Hemlock
books by Melissa Faliveno
A woman haunted by a dark inheritance returns to the woods where her mother vanished, in this queer Gothic novel—a butch Black Swan. Sam, finally sober and stable with a cat and a long-term boyfriend in Brooklyn, returns alone to Hemlock, her family’s deteriorating cabin deep in the Wisconsin Northwoods, where her mother disappeared years before and never returned. But a quick, practical trip takes a turn for the worse when the rot and creak of the forest starts to creep in around the edges of Sam’s mind. It starts, as it always does, with a beer. As Sam dips back into the murky waters of dependency, the inexplicable begins to arrive at her door in the forms of a neighbor who leaves no trace, a talking doe who sounds just like Sam’s missing mother, and a series of mysterious gifts... The story leaves a lasting impression by focusing on meaningful moments rather than constant spectacle. Emotional resonance is achieved through careful buildup and authentic character responses. This focus contributes to the book’s enduring appeal. The storytelling approach emphasizes coherence, ensuring that each chapter contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative. This cohesion enhances readability and provides a sense of continuity throughout the book.