Hello Addicts,
I am writing this review on Valentine’s Day, which seems fitting given the story. ‘Vicarious’, by Chloe Spencer, is a tale of abuse and love, but with some very horrific experiences in between. This book comes with a content warning regarding discussions of child sexual abuse, homophobia and homophobic slurs, fatphobia, violence against animals, attempted sexual assault, discussions of domestic violence and stalking, and violence against children. If any of these bother you, this story may not be for you.
Gertie was the happiest woman in the world. She had a lovely daughter and a husband that was so much more than just a spouse. He was her protector and the biggest supporter of everything she wanted to accomplish in life. Forever was not meant to be, however. On a night out for just the two of them, a piece of glass in a forkful of salad ended her husband’s life, sending Gertie’s life into a tailspin of despair and bitterness. She is given a fortune from his death, but becomes consumed with obtaining power in her local community. Her focus is on her daughter when she joins the private school’s PTA and quickly rises through the ranks using cut throat methods. Eventually, she sets her sights on being elected to the school board, but a chance encounter with her middle school bully gives her an additional goal.
Beatrice tormented Gertie in the seventh grade. She was expelled from school after assaulting Gertie in the girls’ bathroom with a bloody tampon. When they run across each other as adults, Beatrice acts friendly and explains why she did all those terrible things to her when they were kids. While she does not apologize, the former bully admits to having a crush on her and offers to make amends. Gertie accepts and the two start dating, but it is all part of a vicious plan to destroy her school bully.
Beatrice explains her life is anything but rosy. Her husband subjected her to mental and physical abuse, which only gets worse when Beatrice realizes she is into women more than men. She leaves her husband and moves in with her parents, who are quick with the homophobic slurs and verbal abuse. While Gertie initially dislikes them for how they treat their daughter, she also sees them as a potential safety net for her nemesis. She hires a man to murder them in a staged accident, but it does not go according to plan and Gertie is forced to finish killing them. With the parents out of the way, she invites Beatrice and her sons to move in with her and her daughter.
These deaths end up being just the first of many as Gertie’s revenge plan develops wrinkles. One such wrinkle is realizing that, over the course of their time together, she has fallen in love with her former bully. It does not stop the killing, but the reasoning changes. The story is a bit of a roller coaster ride and I do not want to spoil it for you, the reader.
I thought it was an interesting story and premise. That being said, I think Gertie gets a little carried away in her desire for vengeance. She is a character whose bitterness at everyone did not make me sympathize with her. I can understand her desire to get back at Beatrice after what she did all those years ago. After all, who would not want to get back at their childhood bully? I liked the story and wish they would have expounded on things a little more.
This story is not for everyone. It is a raw and gritty tale which some may find a bit off-putting. I, for one, hope that there will be more adventures in store for Gertie and Beatrice.
You can get a copy of ‘Vicarious’ from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and your local bookstore. You can also check out what else Chloe Spencer has for you at her website.
Until next time, Addicts.
D.J.
HorrorAddicts.net 