Review: In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

Rating: 4 out of 5

Carmen Maria Machado’s In the Dream House is a powerful and deeply affecting memoir that explores the often-overlooked reality of abuse within lesbian relationships. Her writing is both lyrical and raw, pulling the reader into the complexities of love, trauma, and power dynamics. The pacing is masterful, making the book difficult to put down, and the use of short chapters enhances its impact, creating an almost hypnotic rhythm that mirrors the emotional turbulence of the story. Machado’s inventive narrative structure, which frames the memoir through different literary tropes, adds layers of meaning and insight, making this more than just a personal account—it’s a deconstruction of storytelling itself. In the Dream House is an essential read, shedding light on difficult but necessary topics with honesty, vulnerability, and stunning prose.