Reviewed by Trenice
Thriller and Horror fiction seem to be dominated by heteronormative perspectives that people of color and groups that are othered just don’t find relatable, and for a long time that has been my stance on these particular genres. Also, countless times I’ve watched and read horror/thrillers, and the situation wouldn’t apply because my default is getting the heck out the house, a hotel will be perfectly fine, and if I must — I’ll go to my mothers house. I can’t stress enough that I don’t need random sleep walking and disappearing pets to get the message.
Contemporary writers have been exploring new perspectives, and Tananarive Due is one of those writers. She has a character who actually knows when it’s time to get out the house and doesn’t require too much convincing that the devil himself might be there. I’m not much of a horror fan but I can appreciate a little representation. This book combines a “modern” black family with colonial African American magick. I think Due tried too hard when it came to African American vernacular, its a bit much. It’s an interesting read, would I recommend it, no.
The Good House is available for circulation within The Municipal Library Consortium.