A review by virago
The Between by Tananarive Due

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Wow!  This was confusing, frustrating, and frightening all in the best way.  This was flawlessly written.  I was completely enveloped in this world.  

Eight-year-old Hilton James suffered from terrible nightmares after a near-death experience that claimed the life of his beloved Nana.  These dreams followed him into adulthood, disappearing briefly after therapy sessions, only to return when he had another near-death incident. The dreams were worse and began consuming his waking life.

His family (and Hilton) watched as he began to fall deeper into insanity from the lack of sleep and the visceral dreams.  Then he began to wonder if he was actually crazy.  Was he losing his mind?  Or, were his dreams real?

This was a beautifully crafted story story.  And while the book didn't scare the pants off me like I had hoped, it did; however, mess with my head. I am now leery of dreaming.  Well done, Ms. Due, well done.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings