The premise is intriguing, the writing is well done, and even though there aren’t witches (as I originally thought) there is some magic that warrants a closer look.
This week’s spoiler-free review is for Adrienne Young’s 2023 romantic and mysterious historical novel: The Unmaking of June Farrow.
As always, I examine the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, and overall entertainment value.
Plus, there’s a delightful popcorn fact at the end and a little reveal about the speculative fiction aspect that makes this book the unique experience it is. Enjoy!
Tag Archives: historical
16. A Song To Drown Rivers (Book Review)
This week, I discuss Ann Liang’s 2024 historical novel A Song To Drown Rivers. This book avoids the pitfalls of the YA genre, tells a compelling story, and even has some interesting things to say about power and the patriarchy. I have two main plot quibbles that I will warn you about in this Spoiler-Free review,… and then I will totally rant about the ending in a video coming to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in the next day or two, so look out for that.
55. The Shanghai Tunnels, Portland, Oregon
In this episode: how commerce, tall tales, and xenophobia collide with notions of innocence and victimization to create the folklore of Portland’s Haunted Shanghai Tunnels.
54. Rispin Mansion
Perched on a tree-covered riverbank in the coastal town of Capitola, California there is a once-glorious mansion. Built by Henry Rispin, this “haunted house” has been abandoned for decades and now lurks in the shade just outside of easy view. In this episode, Matt discusses the history of the mansion, the ghosts who are said to haunt it, and its role in Santa Cruz County folklore.
53. Themes of the Podcast Part 2 (Ghost Stories and History)
Matt discusses how ghost stories both enhance and warp our understanding of the past. The relationship between historic understanding and the paranormal is complex and fascinating, and Matt tries to give a bit of insight.
74. The Dig
In this episode, Kaylia is joined by real-life archeologist Matthew to discuss this real-life event that was heavily changed to be a novel that was then heavily changed to be a movie. Join us for a discussion of archeology, history, badly inserted queer plotlines, and what Kaylia deems as an unforgivable literary sin.
KMMA Media 