Bending at the Bow: A Novel Horror Book Review

Douglas brings to bear her training as a psychologist in this subdued story of grief splashed with symbolism.  Annie mourns her childhood friend and lover, Sylvie, surrounded by caring neighbors and childhood memories.  Each neighbor or memory connects to Sylvie and represents a stage in Annie’s grieving process.


Isobel and Edna could be Annie and Sylvie had they the chance to grow old together; Edna’s memory loss distorts time in much the same way Annie’s life without Sylvie is distorted and Isobel, like Sylvie, collects junk, stacking and shelving time, while Sylvie’s ashes sit like junk in a closet.  Martha acts out her grief through political graffiti, while Annie contrives stories to make her life seem more exciting. 


Childless Blodwen desires that which never existed as Annie wishes for a future that can never be.  Alexa, recently separated from her girlfriend, represents the future, and her fish represent the ability to move through life surrounded by others and yet detached. 


As an audiologist, Annie is accustomed to listening, examining the inner workings of things, and that is the style of this story.  Examining the inner lives of persons connected to Annie and Sylvie and, like one’s inner thoughts, the story is meandering, plot less.