Book Review: How to be Eaten by Maria Adelmann

*A copy was received by NetGalley for review purposes*

This book caught my eye from the cover, let's be honest. I'm also a huge fan of Grimm's retellings - especially those of Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf. The synopsis was also a huge eye catcher for me. I mean, come on:

"This darkly funny and provocative novel reimagines classic fairy tale characters as modern women in a support group for trauma.

In present-day New York City, five women meet in a basement support group to process their traumas."

For me- hook, line, and I had sunk. This book was everything I thought it was going to be and more. It was every bit as funny and unique as I expected it to be. It was also jaw dropping, disturbing and hooking. It made me squirm. It was every bit as disturbing as the original Grimm Tales but with just enough modern twist to make it even more horrifying. Imagine Grimm Fairytales meets a true crime podcast. If you enjoy either of those, and better yet, both...this is a great read to break up the fictional monotony.

Adelmann is truly imaginative. She took the characters we have known/heard about and gave them life. She gave them modern flesh and bone. Ever thought you might relate to Gretel (from Hansel and Gretel)? How about Bluebear's wife? No? Me either. Though, Adelmann was able to put a wonderful spin on these fairytale women in which you could. I've never felt these fairytale characters to be so realistic. Her writing style puts you right there in a seat next to them all. Listening to each of their stories with undeterred interest and compassion. I have not read anything like this. Incredibly unique and transformative.

Each character has her own story. That which is recognizable and that in which is their own. I felt most for Bernice (story of Bluebeard) as holy shit they made that creepy!! I also liked Gretel (Hansel and Gretel). Her story was probably the most touching. Although, I would've liked to see more of a conclusion to her and her brother. Ruby (Little Red) was probably the most disturbing character and story. She downright irked me. I couldn't stand Ashlee (Beauty and the Beast? Still not 100% sure on this one but its the closest I could get) but her story was probably the most mind boggling. Reality TV is very disturbing if even a single bead of it was accurately represented here. Reina was a story I couldn't see coming. I know a few other reviews said they did but I was pretty much blind sighted. Man, oh, man do these girls come with their baggage. Their dialogue among themselves was hysterical. Their stories give you the same goosebumps true crime give you and with every ounce of the same intrigue that keeps you watching (reading) in dismay and horrid morbid interest.

While I was incredibly impressed with the originality of this book, I'm not sure what holds me back from giving it a higher rating. Though, I will say that while writing this review, it deserves a change from 3.5 original rating to more of a 4. It could be its unrestrained bluntness of woman's traumas that is just too honest it makes me uncomfortable. I think it's mainly that at it's core its so disturbingly honest that it can't shine. It lacks that end-of-book luster...satisfaction It was an evilly disguised self-help, non-fiction and as a reader that reads for the sake of a dragged out, battered happy ending...we got none. Ah! there it is! It is the lack of a satisfying conclusion.

What happened with Gretel and Jade? Her brother? Yes, Ruby got some progress made but what of her ticks? Raina got doubly shafted with no sense of conclusion despite being the main mystery. Bernice was the only one we really got closure on. I don't think there is enough here at the end for a sequel - though I would LOVE to see her tackle a few more fairytales in therapy sessions. But there it is, it lacked higher rating for me for it's lack of adequate (or my own idea of adequate) conclusion. That being said, I would highly recommend to anyone who needs a change of pace but doesn't feel like reading smut, romance, or another fantasy. It's an excellent pallet cleanser. Loved it!