Creatures of Want and Ruin

This review is based on an ARC given to me for free by the publisher via Edelweiss. This does not in any way affect my review.This novel is slated for release on November 13, 2018.

Despite those Lovecraftian trappings, this novel goes in the complete opposite direction from Lovecraft???s politics. Instead, it tackles the notion of privilege, and the many, varied ways it can harm others ??? sometimes in ways that a person can be aware of, but oftentimes, in ways a person is not aware of. This is a thematic thread that runs through the novel, played out in the way characters talk to and interact with one another, but also in the historical context and the worldbuilding. Someone always has some ideas about the way the world should be ??? usually in a manner that privileges them, even at the expense of others. That is why the rich can afford to throw boozy parties while the less affluent need to scrimp and save for a few tubs of ice cream; why a man can operate a fishing trawler whereas his own daughter, no matter how strong and competent, can???t do the same without ???damaging her reputation???; and why a black woman, no matter how intelligent, can???t escape the cycle of systemic poverty and racism that keep her and others like her from living a better life. This novel, then, shows that it is important to check one???s privilege before making assumptions, because what one sees as right or normal might not be right or normal when viewed within a wider context.

In line with that, there is a second, parallel theme: that of taking action. Knowing something is wrong is one thing, but just knowing and not doing anything about it is just as bad as actually doing that wrong thing. If the world is to change for the better, there needs to be more than just pretty platitudes and positive statements: there needs to be concrete action. Of course, that kind of action is not easy nor comfortable ??? but then again, so is choosing to throw off one???s comfortable worldview in favour of the truth.