[Review] This is Where We Talk Things Out by Caitlin Marceau
This is Where We Talk Things Out
By Caitlin Marceau
Published by DarkLit Press
Expected Date of Publication: September 22nd, 2022
5 out of 5 Stars
This is Where We Talk Things Out is a gut-wrenching story about a daughter (Miller) and her estranged abusive mother (Sylvie), as they spend the weekend in a reclusive cabin in a last attempt at fixing their relationship. Trouble is, Sylvie’s grip on reality is loosening and Miller finds herself in a nightmare she may not be able to wake up from. Marceau is exceptionally talented at crafting stories that feel real, which is an even more impressive feat considering the genre she writes. Every aspect of this novella was beautifully crafted: the setting it takes place in serves as a reflection of the characters’ relationship and inner worlds, the arguments everyone with a narcissistic and abusive parent has experienced a thousand times, and a plot that will leave you breathless.
As someone who’s had to go no contact with my father and constantly struggles with making my mother respect my boundaries, this was a punch in the gut. I related so much to Miller, from her guilt about cutting off her mom, to the anger and frustration at being constantly belittled by a parent. Marceau did such a wonderful job writing both of these characters and capturing in words the dynamics of abusive parent-child relationships, that it’s impossible to not become emotionally invested in this story. Sylvie has officially entered my ‘Worst Parents’ hall of fame, alongside the likes of Jack (The Shining) and Adora (Sharp Objects). And let me tell you, Sylvie could give Jack Torrance a run for his money, in fact, she’d probably obliterate him in less than an hour. But I digress, it’s just been so long since I’ve wanted to murder a fictional character this badly that it’s hard to contain myself. The reason why she’s both terrifying and despicable is that Sylvie is a perfect example of a type of human monster so many of us have had (and continue) to face growing up.
At its core, This is Where Talk Things Out is a gruesome look at familial relationships, trauma, abuse, and guilt. There are many metaphors and comparisons regarding the abusive dynamic between Miller and her mom, but this was my favorite one: “While Sylvie had a bad habit of extending poison ivy disguised as olive branches, Miller had a worse habit of accepting them.” Children of abusive parents are so conditioned to always bend to their parent’s wishes, whether it be due to guilt, financial dependency, or societal pressure; that we end up putting ourselves back in the toxic relationship we fought so hard to escape. This novella is a cautionary tale of what happens when we let the abusers in our lives guilt trip and manipulate us into letting them back into our lives. The perfect example of why sometimes letting go is the best decision we can make.
I read this in one sitting because it was impossible to put it down, the story had me in a chokehold and I just needed to know how it’d all end. Although, I have to confess that I skimmed the goriest bits because, not only am I sensitive when it comes to that, but Marceau pulls no punches when writing it. If you enjoyed Stephen King’s Misery (1987), Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects (2006), or stories that tackle familial trauma, this is an absolute must-read. However, please keep in mind that it’s an incredibly heavy, and possibly very triggering, story. Please be sure to check out the content warnings at the bottom of this review and take care of yourself during and after reading.
Content Warnings: Mental Illness, Familial Trauma, Fatphobia, Violence, Death, Gore.
