In the Dream House is a powerful and poignant memoir by Carmen Maria Machado, in which she chronicles her harrowing experience living with an abusive spouse. With lyrical prose and intimate insight, Machado deftly explores the psychological toll of domestic violence, as well as its effects on her relationships and creative process. This brave book is both a haunting account of abuse and a rallying cry for change.
For who is this book for ?
In the Dream House is for anyone who wants to better understand domestic violence and the impact it has on survivors. It provides an unflinching look at Machado’s experience, while also highlighting broader issues surrounding DV. The memoir is especially relevant for readers who identify as LGBTQ+, as macho culture can often be particularly toxic in these communities.
Pros :
- In the Dream House is a powerful and poignant memoir by Carmen Maria Machado, in which she chronicles her harrowing experience living with an abusive spouse.
- With lyrical prose and intimate insight, Machado deftly explores the psychological toll of domestic violence, as well as its effects on her relationships and creative process.
- This brave book is both a haunting account of abuse and a rallying cry for change.
Cons :
- It can be triggering for those who have experienced abuse
- It may be difficult to read due to the nature of the subject matter
- The writing is lyrical, which might make it slow paced for some readers
Learn more about the author
Carmen Maria Machado is an award-winning writer of short fiction and a Lambda Literary Award finalist. Born in flagrante delicto in Philadelphia, she has lived all over the United States.
Reader Reviews
“In the Dream House lays bare Carmen Maria Machado’s heart and soul. It is a story of survival in the face of incredible odds, but it is also so much more than that. This book opened my eyes to all the different ways domestic violence can play out, and I was absolutely riveted from beginning to end.”
“In the Dream House is a searing and necessary account of intimate partner violence, one that rockets off the page with Carmen Maria Machado’s fierce prose and clear-eyed observations. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand this all too common experience, as well as its insidious effects on mental health.”
“In the Dream House is an absolutely stunning book – a memoir of abuse that is both poetic and brutally honest, unflinchingly exposing the nightmare of spousal violence. Carmen Maria Machado’s voice burns with fury and compassion, never letting us forget the human cost of this epidemic. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand what it means to be trapped in an abusive relationship.”
“An important, timely memoir. In the Dream House should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand domestic violence.”
