TITLE: Comfort Me with Apples
AUTHOR: Catherynne M. Valente
103 pages, TorDotCom Publishing, ISBN 9781250816214 (hardcover, also available in e-book and audio)
DESCRIPTION: (from publisher): Sophia was made for him. Her perfect husband. She can feel it in her bones. He is perfect. Their home together in Arcadia Gardens is perfect. Everything is perfect.
It's just that he's away so much. So often. He works so hard. She misses him. And he misses her. He says he does, so it must be true. He is the perfect husband and everything is perfect.
But sometimes Sophia wonders about things. Strange things. Dark things. The look on her husband's face when he comes back from a long business trip. The questions he will not answer. The locked basement she is never allowed to enter. And whenever she asks the neighbors, they can't quite meet her gaze...
But everything is perfect. Isn't it?
MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars
MY THOUGHTS: This is one of those reviews where I’m at a loss for exactly how much to say. Yes, I know the book has been out almost three months as of this writing and some folks reading this have probably already read reviews that have spoilery details. On the off chance you have not, though – I’m not going to reveal the big twists.
So what can I say?
Any fan of Cat Valente’s beautiful use of language to propel story should love this for the words alone. The structure of sentences, paragraphs, and chapters, the repetition of words and phrases – it’s all crafted with care towards keeping the reader invested in the story, and I loved every moment of it.
The pacing of Comfort Me with Apples is about as perfect as one can get in a story of this style. No time is wasted trying to lull the reader into thinking everything is fine before the big twist. From the beginning, there is no doubt that something is very wrong in Arcadia Gardens; if the language of the opening paragraphs of the residents’ agreement doesn’t tip you off, Sophia’s first thought (I was made for him) should. The question of course is: just what is wrong with Arcadia Gardens? Is this a Stepford Wives situation? Has Sophia been brainwashed and stuck in a village where no one is who they seem, ala The Prisoner? Is Sophia even a reliable focal character, or is she imagining much of what she sees? The story could plausibly go in any direction, but readers who are paying attention will figure out where it’s going around the time I did if not earlier. (And for me, it was only a few pages before what’s happening is made explicit.)
The in-story action is broken up occasionally with quotes from the Arcadia Gardens Housing Association’s Rules. They give the reader a moment to breath, to think, and they are highly effective. They’re also increasingly controlling and creepy as they continue, and really make me glad I don’t live in a gated community.
One more recommendation: if at all possible, read Comfort Me with Apples in one sitting. It’s only 103 pages in hardcover. Carve out the time. It’s worth it.
I received an electronic advance reading copy from the publisher via NetGalley.