In the Dream House

by Carmen Maria Machado
In the Dream House cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 983
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781644450383
  • Publisher: Graywolf Press
  • Published: 2020-10-20
  • Formats: 22
  • Reviews: 4

In the Dream House is a revolutionary memoir by Carmen Maria Machado, blending personal narrative with cultural critique to dissect the complexities of psychological abuse. Through a series of narrative tropes—from the haunted house to erotica—Machado examines her harrowing relationship with a charismatic but volatile woman, offering a multifaceted perspective on the events that shaped her. The book challenges stereotypes about lesbian relationships and delves into the broader history of abuse in queer dynamics, all while maintaining a balance of wit and openness. Machado's unique approach not only tells her story but also explores the mechanisms of abuse through various cultural lenses, including legal proceedings, fairy tales, and iconic works of film and fiction. The result is a powerful and innovative memoir that expands the possibilities of the genre.

Reviews
Stuck in a Book · 2023-08-28
brilliant 4.00

The memoir is praised for its brilliant portrayal of the silencing terror in abusive relationships. It is noted for its unique approach to the genre of memoir.

The reviewer commends Machado for her brilliant depiction of the silencing terror inherent in abusive relationships. They appreciate the memoir's unique structure and approach, which sets it apart from traditional memoirs. The reviewer also notes that the book is not just a personal account but a broader commentary on the experiences of queer women. They highlight the memoir's ability to capture the complexity and pain of such relationships.

Quick quotes

    Machado shows us the silencing terror at the heart of this sort of abusive relationship so brilliantly.

    It is not the sort of memoir that you can easily put down or forget.

    The book is a powerful and necessary addition to the literature on abuse and relationships.

Feminist Book Club · 2020-12-12
harrowing 4.00

The memoir is described as all-engrossing and harrowing, providing a deep dive into a previous relationship. It is seen as a significant and impactful read.

The reviewer finds the memoir to be all-engrossing and harrowing, providing a deep and unflinching look into a difficult relationship. They appreciate the book's ability to capture the complexity and pain of abusive relationships, particularly within the queer community. The reviewer also notes that the memoir is a significant and impactful read, one that stays with the reader long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado is an all engrossing and harrowing memoir about one of Machado's previous relationships.

    The book is a powerful and necessary addition to the literature on abuse and relationships.

    Machado's writing is raw and unflinching, making the memoir a difficult but important read.

The Guardian · 2020-01-05
beautiful 4.50

The book is described as a ravishingly beautiful memoir that tackles a difficult subject with tenderness and incandescence. It stands out as a unique and powerful narrative.

The reviewer highlights the book's beauty and its ability to address a harrowing subject with grace. They appreciate the tender and incandescent way the story is told, making it a unique and memorable memoir. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to shed light on the silencing terror of abusive relationships, particularly within the queer community.

Quick quotes

    For all the horror, In the Dream House is a ravishingly beautiful book, a tender, incandescent memoir like no other.

    There's no doubt that Machado's work is a significant contribution to the genre of memoir.

    The book is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of human experience.

The London Magazine · 2019-07-04
ambitious 4.75

The book is described as rare, new, and elemental, with Machado excelling in her ambitious and politically charged narrative.

The reviewer is impressed by the book's ambitious and innovative approach to storytelling. They note that Machado's ability to tackle a dark and difficult subject with wit and an inquiring spirit makes the memoir stand out. The reviewer also appreciates the book's political and formal ambitions, finding it to be a refreshing and important contribution to the genre. They highlight how the book's unique structure and Machado's writing style make it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    In the Dream House feels rare, new and elemental.

    Machado excels her ambitions to manifest her formal and political visions.

    The book's ambitious and innovative approach makes it a standout in the genre of memoir.

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