Review: Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn

 

Bitterthorn is a gothic romance. In the novel, the natural world is given a depth which allows it to take on a frightening life of its own. This was slightly confusing, as the plot seemed thin against the detailed earthly backdrop. There is a moment when the pace of the story changes and the plot is successfully woven into the surrounding world. The most frightening aspect of the book became the fact that its magic would have to end.

This is a magical book. A Gothic love story so intense, the reader may find themselves holding their breath with anticipation. An age-old curse lies over the valley of Blumwald,where a witch descends from the mountains once every fifty years and takes a companion with her. They never return. Our protagonist, Mina, volunteers to go with the witch, the first female companion ever. Mina’s journey in the Witches’ castle is an eerie, spine-tingling tale with suspense built up throughout the changing seasons – culminating in a fitting end. The detailed story of nature and Mina’s surroundings ground her and simultaneously toss her into chaos, creating a beautiful tapestry woven in and out of the plot. The setting is as much a part of the story as Mina and the Witch.

Dunn does not shy away from acknowledging those immense Gothic novels that have come before hers. Like her predecessors Wilkie Collins and Ann Radcliffe, Dunn uses the Gothic genre to epically and successfully portray our very human fears: life, death, love, and isolation.

Lorna O’Dea