Scan barcode
A review by leiahuttslayer
Apocalypse Child: Surviving Doomsday and the Search for Identity at the End of the World by Carly Butler
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Apocalypse Child from Caitlin Press, in exchange for my honest review. The author is a close friend of mine, and this is my honest opinion.
While the subject matter is quite difficult, Carly manages to handle it with grace and gentleness, both for herself and the others in her life that she writes about. The other “characters” in the book feel so real that I could almost imagine hearing their voices in the dialogue. Carly’s mother in particular sticks out as being especially vivid, and Carly manages to share the truth without making her mother into a villain. The book is incredibly well-balanced, with Carly often working through what she thinks the perspectives of others might be.
Carly’s authorial voice is incredibly strong and well developed, evoking a roller coaster of emotions as she lays out her life, and reflects on what it means to be alive through so many tiny apocalypses. Carly provides vivid and visceral imagery that will leave you feeling like you lived these things yourself, and also makes you laugh through tears. Her search for connection, meaning, and identity through the course of the book will ring as universal truths to many readers of many backgrounds.
This is an absolutely incredible read, and is sure to hit home with anyone who has experienced the trauma of zealous evangelical Christianity, or a fly-by-night parent who doesn’t always tell the truth in the name of a “greater good”. Perfect for fans of Tara Westover’s Educated and Dean Winchester. I could have read 100 more pages, easily.
While the subject matter is quite difficult, Carly manages to handle it with grace and gentleness, both for herself and the others in her life that she writes about. The other “characters” in the book feel so real that I could almost imagine hearing their voices in the dialogue. Carly’s mother in particular sticks out as being especially vivid, and Carly manages to share the truth without making her mother into a villain. The book is incredibly well-balanced, with Carly often working through what she thinks the perspectives of others might be.
Carly’s authorial voice is incredibly strong and well developed, evoking a roller coaster of emotions as she lays out her life, and reflects on what it means to be alive through so many tiny apocalypses. Carly provides vivid and visceral imagery that will leave you feeling like you lived these things yourself, and also makes you laugh through tears. Her search for connection, meaning, and identity through the course of the book will ring as universal truths to many readers of many backgrounds.
This is an absolutely incredible read, and is sure to hit home with anyone who has experienced the trauma of zealous evangelical Christianity, or a fly-by-night parent who doesn’t always tell the truth in the name of a “greater good”. Perfect for fans of Tara Westover’s Educated and Dean Winchester. I could have read 100 more pages, easily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, Racism, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Religious bigotry