The Lamb

Wow, this book was a simply amazing way to kick off my foray into e-book reviews. Excuse the pun but I just ate it up. Devoured in a day. The writing was incredibly atmospheric, the language was dreamy and luscious, and the concept (though of course not for everyone) was completely up my street. This is horror as I love to read it: stripped back, brazen, and quietly brutal. But it was also a wistful story of childhood and coming-of-age, of found family, and trauma. So many multitudes were contained within Lucy Rose’s work and I am excited to see what’s next for her.

Ironically (or aptly) completely consuming. Dark, disturbing, honestly flat out disgusting at points, The Lamb is such a gripping and complex story that is difficult to turn away from, even as hope ebbs away. Unbelievable book.

The Lamb follows Margot who lives with her mother in a homestead in the forest. When Margot is a home with her mama they wait for strangers known as strays to knock on their door. Margot’s mama looks after the strays and then kills them. She eats them and shares them with Margot. That is until a stray called Eden turns up and starts up a relationship with Margot’s mama. This means the dynamic between Margot and her mama changes and Margot needs to make a bid for freedom.

4.5 stars rounded up to a 5. This isn’t a perfect 5 star book for me in that it didn’t absolutely wow me but it has made me think. It did everything I expected it to do, it was gory and the whole time I was extremely uncomfortable with the dynamic between Margot and her mama particularly when Eden was introduced. It was a fast read even though the story was quite slow. I enjoyed the experience of reading this and I would recommend it. It’s a novel that creeps up on you.

I absolutely adored this. Harrowing, fierce and utterly readable. This will definitely be the book all the gross girlies will be reading in 2025!

This unsettling, haunting, fairytale will sink into you. About neglect, love, families and survival, it is not a comfortable read but a fascinating one

A shockingly gruesome horror story but I couldn't stop reading even though the impending terror was palpable., Margot as a character is so startlingly crafted I was appalled by her but also felt a heartfelt tenderness for her too, Lucy Rose has created a near-perfect novel. I know The Lamb is going to be phenomenal!

Uncomfortable, gruesome, and unnerving. The lamb is one of those books that’s sticks with you and you’ll be recommending for years to come!

An amazing debut novel from Lucy Rose. I loved this book from the moment I started it. Margot is such a unique character and it is interesting to see the story told from her perspective. A must read for anyone who likes unusual fiction with a side of cannibalism.

This is a strong and accomplished literary debut with a unique story and protagonist. It's a sometimes harrowing read but the prose is beautiful to read. I found this reminiscent of Angela Carter in tone and theme.
Hard to believe that this is a debut novel. A strong launch.

Whilst it is probably known that this book DELIVERS on page turning w t a f moments, and I am one of the biggest fans of this (Earthlings fan girl IYKYK), there’s a lot more going on. I’m going to keep it brief because I actually want you to 1) read this and 2) read the book so here ya go 🫱🏻

I’ve come to have a real appreciation this year for books exploring family dynamics, in particular maternal bonds. Margot’s relationship with her mother ticks the boxes for almost every red flag, a dark take on nature vs nurture if you will, where nothing much seems to be in Margot’s favour. Mama seems plagued by love, the desire and acquisition, to questioning if she even knows what she feels at times (to her daughter at least). I loved (pun intended) this. Yes this is a gothic tale, so naturally this love is shrouded in darkness but I think there’s a lot explored that any number of people grapple with and I for one could not tear myself away.

I was really drawn to how Edens character had been composed, even down to the use of her name. Whilst “Mama and I” are not unnamed, it’s the formality of using a name repeatedly. The name itself conjuring up the biblical imagery ~ paradise, lust, happiness, contentment ~ rather contradictory to where they find themselves. A sheep in wolf’s clothing, the odd one out- but not for long. A bit like Eve, how much does Eden offer the temptation to satiate the hunger and rid them of a burden? The characters are complex - like I said, big fan.