The Reformatory

Writing was phenomenal, felt very immersed in the story and the time period it was set in. Learned a lot about the culture and history of the areas it took place in.

I had to put it down several times and pick it back up again. This book is dark and it's LONG. And you definitely don't feel good about reading it once you're done. I do not believe this book is a "horror" book. Are the book's contents horrific and vile, absolutely. But it isn’t the main element. It's a historical fiction first and foremost. Yes, there's a slight paranormal element to it with the "haints" but to be honest it reads more like a thriller. I also found the pacing to be off. The book was probably longer than it needed to be, with Gloria's chapters feeling unnecessary at times. Her chapters felt repetitive and they dragged the story out way longer than it needed to be.