Review of Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel
As someone who often finds solace in the beautifully chaotic realms of fiction, Listen to Your Sister instantly called to me. Neena Viel has woven a tapestry of horror and weird fiction that captivates not just the mind, but the heart. In a world that often feels heavy and chaotic, the promise of an “emotional story full of relatable characters” was too enticing to resist.
From the very first pages, the reader is introduced to Calla, an extraordinary character who wrestles with her own body image and societal expectations. Her quip about being “envious of how his bulk communicated clout while hers communicated an affinity for chicken tenders” struck me as both hilariously relatable and deeply insightful. It sets the tone for a story that explores the burdens of body size, identity, and the expectations placed on women in a patriarchal society.
The sibling dynamics between Calla and her younger brother, Jamie, add another layer of complexity. Jamie, despite being an unlikable lead, embodies a rawness that made me empathize with his struggles. The relationship between the brothers is beautifully fleshed out, particularly in a poignant moment when Dre articulates the yearning that Jamie feels, highlighting his internal battles: “the clawing at the base of the throat… this cursed skin… and the gifts and burdens that came with it.” Here, Viel showcases her talent for character development, making it clear that every character bears their own unique struggles.
What I particularly appreciated about Listen to Your Sister is how it delicately handles heavy themes, including mental illness. This is often a tricky subject, prone to being sensationalized or treated as a mere plot device in other narratives. Viel, however, navigates this terrain with a compassionate hand, allowing readers to delve into the complexities of mental health without reducing it to mere horror tropes. When a character reflects on the deep well of emotions that can be trapped inside, I felt the weight of her words: “…you walk around like that. Go to work, flip some burgers.” This line resonated with my own experiences of navigating a world that often feels simultaneously harsh and mundane.
Amid all the existential dread, the chaotic nature of the plot is a delight. Much like the tangled web of family dynamics, the story moves in unpredictable ways, keeping readers on their toes. “This book is absolute chaos,” I found myself thinking, but it’s the good kind of chaos—one that feels controlled and purposeful.
Yet, it’s not all praise; I felt the narrative’s compassion for mental illness waned in certain sections, leaning into more stereotypical horror elements. This shift, while unsettling, didn’t diminish my overall appreciation for the book. It made me question the expectations I had as a reader, a reflection of my own biases toward mental health narratives.
As I turned the last page, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of satisfaction and longing. This book embodies chaotic yet thoughtful storytelling that resonates with those of us who grapple with our inner demons, familial responsibilities, and the societal pressures that shape our identities.
I wholeheartedly recommend Listen to Your Sister to fans of psychological and existential horror, as well as anyone intrigued by unconventional family dramas. Whether you’re drawn to ghost stories or tales of sibling relationships, this book offers something for everyone. It’s clear that Neena Viel has masterfully captured not just the chaos of life, but also its profound beauty. So, grab your favorite cozy blanket, because the journey within these pages is absolutely worth it.