In this thrilling and memorable novel, Solomon showcases their talent as a powerful writer.
The story unfolds following a family tragedy that reimagines the haunted-house genre in a striking way.
Ezri Maxwell and their sisters, Eve and Emmanuelle, begin receiving increasingly disturbing texts from someone impersonating their mother. As a teenager, Ezri, who is Black, nonbinary, and neurodivergent, found refuge from their hostile, predominantly white suburban community outside Dallas when they gained admission to Oxford University. Their childhood was marked by terrifying, unexplained events for which they were often blamed, leading to a strained
relationship with their parents after leaving home. For years, the siblings have believed that something dark and supernatural lurks within their childhood home at 677 Acacia Drive. However, their parents—resistant and committed to their upper-middle-class lifestyle—have refused to acknowledge this. When communication suddenly ceases between their parents and sisters, Ezri must return to Dallas with their daughter, Elijah. After nearly twenty years away, they revisit 677, only to discover both parents deceased. Although local authorities report that the Maxwells intended a murder-suicide, the siblings remain skeptical. They find themselves divided on whether their parents fell victim to supernatural forces. Solomon’s evocative prose skillfully reinterprets classic horror themes to explore an original narrative about race, class, family, trauma, and grief. Each character, including the parents, is intricately developed, with the siblings’ dynamics reflecting the evolving loyalties and the emotional fractures caused by trauma. The novel’s structure alternates between past and present, with most chapters narrated by Ezri and occasional shifts in perspective. While this may challenge some readers, the carefully crafted twists and escalating tension lead to a surprising conclusion. It is important to note that the novel addresses themes of grooming and child sexual abuse, and Solomon approaches these heavy topics with sensitivity.
In this captivating and unforgettable work, Solomon confirms their prowess as a remarkable writer.
