A coming-of-age tragedy of hunger for love, obsession and healing

What is the Book About?

(No danger here, spoiler-free zone.)

Little One lives with Mama at the edge of the forest. Mama likes the Strays, the lost ones, the aimless ones. She likes to invite them in when they don’t know where to go. She likes to nurture them back to life, make them feel like they are safe and cared for. And then she likes to eat them. Until one day, an unusual one tumbles upon their doorstep. The one, who is called Eden.

The Lamb is the debut novel of the author, Lucy Rose. It is categorised as folk horror but there could be some debate on that. Which just shows how hard it is to put a story in a box. It has elements of gore, coming-of-age, queer, feminine, it is also quite a bit meditative. It is a complex book, with a huge message, and importance that should be talked about in every book club at least once in its lifetime. 

I would say, it is a medium-paced novel that is very easy to read and keeps you intrigued the entire time. Which compared to the fact that is mostly character and not necessarily plot-driven is quite an amazing thing to achieve. It has triggering subjects, the whole book meant to be one, so just keep that in mind before proceeding. As always, if I left out something, I apologise, it was not intentional.

My Thoughts – no spoilers

It is hard to speak about this book, without mentioning anything specific, but I can definitely say that the novel was thought-provoking. The subject, the tragedy about the hunger for love, obsession and healing from my POV was done honestly. It is an extremely delicate and complex subject to even think about, let alone write a whole novel about it. And be this vulnerable and open during the whole time, to the world. To the readers. And if I really appreciate something as a reader from writers in general, it is honesty. 

There were some aspects of the novel, or more like patterns, that were really triggering for me. And I’m not someone who easily gets triggered by books. Not on an emotional level, but more like triggering as in  certain repetitive sounds or/and visuals. I was even surprised at myself, how hard it was for me to get through these particular scenes. Which again, I think was done very smartly by the author. 

There is a nice character-arc throughout, especially for the main character, Margot. Side characters are also important and pivotal to the story. Even though it is mostly character-driven, the reader is still invited into a plot that builds up over time. The chapters are short, which is always good when you are someone who doesn’t have much time at once to read. Or when you need a little breather in between scenes. It has 336 pages, so an average length, not too short, not too long. 

As I mentioned before, besides that it has some really triggering aspects for me, it was an easy and enjoyable read. It kept my attention, it made me think. And it kept me thinking even after I finished it. What’s more, by the time I’m writing this, I have finished a few other books as well. Also, working through my reading slump. And I still think about it, quite often.

On an emotional level the reading experience was similar to Separate Rooms by Pier Vittorio Tondelli just without the cannibalism and horror aspect.

Do I recommend to read The Lamb?

(SPOILER ALERT!!)

There is so much to pick and choose from as a subject matter, that goes way beyond the book itself. I do think it is an excellent choice for any book clubs to mull over. Obviously, after making sure that everyone is happy to read it. (see trigger warnings).

I have a really hard time answering my own question: Would I recommend this book to others?

In short: it depends. It is not an easy book to read on one level, but it is also not a hard to read one either. From a literary point of view. I know, for me since I also had a complicated relationship with my mother, it was an interesting read. It gave me ideas that I wouldn’t have before. Which was beneficial for my own internal journey. 

From a literary point of view, it was a fun read. What I mean by fun, is that the book read itself and I wasn’t bored. There were parts where I was confused, or I didn’t understand the characters choices at all. But the characters were not logical to begin with, as they are in an extreme unhealthy mental space. Unhinged basically. So I can criticise my own opinions and feelings from sunrise to sunset. I wasn’t necessarily blown away by the novel, as it genuinely happens less and less as I get older and read more books. 

Nevertheless, if I could pick only one thing that I absolutely loved as a choice that the author made, was the ENDING. By far, my favourite part, and it truly saved the book in regards to my reading experience. I wasn’t really sure about the plot up to the third-quarter of the book, but it ended beautifully and fairly. I think it did justice to the characters as well. Also, finally lifted the book into the real realm of folk horror.

A really Strong Debut Novel

All in all, The Lamb is a really strong debut novel. It is standing on  honest foundation. It felt like the author put her heart and soul into it, and that swept through the pages just like the mold on Margot’s fingers. 

I can’t wait to see where Lucy Rose’s author journey will lead us, but I’m here for it. Let it be in the horror genre or something completely different. It’s hard to be a debut author in this time and age, where you also need to have an online presence. She does a brilliant job on so many levels. I hope this world treats her novel right and she will keep writing beautiful things to us, readers.