readsbooks
Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton
4.0
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and Henry Holt Books for the review copies of Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton, narrated by Joniece Battle-Pratt.
This book is perfect for fans of works like Kindred and serves as both an homage to, and expansion of, Shirley Jackson's The Lottery.
The plot and tone are expertly crafted—unsettling and undeniably sinister, as one review noted. The story is richly nuanced, delving into themes of belonging, the weight of decisions and actions from the past, and a much-needed exploration of what it means to be Black—where, how, and when Black lives are seen, supported, and accepted. I was captivated by Osira’s journey as she is forced to confront how the events surrounding Curdle Creek shaped her present. Her journey to the past sets in motion revelations that deepen the plot and make her a symbol of the importance of folktales in understanding identity and culture. The exploration of rites, rituals leads into ideas about community versus cult, belonging versus exclusion.
Although haunting and unsettling, the story is layered with hope and persistence, centering on the strength of Black women and their roles throughout history and into the present.
The audiobook narration is particularly stellar—Joniece Battle-Pratt’s tone, pacing, and style perfectly set the mood, and I am now a fan of her work.
This book is perfect for fans of works like Kindred and serves as both an homage to, and expansion of, Shirley Jackson's The Lottery.
The plot and tone are expertly crafted—unsettling and undeniably sinister, as one review noted. The story is richly nuanced, delving into themes of belonging, the weight of decisions and actions from the past, and a much-needed exploration of what it means to be Black—where, how, and when Black lives are seen, supported, and accepted. I was captivated by Osira’s journey as she is forced to confront how the events surrounding Curdle Creek shaped her present. Her journey to the past sets in motion revelations that deepen the plot and make her a symbol of the importance of folktales in understanding identity and culture. The exploration of rites, rituals leads into ideas about community versus cult, belonging versus exclusion.
Although haunting and unsettling, the story is layered with hope and persistence, centering on the strength of Black women and their roles throughout history and into the present.
The audiobook narration is particularly stellar—Joniece Battle-Pratt’s tone, pacing, and style perfectly set the mood, and I am now a fan of her work.