Dean’s novel feels both fresh, and familiar – exotically spiced comfort food. Much like central character Devon, a single mum doing the best she can, it is a fusion of classic fairy tales elevated into something almost entirely else. It forces us to ask whether or not our identities are simply the accumulation of knowledge and experiences we collect, or something beyond that. If the latter, how do we keep ourselves from being consumed by the former?

It’s all about stories – the ones we’re told, the ones we’re made to swallow, and the ones we tell ourselves. We all have certain expectations set upon us by society – as one of the few Book Eater women, Devon is expected to produce children for The Families. Faith that The Family (or authoritarian of choice) has our best interest at heart, and that it will all work out if we simply do what we’re told, is just as escapist as losing ourselves in novels or video games. The stories we’re told shape our perception of reality. Sometimes it just takes hearing the right story to reveal possibilities and set you on your path. 

Ultimately, I was so captivated by 1. the idea of eating books and the richly detailed culture Dean concocted, and 2. the twisted threads of classic tales woven into something new, that I listened through the novel twice, back-to-back. Erich’s immersive and authentic performance plunks us straight into Northern England and carries us along through Devon’s tumultuous journey. Moorish and moreish – it plays out like the mystery and crime novels she likes so much. There was even a car chase. 

P.S. The audio book also features an adorable bonus interview between Dean and Erich fangirling over each other as they pick each other’s brains about the book. Worth the listen!