The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave came out earlier this year and I honestly don’t think it got nearly enough attention as it should have done – maybe we can blame lockdown for that one?
Either way, this book is a beautiful retelling of Dracula’s brides and was written as part of the Bellatrix project – a literary project that is aimed at telling the stories of women who have been unheard, forgotten or discarded throughout literature.
The story follows the quiet, perceptive Lillai and her strong-willed and hot-headed twin sister Kisaiya; two Romani traveller girls, who, on their divining day – the day they are supposed to learn of their fates – are brutalised, captured and enslaved by Boyar Valcar. Throughout their time in Valcar’s castle as slaves, they are told stories of The Dragon. A mysterious, evil ruler who controls all of the land and takes girls as sacrifices. In the kitchens, Lil meets Mira, which gives Lil a life worth living for. That is until Kizzy and Lil are ripped apart and Lil’s sisterly devotion is tested to the ultimate degree.
There’s a lot going on in this book: magic, nature, folklore, romance, identity – oh yeah, and vampires. That’s a lot to be unpacked in a 300 page book. But what I find is the main focus, is the idea of sisterhood and the bond it creates. Kizzy and Lil’s relationship allows the author to ask the question, can this bond last for an eternity? And what, if anything, can break that bond?
Despite their obvious differences, the twins find love and respect for one another and their characters are well-developed throughout the story. The other characters, however, are less so and feel as though they come and go at breakneck speed. But perhaps this is reflecting the idea that, when you live an immortal life, mortal relationships are fleeting.
Without spoiling the book, the one thing I wish the author had done was fleshed out the ending more. It felt somewhat anticlimactic compared to the build-up and tension throughout the story. I hope there is a second book because I would love to see more of Kizzy and Lil.
Overall, The Deathless Girls was a unique story and, although it wasn’t perfect, it was still beautifully written and I’m still thinking about it after closing the book. So, if you love gothic horror and feminist retellings, please go grab a copy of this and let me know what you thought!
Comentaris