THE DARK WE KNOW by WEN-YI LEE
A REVIEW by ALEXA DUNCAN
It’s official, readers. We are now entering Spooky Season, the greatest season of them all. Because of this, I figured it would be the perfect time to read and review a spooky book. Enter The Dark We Know by Wen-Yi Li.
This atmospheric novel stars Isadora Chang, a jaded art student, returning to her mysterious hometown of Slater after the death of her abusive father. Needing money from her father’s inheritance, she agrees to stick around long enough to attend the funeral so she’ll get her money. However, when one of her former best friends, Mason, approaches her asking if
she wants to help investigate the murders of their peers, Isa (as she’s called) knows she can’t just leave. What follows is a gripping story full of twists, turns, ghosts, and a few creepy houses. And rats. Lots of rats.
The Dark We Know first drew my attention because it’s part of Zando Publications’ new imprint, Gillian Flynn books. Yes, that Gillian Flynn of Gone Girl fame. This book is also classified as a supernatural thriller, so of course I wanted to pick it up based off that alone. From page one, I was riveted. Isa is a complicated character, and I really liked how angry she was. This anger and resentment gave her a lot of depth. She loves her family, but feels smothered by Slater. She loves her friends, but doesn’t really want to stick around to uncover why they died.
Slater itself is its own character. This is one of my favorite things in book–when the setting acts as its own entity. This is a really odd town surrounded by slate mines, spooky old houses, plagues, and so much more. Those who stay there rarely leave. Lee really makes you feel the claustrophobia Isa feels being back in town. Her writing style is excellent, the setting and scares lovingly described. I also really loved Isa’s voice. She’s tough but she’s also vulnerable. There are some great turns of phrase here as well. It’s very clear that Lee is an excellent writer even in her debut. While I did feel a little let down by the ending (it’s kind of confusing), that didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book and I can’t wait to read more by Wen-Yi Lee in the future.
If you’re looking for a spooky mystery to jumpstart the season, pick up The Dark We Know by Wen-Yi Lee at the Argenta Library!