I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne M. Valente Published by Tordotcom on November 9 2021
Genres: Adult, Horror
Pages: 112
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: A clever and surprising mystery steeped in myth, Comfort Me With Apples is told in Catherynne M. Valente’s unique style.
If there’s one thing I can count on with Catherynne M. Valente, it’s that she always surprises me. Her stories are not your normal, run of the mill variety. Rather, she creates scenarios that would never occur to me, she’s that unique. Comfort Me With Apples is another weird and wonderful creation of hers and I loved it. Readers who have trouble with “weird,” though, may find the story too bizarre, but the novella length works well in this case, and Valente creates an interesting mystery that grips the reader and doesn’t let go.
And because of this mystery, there’s barely anything I can tell you about the plot. Sophia has the perfect life. She lives with her husband in an exclusive gated community called Arcadia Gardens, where strict rules keep everyone safe and happy. She wakes up each morning happy to be alive, anticipating the arrival of her husband after work. She takes pride in cleaning their house from top to bottom, preparing her husband delicious meals, and behaving perfectly in front of her neighbors.
But one day Sophia’s happiness begins to crack when she discovers something unsettling: in a locked drawer in her vanity she finds a huge, bristled hairbrush and a coarse lock of black hair, neither of which belong to her. When she discovers a small bone stuck in the kitchen knife block, Sophia begins to wonder if her perfect life isn’t so perfect after all…
Valente blends Greek and biblical mythology but twists them into her own creation. I spent most of the story trying to figure out what was going on, and even though I had some early theories, the author throws in all sorts of things that threw me off. For example, Sophia kept referring to her house as huge. She needs a step stool to get into bed. Her feet dangle when she sits at the kitchen table to eat. And climbing the stairs is a feat that seems to take hours. Other clues didn’t mesh with this idea of Sophia being “tiny,” like her neighbors who all have animal names: Mrs. Fische, Mrs. Lyon, Mrs. Minke. Even more curious, the story is interspersed with the official rules of the Arcadia Gardens complex, rules that seem to get more and more ominous as the story goes along:
- Should you wish to personalize your dwelling, the following paint colors are acceptable: Virgin White, Eggshell, Purity, First Snow, Antique Porcelain, Morning Star, Fresh Cream, Mother’s Milk, and Innocence.
The other characters all seem menacing, especially a music teacher named Mr. Semengelof, who appears to be overly interested in Sophia. Valente has a way of choosing her words carefully, and there is hidden meaning in practically every one. I found myself rereading certain pages because I was sure there were clues I was missing, and even at the end I wanted to go back and reread the story.
Also, make sure to pay attention to the chapter titles! It took me most of the book to figure out what Valente was doing—yes, I’m slow, lol. But trust me, it all ties together in the end.
Once Sophia has her awakening, so to speak, the pace picks up considerably, and it doesn’t take long for the author to finally reveal the true nature of Arcadia Gardens and its residents. Before we get to that point, however, there are plenty of creepy sections as Sophia makes some startling discoveries about her husband. It’s hard to pin a genre on this odd tale. Part horror, part fantasy, part fever dream, all Catherynne M. Valente. The ending was simply brilliant, at least in my opinion. I think readers are going to be divided over this one, but I personally found it extremely clever and entertaining.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
Ohhh, intriguing! This novel sounds like a cross between the Stepford Wives and the myth of Bluebeard, although your mention of Greek and biblical myths makes the proposition even more interesting. And I have still to read a Valente book, although I plan to: could this be the one – finally? 😉
Thanks for sharing!
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…GIVEN TO DARKNESS (The Ikiri Duology #2), by Phil Williams
It definitely has a Stepford wives feel at the beginning, but that changes, lol.
I’ve heard nothing but excellent things about this novella; and, your review is pushing me to read this book sooner rather than later!
I hope you get to read it soon, and that you love it too:-)
This review makes me even more excited (who knew that was possible??) about this book! I love Valente’s weird, and this premise just sounds so intriguing.
I hope you enjoy it!
I’ve tried a couple of her books before and haven’t gotten along well with her writing… but this sounds so intriguing! Maybe I’ll give her another shot.
I would say she’s an acquired taste, lol.
You’ve left me intrigued. I don’t believe I’ve tried any of her work, but I’d like to correct that one of these days. And it sounds like even if this one isn’t to my liking there might be something else that is.
She’s very different, but I really like most everything I’ve read of hers.
I recently finished this one, Tammy, and what a weird, unique, and engaging story- I agree! Wonderful review!
Thanks Jennifer! So unique, right?
Question: But are there apples?
Spoilers!
Does sound strange! I don’t know how I’ll do with it, but I’m looking forward to finding out!
Might be too strange for you, but it might work?
I’m not familiar with this author but I love how unique this story sounds. I can see what you mean though about how readers will probably be divided. I could see it being a case where people either absolutely love it or it’s just not their cup of tea.
Exactly. I find I have a pretty good tolerance for “weird” but not all readers do.
Would this be a good start to Valente? I haven’t read anything by her yet, but want to try her work 😉
I would say yes! It’s short enough to give you an idea of her style and I loved it. I also really loved Radiance, which is a weird multi-world science fiction.
Thanks, Tammy! 🙂
This is soo intriguing — you’ve given me just enough be absoltely curious about what’s this all about!
I can’t wait to pick this one up – I have such a lot of catching up to do (which seems to be my constant refrain this year). A very encouraging rating and we do have very similar tastes so I’m excited.
Lynn 😀
Oh heck yes! This sounds awesome, and it’s been too long since I read me some Valente!