Member Reviews
in 2008, Iris reeling from her break-up from Nathan and still grieving her father's death in a car accident, goes to live at Breach House after a chance meeting with Hazel, one of the women's commune's residents.
This was another book that had me reaaaally intrigued. I think I might have a weird obsession with cult stories?
Anyway, I was hooked by the concept. Give me all the weird intricacies of a cult.
However, I just couldn’t get into it. I wanted more (and a little less minor characters that I couldn’t keep track of).
A scintillating story of female friendship and empowerment, Spoilt Creatures follows Iris as she joins an experimental commune and discovers that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
After separating from her long term boyfriend, Iris is living back at home with her mother, sleeping in her childhood bedroom and working part time at the off license. She’s feeling stuck and in need of a change. When she hears about Breach House and how they help women to rediscover themselves, she’s instantly intent on becoming part of their community.
I sped through reading Spoilt Creatures. The author creates a stagnant and suffocating air of suspense through the whole novel, keeping the reader on edge the more they learn about Breach House and the women that live there. While the supporting characters in the book weren’t thoroughly fleshed out, the reader knows enough about them to be left uneasy and mistrusting as they read. While I wasn’t sure whether this was a character study or a thriller or a bit of both, I enjoyed the writing and atmosphere the author created. The middle of the book was a little slow, but added to the feeling of disquiet that built throughout the book.
Overall an original idea that I really enjoyed!
4 ⭐️
Incredible well written, this story follows Iris and how she ends up in a Cult.
At times very slow, but, a slowness the story needs to progress, we get insights into a group of woman living on a farm, their dynamics and their choices and consequences. I had troubles putting this book down while I read it because I was so invested in finding out what is going to happen next. I liked the switch between past and present and was at times deprived by the information we got in the flashbacks.
At times, the story followed a predictable path, not negative in any way, but sometimes I wished Amy Twigg would have gone deeper in the dynamics within the cult.
This books leaves one with an eerie feeling about society and makes you start googling similar stories to continue reading.
Thank you to Hachette Australia and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Putting words into a legible review format feels impossible after reading this. Spoilt Creatures melted my brain in the best possible way. Please see a collection of thoughts below rather than a regular review.
This is for those who like something a little different, a little unsettling, something that makes you think.
I was reminded of Girl, Interrupted, The Bell Jar, and the work of New Zealand author Janet Frame. The stories are wildly different but the tone is something that sticks with you long after.
Undertones of tension and violence in the everyday masterfully scattered throughout the beauty of the story hint at what is to come at Breach House.
Trauma is at the heart of this story. How people can find camaraderie in it but also how it can be used against you.
The characters held so much passion and care that they felt alive, like I knew them, had spoken to them, joked and cried with them.
The poetry of Twigg’s words…I wanted to swallow them whole and have them sit in me forever. They were just so good.
I am so glad I had the pleasure of reading this novel and can’t wait to hunt down a hard copy so I can treasure it in my hands forever.
This will be posted to my bookstagram (@storybookminimalist) closer to the publication date.
*2.5
I love reading stories about cults and strong independent women however unfortunately this book just didn’t hold my interest as much as I needed it to. I did like the basis of the plot and how carefree the women are at Breach House, resulting in the public having mixed emotions towards them (repulsion, desire..) because of their somewhat feral behaviour. The writing was splendid and flowed perfectly.
The main protagonist, Iris, escapes to Breach House and the story focuses on her time there as well as her reminiscing about her past relationship with her ex and her parents. Things at the House start to go downhill when men are invited to the women’s safe haven and disrupt their normal lifestyle.
I found Blythe, the leader of Breach House, very intimidating in the same way the girls’ did as you never knew what she was thinking or how she would react to situations. I had a hard time trusting Hazel, the girl who invited Iris to the House, as she never really reveals much about herself.
I do believe this novel has the potential to become quite popular however it was just a bit too underwhelming for me.
Thank you to netgalley and Hachette for the ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette ANZ for this advanced copy!
I found this book super interesting and extremely well written. I’ve always been interested in cults and cult-like behaviour and I think this book captures the essence of it really well - something that is thought to be a safe haven for anyone who joins end up devolving into something sinister and violent. This had a very tense build up in the second half of the book that kept me reading. I think this book will really appeal to those who are interested in books about feminine rage.
oh this is DARK.
A captivating read that follows Iris, as she joins an idyllic-appearing female cult filled with manipulation, violence, and essentially, insanity. Men are not allowed, but when they arrive, the downwards spiral that cannot be stopped begins. I couldn't put this down, I felt quite literally on the edge whilst reading it.
The writing was brilliant I must add! It creates the dark atmosphere where you feel as if you cannot escape.
If you enjoy reading about women in cults and dark things like that, you'll very much enjoy this.
Thank you NetGalley & Hachette Australia/NZ for the arc!
“The truth is, you’d be surprised what you’re willing to go along with when everyone around you acts like you deserve it”
Iris is lost and lonely, reflecting on experiences of great sadness and loss. In her desperation to find connection and belonging she stumbles into a women’s only cultish commune.
I enjoyed this read, and devoured it in an evening. The writing was beautiful, eerie, and hooked me in straight away. The pacing and past/present time switches kept me interested.
The experience of the reader mirrors that of Iris, and I felt disconnected and distanced from all the characters. There was much predictability in how the plot played out, reminiscent of a Lord of the Flies style climax. I would have liked to delve deeper into the dynamics and dangers associated with membership in a cult community, and the nuances of the bonds forged within.
Overall, an impressive debut novel that is worth a read when it is published in June 2024! I would 100% read from this author again as she has a beautiful way with words. Thank you to Hatchette and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.