Dehiscent by Ashley Deng | Book Review

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Dehiscent by Ashley Deng is an unsettling ecological horror tale that centers around a young girl who lives in a house that provides. 

Let’s dive in! 

My Thoughts on Dehiscent by Ashley Deng – 

Yi is a young girl growing up in a world that is either swelteringly hot or terrifyingly cold. She understands just how lucky she is to be living in an old home on the edge of town with her family. 

Of course, this isn’t just any house. This house provides for its inhabitants. Fruit grows in cabinets, meat arrives in boxes, and Choy sprouts all over. 

Yi is grateful for everything the house gives them, frequently receiving strawberries, candies, and a cold shower. But soon her curiosity outweighs her willingness to follow her parent’s rules about going into the attic. 

Once she knows how the house provides for them, will she be able to keep up her appreciation? 

Oh man, there were so many times that I thought living in this house would be amazing! Having something that anticipates your needs sounds wonderful. But I certainly wouldn’t be able to deal with the heat or the other things required of this family. Plus, having stuff show up in random places would drive me nuts. I need everything in its designated place.

I loved Yi so much. Her determination to find a way to share even when she knew sharing could be a bad thing, was such a relatable element. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for her to see her friends and classmates struggling when help was right at her fingertips.

The pacing of this tale is wonderful. It’s such a smooth and slow story that focuses on everyday survival and the calmness of being at home safe with family. 

My Favorite Passages from Dehiscent by Ashley Deng – 

There was still frost on the ground, dusting the wispy grass like lace while the sheets of ice crunched underfoot. It was a weird feeling, being cold and humid at the same time; she was sweating under her layers when the surface of her skin still felt so cold.

Today felt like she was standing on the ever-shifting slush of melting ice, just barely thick enough to hold her weight. She wanted to fall through just to get it over and done with.

My Final Thoughts on Dehiscent by Ashley Deng – 

Ecological and apocalyptic fans, you gotta check out this quick read. It will totally draw you in and chill you with the atmosphere that the author has created. I really enjoyed this quiet little horror tale! 

For those that have read this already, could you live in this house?

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Thanks for reading!

And a shout-out to the publisher for sending this my way!