Thank you to the author Yvonne Battle Felton, publishers Holt Books, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of Curdle Creek. All views are mine.

Everyone loves a supple bride but loathes a supple widow. p7

Sadly, I did not enjoy me time in Curdle Creek, and for reasons beyond the fact that it is a patriarchal post-apocalyptic town full of horrible, self-intrested people. I really struggled stick with the plot, which for the first two thirds moved miserably slowly, and for the last third gave me narrative whiplash. Don't get me wrong, I actually liked the book after the turn at the 60% point. But then the author closed with an exceedingly ambiguous ending, which resolved no part of the book. I regretted finishing the book right there. Maybe this book was meant to be experimental? But I didn't get that vibe.

I recommend this book to readers who like really slow burns, ambiguous endings, dystopia societies, suprise magical realism, or unexpected time travel.

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. I actually love the mashup of anachronism and modernity, like this shimmering and delicious sounding cocktail: “A toast,” I say. I raise the jam jar full of raspberry martini and pretend to clink it against Mae’s raised glass. “May the dead find comfort in their graves. Book XIII.” p9

2. Wonderful dark humor in this one! He’s just right. Fullish head of hair, cold hands, good job, jolly laugh . . . dead wife. p36

3. I actually like the the new direction after the turn at the two-thirds mark, but it's not well plotted.

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. I appreciate that the author delivers story details in a natural way, but I'm not clear on this society's traditions, which are central to the plot. *The rules do become clear at about the 20% mark. I really like it actually, because the setup, without the familiarity of knowing the rules, is dizzying, disorienting, and increases the stakes quite a lot.

2. I'm 20% in, and the premise is interesting, but I'm sorry to say it's lacking originality. This book reminds me of several books at once, like Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, Margaret Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and even The Grace Year by Kim Liggett, which is only a year or so old. I don't hate thus premise, I just wish something about it jumped out at me, but it all has the vagueness of familiarity.

3. This book moves so slow. I think it's because the narrative spends so much time detailing the character's thoughts and feelings rather than their actions.

4. I don't really understand the setting. It's supposedly an extremely isolated place, with the end of the world going on around them. But they have rum? Martinis? It's just weird, and not in the good way.

5. There are some giant narrative turns in this book, but I don't know if I like the effect. The narrative isn't exactly well-plotted, so there's no seeing anything coming.

6. The narrator is totally unreliable, but again, I don't know if I like the effect.

7. The ending causes clarity issues and leaves too much unresolved, including the primary conflict.

Rating: 💧💧/5 drops from the well
Recommend? Not really, unless you like dystopian settings and narrative chaos.
Finished: Oct 17 '24
Format: Digital arc, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🕰 time travel
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 family stories, family drama
🏚 diatopian settings
📚 books clearly inspired by other books

"Curdle Creek" by Yvonne Battle-Felton is a great read for fans of the Hunger Games and of M. Night Shyamalan's twisty movie plots. Set in a remote all-Black village, the residents of Curdle Creek will do anything it takes to keep themselves safe, including implementing harsh rules and, if effect, ritual sacrifice. Though it is a quick read, I read it all in just two sittings, this novel is atmospheric and foreboding. The plot is multilayered and kept me turning pages in interest.

However, I found the ending confusing and very unsatisfying; I don't like books that end on a cliffhanger, leaving major plot points unresolved. I suppose the author may be setting up a sequel, but it didn't really feel that way to me. The ending really left me wanting more, and not in a good way.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of "Curdle Creek."

Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton is a compelling narrative that delves into themes of community, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. The story unfolds in a small town, exploring the lives of its residents and the challenges they face. Battle-Felton's writing is vivid and evocative, effectively capturing the atmosphere of the setting. While the pacing can feel uneven at times, the character development and emotional depth make it a worthwhile read for those interested in contemporary fiction.

I wasn’t prepared for just how much I enjoyed this book. Life is hard all over, but not like it is in Curdle Creek. I’m struggling to figure out how to describe what this book is about. Heck, I’m struggling just to come up with a fair comparison for this one. Yes, there’s no question we can see influences of Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery, but the town of Curdle Creek that Yvonne crafted is unforgettable, as were the inhabitants and their traditions and rituals. It has a wonderfully old world gothic feel to it. It’s a haunting and gripping story of survival. And if you’re anything like me it’s one you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve set the book down.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/curdle-creek-yvonne-battle-felton/1144473348?ean=9781250362018&bvnotificationId=d22596e5-8b2e-11ef-9a96-0affe7cf9b31&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/321201885

3.5 Rounding Up!!

So unique feeling from start to finish. For most of the book we follow Osira, a widow living in Curdle Creek, as she goes along with the daily life and traditions of her strange cult-like town. She isn’t satisfied with the way the town handles a lot of things but still believes in a lot of their ways. She is struggling between wanting to break free and being scared of what is beyond her town’s borders.

The story starts off feeling a little disjointed in parts (perhaps intentionally) and that worked out fine for me. It is the last maybe 40% ish that really upped the disjointedness and maybe suffered for that a bit. We start moving around a lot outside of Curdle Creek and nothing is very clear. Again, this was probably intentional but I didn’t enjoy this extreme almost hazy quality where the reader is just dropped in with no explanation.

Super cool idea, I liked the writing, and would definitely try something by this author again!

I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton was an entertaining story.
The writing is excellent and kept me interested.
The suspenseful plot kept me guessing until the very end.
The characters were well-developed and believable.
The book was full of twists and turns.
The writing was clear and engaging.
I was completely immersed in this story which was executed brilliantly with some nerve-jittering suspense and, for me, the ending was great.

Thank You NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

CURDLE CREEK sets a "tone" early on. From the first chapter, we learn that this all black town has rigid "rules and rituals" that insure the town's population remains stable and safe from outside influence. The MC is Osira, 45, widowed and not completely convinced the town's rules are in the best interest of ALL of the citizens. The back story is eerie. Yvonne Battle-Felton brings readers right into Osira''s world and we willingly take the leaps with her as she tries to right the wrongs she sees everyday. Her story wanders into places that her imagination could not follow so she must struggle to see what she's meant to do, meant to be. Yes, the story takes several sharp turns, but if you follow, you'll see the truth of what Curdle Creek was supposed to be.

Thank you Netgalley & Henry Holt and Co for an eARC♥️🤩

I'll never forget the moment I stumbled upon Curdle Creek, a rural American town shrouded in mystery and tradition. Its idyllic surface masked a world of eerie ceremonies, mysterious disappearances, and timeless struggles.
Meet Osira, a 45-year-old widow whose life has been shattered by loss. Her children have left, and her sense of purpose is dwindling. But when her dad vanishes in the chilling "Moving-On" ceremony, Osira's world unravels.
As she navigates this treacherous landscape, Osira's transported to rural England, where kindness comes with unexpected consequences. She's learning:
📌Home can be a prison, not a sanctuary.
📌Belonging can suffocate individuality.
📌Motherhood knows no bounds, but what happens when your children leave?
The town's sinister forces will stop at nothing to maintain control. Osira must confront:
📌The darkness beneath Curdle Creek's façade.
📌The true cost of tradition and conformity.
📌The power of self-discovery and rebellion.
What drew me to Curdle Creek was its haunting cover art – a perfect reflection of the story's eerie atmosphere. Yvonne Battle-Felton's masterful storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat🤩🔥

You might well find yourself questioning your assumptions as you turn the pages of this atmospheric and often creepy novel narrated by Osiria, a woman struggling with her past and worried about the future. The town of Curdle Creek has a regimented set of rituals and requirements meant to keep the population if nothing else, in its place but it's not a good thing, not at all. This, as noted, has heavy overtones of The Lottery but it's Osiria that both makes it different and makes it work. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me.

I wanted to like this book. There were times when I appreciated the metaphors. But it dragged on. The writing style didn’t allow for true tension to build. The characters were mostly flat and uninteresting. Too simplistic. The last fourth of the book made me want to DNF. I’m no quitter.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and Henry Holt Books for the review copies of Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton, narrated by Joniece Battle-Pratt.
This book is perfect for fans of works like Kindred and serves as both an homage to, and expansion of, Shirley Jackson's The Lottery.

The plot and tone are expertly crafted—unsettling and undeniably sinister, as one review noted. The story is richly nuanced, delving into themes of belonging, the weight of decisions and actions from the past, and a much-needed exploration of what it means to be Black—where, how, and when Black lives are seen, supported, and accepted. I was captivated by Osira’s journey as she is forced to confront how the events surrounding Curdle Creek shaped her present. Her journey to the past sets in motion revelations that deepen the plot and make her a symbol of the importance of folktales in understanding identity and culture.

Although haunting and unsettling, the story is layered with hope and persistence, centering on the strength of Black women and their roles throughout history and into the present.

The audiobook narration is particularly stellar—Joniece Battle-Pratt’s tone, pacing, and style perfectly set the mood, and I am now a fan of her work.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Yvonne Battle-Felton’s “Curdle Creek” is a hauntingly inventive novel that masterfully blends elements of American gothic, surrealism, and literary horror. Set in the eerie and enigmatic town of Curdle Creek, this novel explores themes of home, belonging, motherhood, and the legacies we inherit from society.

The story follows the lives of several residents of Curdle Creek, each grappling with their own personal demons and the town’s dark history. At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic figure of Eliza, a woman whose mysterious past and unsettling presence cast a long shadow over the community. As the narrative unfolds, Battle-Felton skillfully weaves together the characters’ stories, revealing the interconnectedness of their fates and the secrets that bind them.

Battle-Felton’s prose is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the atmospheric world of Curdle Creek. Her vivid descriptions of the town and its surroundings create a sense of place that is both beautiful and foreboding. The author’s ability to infuse the mundane with the supernatural adds a layer of tension and intrigue that keeps readers on edge.

“Curdle Creek” is explores motherhood and the complexities of familial relationships. Battle-Felton delves into the emotional and psychological depths of her characters, portraying their struggles with empathy and nuance. The themes of inheritance and legacy are central to the novel, as the characters confront the ghosts of their pasts and the choices that have shaped their lives.

The plot is a masterclass in suspense, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Battle-Felton’s ability to craft a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant is truly remarkable. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story never loses momentum.

Curdle Creek” is a must-read for fans of gothic fiction and literary horror. Yvonne Battle-Felton has crafted a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is chilling, with richly developed characters and a plot that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Battle-Felton’s work or new to her writing, this book promises an unforgettable reading experience.

Curdle Creek is set in a small town that has a sinister tradition. The book has a really good premise and I loved the cover but sadly this was one I did not enjoy. It was slow for me and it could not hold my attention. The book was confusing for me, as well. I did like the forebidden town and the characters were good. Overall even though this book was not one for me I would still suggest readers who like horror to give this one a try. Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review of Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton.

With an ominous town with traditions that may be difficult to survive, Curdle Creek lives off the belief that these sacrifices make them safer than anywhere else. After all, you might not survive to become an elder, but at least the town doesn’t have riots throughout the streets, right? What else could you want? (But if you ask too many questions, you may be asked to leave. Permanently).

Told from the perspective of a 45-year old widow, Osiria Turner, struggling to keep her head down and follow all the rules of her town, this book slowly brings you into her world. With many traditions that we only get glimpses of throughout - Moving On, Warding Off, Running of the Widows - we slowly begin to see the cult-like beliefs held in this town, and that no matter how close to someone you are, you can never fully trust anyone here.

For the first 60% of this book, I was hooked on Osira’s struggle as she tried to appease her mother, the town, and make sure that her very own name would not be called for the Moving On ceremony. As she dealt with the disappearance of her children (Did they run away and survive, or are they dead somewhere? And with how dangerous the outside world is, would it be better if they didn’t survive?), to the death of her husband, and her failures to stop being a widow and to become a wife once again - bringing even more shame unto her family. I really liked the perspective of someone who believes the cult-like beliefs of her town, but isn’t a “true believer” and still has a few questions about the practices going on.

I will say that I fully believe I think this book should have been at least 100 pages shorter, or possibly a novella, instead of the current 300+ pages it is. Once we moved to the chapter at the 61%, this book took a rather strange turn that made the rest of my reading experience a bit more confusing and convoluted. Without giving too many spoilers, our main character somehow discovers a strange magic briefly described and insulted throughout the book beforehand, and uses it to travel to a few separate places. However, none of these places make a great deal of sense, or are smoothly taken from one scene to the other, which I thought was rather confusing. As well as the fact that this section suddenly moved what felt like a book fairly grounded in reality to one more in the magical/supernatural sense, which I personally didn’t feel fit the vibe of the rest of the novel.

The entire second 40% of the book felt strangely disconnected from the first 60%, and felt like an offshoot of what we had previously read before. I didn’t feel like how these last chapters ended the story to be satisfactory to the rest of the story, and I feel I would have enjoyed this book had they not been included. As well, there were a few times that I felt scenes could have been cut or shortened, which is why I think this book would have been a better read if the story was tightened to only about 150 pages instead. However, I do think this was an interesting read about being trapped in a cult-like town without anywhere else to turn, and I do recommend checking it out for yourself.

A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Henry Holt and Company for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say that I absolutely enjoyed this Lottery-esque novel about a small-town housing only black people that has some deep-rooted traditions. The novel follows Osira and her struggles as she endures obstacles from the town ceremonies, motherhood, and life. This is a good book for spooky season.

If you are a fan of dystopian fiction and ambiguous endings, pick up a copy of Curdle Creek, a novel named for the black community in which most of it is set. Focusing on Osira, a 40-something woman, Yvonne Battle-Felton was almost certainly inspired by Shirley Jackson’s most famous short story, “The Lottery.” Curdle Creek’s Running of the Widows, Calling, Moving On, and Warding Off are long-practiced traditions believed to ensure a good harvest and protect the townspeople from epidemics, wars, racism, and lynchings rampant elsewhere.

Osira has already lost a grandfather, brother, and husband to the Moving On and failed twice in winning a new husband in the Running of the Widows. Another brother and her three children have not been seen since fleeing Curdle Creek. Life is about to get worse.

Although readers receive hints of racial violence outside the community, racism never comes to the forefront despite closeup looks at life in other times and places. I was left feeling that Battle-Felton had missed an opportunity, but perhaps she did not want to go there. Whatever the case, she seems to convey the message that whatever their good intentions, people are incapable of creating a good society.

Or are they? What lies ahead? Does Osira survive? If so, will she find her long-lost children? The abrupt, ambiguous ending prevents us from knowing. Does Battle-Felton plan a sequel?

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for an advance reader egalley. Although Curdle Creek did not meet my expectations, readers who gravitate toward dystopian fantasy may love it.

What in the world did I just read? I can't even describe the ending. It is so amazing. This is a wonderful depiction of a toxic small town environment but like worse. I was really hoping our girl, and her daddy, got away.
Just read this crazy amazing book.

Curdle Creek is loosely based on Shirley Jackson’s short story, “The Lottery.” Curdle Creek is an all-Black town, dependent on rituals such as Calling, Running of the Widows, Moving On, and Warding Off to keep the town prosperous and, in theory, a safe place to live.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Curdle Creek isn’t a bulwark against the violent world around them, but far more dangerous to its citizens than any other place that exists. But nothing is questioned by the residents of Curdle Creek, and anyone suspected of being less than a true believer is subject to the Moving On. Osira Turner finds herself in that precarious position. She is determined to survive and find the children that escaped the town years ago, but the town may have other plans for her future.

I have mixed emotions about this novel. While the similarities between “The Lottery” and Curdle Creek are there, Curdle Creek needs more context for its rituals and the roles people hold. It’s also a matriarchal society, buy why is never explained, just hinted at. Two women in particular, Osira’s mother, a nasty woman, and her life-long friend Mother Opal seem to be the ones in charge. There are also Charter Mothers, but the roles they occupy and the power they may or may not have isn’t clear. Well Walkers is another term that isn’t explained well. It’s a derogatory term for specific people, but why? And what is up with the rocks they collect? The time travel/shifting timelines are confusing, and I think it’s because for me it isn’t clear exactly how they fit into the novel overall. While I don’t need a happily-ever-after ending, the wide-open ending of this novel left way more questions (on top of a lot of questions already) than answers.

While I really liked the premised of the book, Curdle Creek wasn’t for me, but that doesn’t mean it may not be for you.
3/5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for a free e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Everyone should have traditions….the kind passed down from generation to generation, beliefs, customs. Sometimes, whether you want them or not, it’s something that we should keep. After reading Curdle Creek, maybe not. The traditions there include, Moving On, a Calling, Warding Off. Just try to get out of one of those generational traditions like Osira (main character) did. You might end up…..no, she didn’t die. Or did she? Creepily suspenseful.

This literary piece evoked a profoundly unsettling sensation. It adeptly penetrated my psyche and induced a sense of claustrophobia, a sentiment I never imagined I would experience from a book. While initially challenged by the author's prose, the narrative was exceptionally captivating. The premise and substance were undeniably intriguing, leaving me eagerly anticipating future works from this talented author.