I Should Read That

Book review

Wilhelm von Tore is dying. As he looks back on his life he reflects on his youth in Dresden, his grandmother and his medical career during WWII. But mostly, he remembers his darling Luci, the dark-haired beauty promised to him years before they met. Though only together for a few months in her first life, Wilhelm knows their love is written in the stars. And he ensures that death is only the beginning. But through the cracks in Wilhelm’s story there is another voice – that of Gabriela, and she will not let this version of events go unchallenged. She tells instead the story of her fearless sister Luciana and the madman who robbed her from her grave.

Heather Parry’s debut novel has been on my radar for ages for a number of reasons and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. Based on a very true story (you can read more here but it will ruin your day, so I can’t say I recommend it) Orpheus Builds a Girl is a gripping, dark, and deeply disturbing tale of obsession, possession, and one woman’s agency.

This story is told in a dual narrative – Gabriela opens the story by telling you you she is going to right the wrongs of her sister’s story and the lies told by Wilhelm. What unfolds is horrifying. Dual narratives are interesting to me because often one perspective is more engaging than the other. While the book begins with Wilhelm being the much more interesting POV, Gabriela’s chapters quickly catch up, especially when their lives collide and entwine. 

The choice to use a dual narrative is rather genius on Parry’s part. The center of this book is Luciana’s lack of agency and autonomy – she’s constantly pushing for freedom throughout her entire life. Notably, her voice is lacking in this narrative, driving home the point that she loses everything.

Parry’s writing is beautiful and compelling – she keeps you reading despite the dark and disturbing content. Orpheus Builds a Girls will make you deeply uncomfortable. It will make you upset and not feel good. It wont be for everyone, but if you like your literary fiction on the darker side I’d highly recommend picking it up.