Review: The Visitors

The Visitors by Catherine Burns
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just need a break from reading the same old same old domestic psychological thriller. When that happens, why not dig our heels into an intense character study of middle aged, emotionally stunted, possibly mentally ill, and definitely dysfunctional siblings? And while we’re at it, let’s add in a side of cat fishing and human trafficking.

This is a strange and dark novel. A lot happens, and yet nothing happens. I don’t know exactly how to classify this book, so I’ll call it genre fluid, which is very progressive and 2019-esque of me. A large portion of this narrative is spent recounting Marion’s traumatic past and detailing her cringe worthy childhood experiences, or giving us real time insight into Marion’s thoughts on the world around her in the present. And when I say a large portion, I mean 80% of this novel. You get to know this crazy old spinster inside and out. You may find this to be a bit boring at times, and I suppose you wouldn’t be wrong, but I found myself somewhat enjoying this deep dive into what happens when a human isn’t given love, security or a general sense of belonging for 50+ years. Sounds like a rocking good time, amiright?!

And fair warning - the inside cover makes this novel sound much more eventful and thrilling than actually it is. The “big reveal” that the summary alludes to does not even come into play until the last quarter of the novel, and even then, it’s SUPPOSED to be a big deal, but it isn’t. Think of it as the mustard you didn’t ask for on your hotdog. It’s not a terrible addition, and probably makes the experience more satisfying overall, but you’d have eaten that wiener regardless...-_-

I found the premise and execution to be interesting and unique, and I breezed though it - and that typically means I will be recommending it to others. Except I don’t think I’m going to do that. Something in me still doesn’t feel entirely confident giving this one my stamp of approval because I don’t think most people will enjoy it. Why did I even enjoy it? That’s the real question...More than likely, Marion and her story will sit contently on my bookshelf, and collect dust until the end of time (since let’s be honest, dusting sucks), and I’m perfectly okay with that.

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