There was something about the writing style that didn’t work for me. I don’t by any means think this is a bad book, but it wasn’t for me. I was quite bored for most of the book as well as equally confused. I hope this book finds its audience.

I almost feel bad because I know this is just an initial review (I just finished last night), and honestly I could write a whole dissertation on Julia Armfield's work. It takes me days, weeks, months to fully process the layers of complexity she puts into her writing. I am STILL sitting on Our Wives Under the Sea, thinking about it's symbolism and metaphor. So let me start with this - I would give Julia Armfield's Notes App five stars on Goodreads. Recipe cards? Five stars. Grocery lists? Five stars. This is not an unbias review - I am very biased because she is truly my favorite author of all time. This is an appreciation post.

I heard about this book the day it was announced and I emailed Flatiron within 30 minutes requesting a copy. The description was wrought with the level of symbolism I cherished in Our Wives: never-ending rain, glass houses, the inability to bury a body. This book is a MasterClass in using imagery to convey impactful psychological symbolism. I knew I had to have it.

To preface, I never read King Lear. I went to a tiny, homophobic Christian high school, so we exclusively read C.S. Lewis. But I took psychology courses in college, and I thought a lot about these three sisters in those terms. If you haven't read King Lear, maybe you can do the same. To me Isla, Irene, and Agnes in many ways represent the Ego, Superego, and Id. The parts of one personality, sharing many of the same experiences with completely different understandings of them. They pay attention to different things, they prioritize different things, they react in different ways despite sharing so much of their past. I know that wasn't Julia Armfield's intent, but that's how I took it as a reader.

To me, these three women represent different aspects of one person/personality. They live in this city (brain) in this never-ending rain (depression) and have to shape their reality and lives due to the waters' impact. They are unable to bury the bodies of those that hurt them (grudges, mental scars). This ominous doom hinted at that gives you paranoia and a pit in your stomach (anxiety). Don't throw stones in glass houses. I could go on, but I digress. Under these terms, the ending has me reeling. That's what I think is going to take time to process. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I'll just say this: What impacts do outside forces have on us? What are their consequences?

I appreciate Julia Armfield's brilliance. She is an incredible writer, and I love the way she writes. Everyone says that about every author, I know, but she has such a specific writing style that I haven't seen anywhere else. She interjects herself, and almost you as the reader, in such an intentional way and I think it elevates her writing beautifully. I want to send this book to my little crappy high school's bible teacher with a note "here's a real lesson you can teach."

Thank you, Flatiron, for this opportunity. I'm on track to read 120 books this year, and I am confident this will place in the top three. And thank you NetGalley!

"It’s exhausting, as it always was, to live with such a breadth of things to take up one’s attention—exhausting, the way there can be too much world, even in its final stages. Exhausting, to be so busy and so bored with no time left for either."

Slow moving apocalypses are the most terrifying. Through all the miniscule daily changes, you inevitably cling to the status quo, trying to fit your previous life into the realities of the present. Because it feels ridiculous to do otherwise. That becomes your normal and you accept it, but there's always a nagging feeling at the base of your skull that doesn't allow you to fully rest. Outside, the land has disappeared. The water is around your ankles.

But it's never too late to fight.

Private Rites is unnerving and bordering on absurdist. Julia Armfield is a true master of atmosphere.

While I loved this, I would be careful to reccomend it. It is more a series of musings and character studies than a straight-forward plot. It is one of those books you'll either love or hate, and I would not fault someone who is among the latter.

It's easy to focus the grief of this story, because it is heavy to the point of being suffocating. But the grief is in delicate balance with bright moments of sincere hope and love.

"I could be good with just this...If I could have this, I don’t think it would matter if things had been different or we’d had a different world or more to hope for. I could be happy here."

ARC provided by NetGalley.

I absolutely love this book!! Julia Armfield has created the coziest spooky rainy end times for three broody sisters to stomp around in, ignoring each other.

The everyday drudgery of the capitalism vs environmental annihilation showdown reminded me of Severance by Ling Ma. The earth becomes less habitable every day but our characters are still expected to log into zoom or clock into their barista shift…almost too real, Julia!

The sister have exceptionally average complicated relationships with each other and their partners, which made the story very accessible. The mystery surrounding their mothers is more unique and haunts the book and its characters. I was already dreading the end of this book and then the denouement left me speechless. Less a question of if but when I will have to pick this back up again.

Thank you NetGalley <3

Surreal, feverish, and water-logged, Private Rites is a quiet masterpiece of a novel that follows the complicated relationship of three sisters who are thrown back into each other’s lives after the death of their father. Oh, and the world is ending.

I can only describe the act of reading this novel as haunting. I’m a fan of Julia Armfield in a really roundabout, fake way, which is to say that I own all of her books and anticipate them all to be five stars but I haven’t actually picked up any of them until now. I’m glad that my first taste of her work was Private Rites though, and even more glad that this story managed to rattle me as much as it did.

While Private Rites is wildly introspective and mostly explores the estranged relationship between our three leads, it’s drenched in a dread that continues to mount as the story progresses. Climate novels terrify me for obvious reasons, but I’m glad that I didn’t let my own anxieties win out in the face of this one because god, it was divine. The concept of a never ending rain and a drowned city and a world that is always constantly on the precipice is terrifying, but so is the idea of feigning normalcy and of carrying on as if your life hasn’t been upheaved.

The reviews that mention the last sliver of the book being bonkers are not incorrect by any stretch of the imagination. I had spent the entire novel anticipating something but the actual outcome had me, for lack of better word, sat.

With so many POVs, this book easily could have fallen victim to more “boring” perspectives, but I enjoyed every single change in POV. That said, Irene and Jude were definitely my favorite characters from this novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own :)

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such an incredible slowburn horror. This novel follows three sisters in the wake of their father's death, set against a rainy climate apocalypse. Our characters grapple with their grief and try to maintain the mundanity of their lives in an ever worsening climate catastrophe. All the while our horror subplot plays out unsuspectingly in the background.

This book is sopping wet, and the imagery consistently reinforces the rain-soaked state of the world. With Our Wives Under the Sea and now Private Rites, Julia Armfield truly is the master of liquid-based horror.
This novel was really giving the same elevated horror vibes as an Ari Aster movie or Mike Flanagan show and is an instant favorite.

I had to sit with this one for a couple days, but I am pleased to report that I have settled on really liking it. Like Armfield's first book Our Wives Under The Sea, this is slow, atmospheric, and has some really beautiful musings on relationships.

I'm not sure I'd call this a horror novel first and foremost - it's a family drama with some speculative elements but the horror is mostly muted and in the background. Most of it is very slow paced and quite mundane in a way that I loved. I've found that I don't tend to like true apocalypse books, but I love quiet ones - where the world hasn't fallen apart completely and people are just doing their best to go about their lives. It took me a little while to differentiate between the three sisters, but by the 25% mark or so I was fully invested in all of them and I enjoyed each of their POVs equally which is extremely rare for me. Also: I love that they were all queer. Armfield has a brief tongue-in-cheek comment about in the book that I loved as well.

I read this on a rainy day and that was the right move - the rain is its own character in the book. Literally - the fourth POV is that of the city, where Armfield beautifully draws out what it looks like to live in the perpetual rain. They were fascinating little vignettes and just the right length and frequency to stay interesting without killing the pacing.

As for the ending, I can say that it was a Choice. I've settled on liking it, but it took me a little bit to get there. Overall though, I really enjoyed this one and I am absolutely adding Armfield to my auto-read author list. It's clear that we get along.

Received an advanced copy and was genuinely excited to read! I had read Our Wives Under The Sea earlier in the year, but did not enjoy the book as it left a ton of questions unanswered and was generally an unsatisfying read. Seems that this is a common thread between all of Armfield’s work- getting through all of the different perspectives was a huge, unenjoyable slog. Will be staying away from her as an author from now on.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
I was looking forward to reading this because of how much I loved Our Wives Under the Sea, but I couldn’t really get into it. I think it is beautifully written, but it was hard for me to feel connected to any of the characters. It also felt very similar to a lot of books I’ve read recently/ that have come out recently (sister relationships/ familial drama). The chapters and sections focusing on the City reeled me back in, I wished there was more of a focus on that. Maybe it was just not for me, but I am looking forward to seeing how others like it!

This is just a case of "it's not you, it's me". I don't believe this is badly written nor is it "offensive" (not in the specific sense, but in the sense that I hated it so much I was offended by every written word); it was just hugely not for me. The largest part of this was because of the way the author writes. I just didn't vibe with it. I mean, there were a few instances where I was like, "Wow, I really liked that." But mostly I felt a combination of largely nothing mixed with annoyance at the way the author liked to just... drop both articles and the subjects of sentences, leading to confusing, fragmented sentences sometimes one after the other. I realize it's a stylistic choice; I just didn't like it.

Also, I never really felt connected to the characters. They were largely unlikable (which is fine. Not every character has to be likable), but I also didn't really care about the core plot nor did I care about its resolution. In fact, the resolution just kind of made me confused. Mostly because it felt like the book ended rather abruptly. Again, probably for effect. I just didn't vibe with it.

There's definitely an audience for this book. If you like unlikable, flawed characters; complex sister dynamics; Shakespeare-inspired novels; critiques on faith. All the POV-characters (with the exception of one) are queer, too, which is great.

Whereas “Our Wives Under the Sea” was about a woman whose wife returned from an actual oceanic expedition and wasn’t the same, “Private Rites” takes place in a modern society in which the rain almost never stops, and it has been raining for so long in fact that some places now use water taxis for transportation. And the dreary situation is just getting worse.

A good book to read when you’re already sad, it’s about grieving a loss, trying to sort out your own memories, and working your way through very complicated familial feelings. Love and hostility, often at the same time, and an eerie and drowning world. Aside from the death of the father figure early on, I had no idea where this story was going to go. And if you had given me a bunch of guesses as to the ending, I would have been wrong every time.

We mostly alternate from the three perspectives of the late father’s three adult daughters: Isla, Irene and Agnes. I had a little bit of trouble separating the sisters for much of the book and the switching POVs didn’t help as much as they should have. The three main characters are very similar, they all hate each other, and honestly I didn’t really like any of them either. (Though I probably came closest to liking or at least understanding Isla.) The most interesting thing to me were the short chapters that gave me the POV of the “City,” and essentially told me more about the state of this world and endless rain.

The most intriguing part of this novel is the little glimpses of darkness that we are given here and there throughout the narrative. Seemingly random, haunting and disturbing moments. I wanted more of those, though what we’re given is effective, and turned out to serve a purpose. When I reached the ending I realized that I had actually been reading a horror story this entire time, disguised as Literary Fiction. (Though perhaps maybe TOO thoroughly disguised?) I feel like readers seeking horror may be a bit bored by this and those reading it for its gorgeous prose and character study may find the abrupt tonal changes confusing.

There’s no debate that Armfield has a way with language. She writes beautifully. That was my favorite part of the book. The central plot is one in which not a whole lot actually happens, but it’s the way in which the story is told, the layers of tragedy and darkness and the gorgeous prose, that make this a worthwhile read. It’s like when you watch a film that won a bunch of awards and you say, “I wasn’t that invested in the story, but holy shit, that cinematography. And those performances!”

The ending is WILD and although there are indeed hints leading up to it throughout the whole book, it still feels like what happens comes out of nowhere. Without saying anything specific or spoilery, I don’t really think it worked for me but it was interesting. It just felt like a whole different genre stitched on right at the very end. There’s a fine line between too much explanation and not enough, and in this case I needed a bit more.

I’m sure there are still other things going on that I didn’t fully pick up on. Sometimes when I’m reading I wonder, “Is this a theme the author is exploring or did I just relate to a specific part of the book?” This is a strange read, for sure. Even if I wasn’t in love with it the way I was with “Our Wives Under the Sea,” I am still in awe of Armfield’s writing ability and the effortlessness of her beautiful prose.

3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

TW: Chronic Illness, Suicide, Domestic Abuse, Alcohol Abuse

Julia Armfield is an incredible author. I loved "Our Wives Under the Sea" and was excited to pick this up as well.

My favorite Armfield thus far.

Private Rites follows three estranged sisters as they confront their father's death. They piece together vague memories from childhood, trying to determine where their family rift stems from, meanwhile working through each of their own relationship hang ups. These relationship dynamics play out against the backdrop of a world in which it has not stopped raining for years, creating a damp, paranoid environment that permeates the story without overwhelming it.

It's dreary, atmospheric and haunting. Less horror, more dystopian family literary fiction. Private Rites showcases Armfield's signature prose that is both eerie and beautiful.

4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron books for the e-arc.

I was so so thrilled to receive this ARC! This was absolutely one of my most highly anticipated books of this year. Overall, I think the marketing blurb as it currently stands had me expecting a horror-tinged speculative literary thriller. I had to adjust my perception as I read because this book is more of a character-driven speculative literary fiction until the last twenty pages. I still really enjoyed the book, but the blurb was slightly misleading in my eyes. The book that this is is haunting, introspective, and dark. I adore Armfield's writing style and I think this will stick with me for a long time. In fact, it's been raining on and off for a few days as I read this and I'm mildly stressed about it. TLDR book is great, but not quite what the blurb is selling it as.

Private Rites did a great job at reeling me into the book right at the start. Overall, I enjoyed this book. But giving it 3 stars as I do not really think this book was for me as it was a bit too eerie for me.

An in-depth character study on the relationship amongst three sisters, grieving both their childhood and the state of the world, as they navigate loss.

thank you to NetGalley & Flat Iron Books for this eARC of Private Rites

The rain hasn’t stopped in over 15 years. Floodings, homes collapsed, roads closed and ramshackled attempts to piece together public transportation has become the norm in our unnamed city. Everyone is turning to what they can for comfort; protests, religions, cults. An architect, Stephen Carmichael, has been developing and building new infrastructure in order to combat these floodings and lived within a masterpiece he designed himself and where he ‘raised’ his three daughters.

The estranged sisters - Isla, Irene and Agnes - mostly keep to themselves in their corners of the city when they receive the news of their father’s passing. As the sift through his life, his work, the passing of Isla & Irene’s mother and the disappearance of Agnes’ mother shortly after Agnes’ birth, the sisters come together at the end of times to reckon with what was left to them.

I don’t know if I quite got what I was looking for going into this novel but it surely didn’t disappoint. I felt like Armfield was not only examining the dynamics of these three sisters and the way they treated each other into adulthood but how they treated each other under the looming idea that the end of the world was near. There were so many thoughts and feeling expressed by each sister that felt similar to thoughts so many had during the lockdown/stay at home orders so it felt like such a timely novel.

There was so much build up and tension to this feeling of the characters being watched, I was hoping at some points we’d go ahead and get on with what was to come next but when the ‘gotcha’ moment came it did not disappoint!

I’m excited to read more of Julia Armfield’s work and really enjoyed her writing style.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Rating: 3.75 stars rounded up

Julia Armfield’s "Private Rites" immerses readers in an eerie, atmospheric blend of psychological horror and intricate family dynamics. From the opening chapter, the novel establishes a palpable tension and a deep sense of unease that only intensifies as the story unfolds. Armfield's prose is strikingly beautiful, luring readers into a world where every detail feels meticulously crafted to build suspense and foreboding.

The novel centers on the lives of three estranged sisters—Isla, Irene, and Agnes—who are drawn back to their family home following their father's death. Each sister is vividly characterized, their individual struggles and complex relationships with one another brought to life through Armfield’s deft storytelling. Isla, the therapist with self-destructive tendencies, Agnes, the reluctant heir, and Irene, grappling with her own past and present, form a triad of compelling and deeply flawed protagonists.

Armfield excels at creating a chilling atmosphere. The horror elements are subtle, often lurking just beneath the surface of the sisters’ interactions and memories. The recurring imagery of rain and floods adds to the sense of an impending environmental apocalypse, tying the personal tragedies of the sisters to a larger, almost biblical catastrophe.

However, the novel’s structure occasionally feels disjointed. The interludes set in the City, while beautifully written, initially seem like clumsy world-building dumps. As the story progresses, these sections start to make more sense, contributing to the dystopian setting, yet their integration could have been smoother. The alternating points of view within chapters can be jarring, shifting rapidly between the sisters and the City’s cryptic passages, sometimes causing confusion.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its exploration of sisterhood and familial roles. The sisters are trapped in their childhood dynamics, unable to escape the roles imposed on them by their father and their shared history. Armfield delves into how unresolved family trauma shapes their identities and relationships, a central thesis that resonates deeply throughout the narrative.

Despite the atmospheric tension and strong character development, some elements of the plot remain frustratingly ambiguous. The involvement of a religious cult, hinted at through various characters and plot points, never fully coalesces into a clear or satisfying explanation. The mystery surrounding Agnes’s mother and the cult’s apocalyptic intentions feel underdeveloped, leaving readers with more questions than answers. This ambiguity, while intriguing, sometimes tips into confusion, detracting from the novel’s overall impact.

Nonetheless, Armfield’s ability to blend horror with a poignant examination of family dynamics makes "Private Rites" a compelling read. The environmental disaster backdrop and the sisters' struggle against their past and each other create a narrative that is both haunting and thought-provoking. The book’s final act, particularly Isla’s sacrifice, adds a layer of emotional depth and resolution that, despite the lingering ambiguities, brings a satisfying conclusion to the sisters’ tumultuous journey.

In conclusion, "Private Rites" is a beautifully written and deeply atmospheric novel that will appeal to fans of psychological horror and literary fiction. While it may not reach the same heights as Armfield’s previous work, "Our Wives Under the Sea", it remains a testament to her skill as a storyteller. With its rich prose and complex characters, it’s a novel that digs deep and forces the reader to think about love, loss, and how we can all keep going together.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of Psychological Horror and Literary Fiction, Readers Fascinated by Complex Family Dynamics, Admirers of Atmospheric and Eerie Prose, Fans of Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects and the TV show “Succession.”

🔑 Key Themes: Familial Trauma and Dysfunction, Psychological Horror and Supernatural Elements, The Impact of Environmental Catastrophe, Exploration of Sisterhood and Identity, The Weight of Grief and Memory.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Self-harm (moderate), drug use (minor), alcohol (moderate), infidelity (minor), death of a parent (severe), child abuse (minor), dementia (moderate), suicide (severe), sexual content (minor), police violence (minor).

Armfield's writing is absolutely stunning as always, and she creates an atmosphere so perfectly. I also thought the characters felt real and layered and interesting to follow around. However, even I, as someone who likes a bit of ambiguity in books, found it to be too much in this case. I could've used more explicitness in a few places to clear up some of my confusion.
I think I might like it better upon reread, tbh. Overall, I would still recommend this book to fans of her other works.

This book wasn't what I was expecting, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! The writing style was interesting, very poetic — I think this author really excels at bringing about the broody, spooky atmosphere that the story called for. Grief as a topic is handled well, too. Plot-wise, it's slow; there's more of a focus on character study here, but it works out because the sisters are very developed. They feel like real people instead of just... tropes.