Book Review: I Am Made of Death by Kelly Barnhill
It’s not often that a book leaves you feeling as if you’ve been given a piece of your soul back, but that’s exactly what I Am Made of Death did for me. Kelly Barnhill has a knack for delving into the essence of human experience, and this finale is no exception. After immersing myself in its hauntingly beautiful pages, I found myself questioning not only the characters’ choices but also my own perspectives on trauma, identity, and the visceral nature of human connection.
At its core, I Am Made of Death explores themes of trauma, identity, and the complex dimensions of love. The character struggles resonate deeply, particularly through Vivienne, whose journey of self-discovery unfurls against a backdrop of horror intertwined with classic coming-of-age themes. Barnhill’s clever metaphors, wherein bones symbolize both vulnerability and resilience, stuck with me long after I turned the final page. How brilliantly she juxtaposes the rawness of feeling with the solidity of bones—a detail that haunts the narrative, making it visceral and palpable.
The writing style is nothing short of lyrical. Barnhill has a unique way of transforming the grotesque into something that feels achingly real. For me, moments like the chilling imagery of "a sunken horror wrapped in shipwreck silence," and the description of Vivienne’s internal battles conjured vivid, emotional responses. There’s also a delicious dark humor woven throughout, evident in characters whose banter and dynamics had me laughing out loud despite the overarching themes of struggle.
One of the standout aspects of this book was its character development. The relationship between Vivienne and Thomas is fraught with the kind of tension that both grips and breaks your heart. I particularly loved how Thomas’ emotional intelligence balances Vivienne’s struggles, creating a rich tapestry of interactions that were both touching and painfully real. Quotes like “Please don’t ask me to leave, because I’ll go if you tell me to, but I won’t feel good about it” resonated with me, revealing the heartbreaking depths of their bond and their ongoing fight against their inner demons.
However, I do find myself wishing for a bit more depth in certain moments, particularly regarding Thomas’ anger issues. Chapter 24 felt like a slight detour in character consistency, which, although resolved in subsequent pages, left me questioning the pacing and character integrity. Yet, this minor hiccup didn’t overshadow the overall enjoyment of the book.
In conclusion, I Am Made of Death invites readers to reflect on their experiences through a lens of horror and beauty. This book will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or burdened by their own expectations and relationships. Whether you’re a fan of dark fantasy, nuanced character dynamics, or simply need a reminder of the complexities of love and self-acceptance, Barnhill’s work is not to be missed. Personally, this reading experience has left me with a deeper appreciation for representation in horror, and I’m already looking forward to my next re-read of her other works. Thank you, Kelly Barnhill, for this gift—I can feel its impact echoing through my thoughts even now.