A review by librarymouse
Tell the Machine Goodnight by Katie Williams

emotional funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

There are books whose summaries manage to accurately summarize the events of the story, yet somehow not be representative of the story at all. This story is about Pearl and Rhett but the other character burn just as brightly, are just as deeply flawed, and pull the reader in just as close.
Val is a particular favorite of mine in the complexity of her characterization. I adore how Rhett is characterized as well, especially in the divergence in how he views himself and treats his loved ones. His need for control and purity expresses through severely disorder eating is so painfully real. It's hard to see Pearl expect the worst from her son, but getting to see her through the lens of something other than mother clarifies her character and the choices she makes in interesting ways.
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