The Monsters We Deserve ~ Marcus Sedgwick

This is one of those books that I definitely did read based on the cover. Marcus Sedgwick is an author I haven’t read much but know a little about; still, I was a little shocked with how the title was not the focal point of the cover like so many other YA novels. I was intrigued by the solitary monster on the front. 

The Monsters We Deserve is a bit of a strange book. It’s not too usual that the author writes themselves into their books, especially not as the protagonist in a very small cast of characters. In fact, I’m pretty sure there are only two speaking characters other than Sedgwick. It was a bit bizarre as some points felt like reading Sedgwick’s personal journal. It definitely meant that I felt very connected to his character.

The book is set in a rundown barn in the French Alps where Sedgwick has gone to write his next novel. The main storyline plays on the idea that your brain makes up monsters whilst you’re alone. It’s done very well. I was home alone when reading it and Sedgwick made me question every creak of the floorboards or noise my neighbours made. 

I loved how creepy it was and how much it resonated as the feelings of getting more and more creeped out as your brain can’t quite convince itself that it’s nothing to worry about. 

I was very close to giving this book five stars, however, it got a bit more supernatural in the second half and it kind of took me out of the moment for a bit. I still very much enjoyed it, but, I would’ve preferred the supernatural to be less jarring. 

In the end, I really enjoyed this book and it definitely got me excited for spooky season. I gave it four and a half stars. 

C🌙