4.0
Domestication
ByPublisher Description
In an eat or be eaten world, domestication is a death sentence.
When Janie chose the isolated sheep farm, she knew her husband would hunt her down. What she didn't expect was Rob and Howard. Rob rules the farm with the same domination tactics she uses to train dogs, while Howard believes only human supremacists think humans should be treated any differently than other animals. Janie inadvertently jumps out of the frying pan and into the fire. She wishes to leave her old self behind. She wants to transform. Will she devolve into meat, metamorphose into a monster, or transcend beyond her domesticated limitations?
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities5 Reviews
4.0
“I requested this one on a whim because that cover is killer, and it did not disappoint!
Janie has finally taken the terrifying step of leaving her abuser, arriving at an isolated sheep farm, knowing her husband may come looking. She finds a kind of solidarity with the sheep, domesticated and docile, filed down into a new shape that is more convenient for their keepers and kept alive only as long as they serve their purpose. She, too, was worn down over the years, controlled and contained, kept in a cage and expected to perform her domestic duties with a smile, with no wild will of her own.
The novel explores the power dynamics inherent in both human and animal relationships, touching on the ethics of speciesism—or 'human supremacy' as it's put by the characters in the novel— questioning the morality of eating animals of all kinds. The book is not overtly about veganism, nor does it advocate for it, but it engages with the topic in a way that adds depth to the exploration of the more prominent themes. What makes one species more valuable than another? Is it wrong to treat humans in the ways we treat non-human animals? Where do we draw the line, and why? As a vegan for over a decade, I can say the way this novel approached the philosophical ideas behind ethical veganism in a much more nuanced and thoughtful way than I often see, which was a very pleasant surprise!
While the book's themes are intriguing, the execution falters in places. The writing is straightforward but can be repetitive, sometimes detracting from the narrative's impact. Character development is also a somewhat weak point—most notably with the primary antagonist, who comes across as a cartoonishly evil villain, and the supporting characters, who feel rather one-dimensional. Janie herself is an exception to the rule, as a well-fleshed-out and complex character with trauma and flaws, fighting for her life through a series of escalating circumstances with resilience and immense strength. I was especially touched by her bond with the barn cat Kisa, which added a much-needed infusion of warmth and companionship to this bleak tale.
If you're interested in a thought-provoking examination of power, survival, worth, and the ethics of human-animal relationships all wrapped up in a heart-pounding horror novel, Domestication is worth a look!
Trigger/Content Warnings: animal death, domestic abuse, domestic violence, murder, confinement, verbal abuse, violence, body horror, cannibalism, misogyny
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Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.”
lerooreads
Created 10 months agoShare
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“Janie escapes her abusive husband to find safety and reprieve on a farm, only to quickly find herself in the same cycle.
This little horror built and maintained tension marvelously, with cycles of absolute horror followed by peaceful time with a cat. The ending? Excellent
It did feel it could have been tighter, it felt redundant and really hammered home the themes but even with that it was a fast and engrossing read
CW:”
Aghaycraft
Created 10 months agoShare
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“Domestication is a horrifically good, twisted story that uses some extremely horrific situations to dive into the psyche of a long suffering victim of domestic abuse. The character of Janie is such a well written character and even though she does some extreme things in this book we are always right there with her to the bitter end. Lots of fantastic twists in this book as well and it does not hold back on the gore and horror. Highly recommended for those who love gut wrenching scares and nightmares.”
Tiana Wolfe
Created 11 months agoShare
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Adam Allen
Created 11 months agoShare
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“Domestication is a tour de force that uses some extremely horrific situations to dive into the psyche of a long suffering victim of domestic abuse. The character of Janie is such a well written character and even though she does some extreme things in this book we are alway right there with her to the bitter end. Lots of fantastic twists in this book as well and it does not hold back on the gore and horror. Highly recommended.
Arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest review”
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