Book Review: The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
Do you really want to know where we come from?" she said. "In every century, in every country, they'll call us something different. They'll say we're ghosts, angels, demons, elemental spirits, and giving us a name doesn't help anybody. When did a name change what someone is?
The first time I walked into the young adult section of my library, I saw a book with a very distinct cover: above a baby carriage, knives, scissors, and horse shoes hang. It was grim. It was curious.
It become one of my most memorable reads, and The Replacement still has a hold on me all these years later.
I'll be completely honest: this is not a perfect book. And it definitely won't be for everyone. Some of the plot points are awkward, and the characters aren't always consistent. However, what always gets me no matter how many times I read it, is the atmosphere. Brenna Yovanoff creates such a creepy tone, creating a place that feels real as dead girls are alive-ish and children disappearing is something mourned and then ignored. No one asks questions; no one wants to ask questions. After all, questions lead to answers, and there are something that everyone in Gentry would prefer not to know.
Mackie Doyle can be a bit overdramatic, but I do feel for this guy. He lives in perpetually knowledge of his differences and how dangerous that makes his existence in the town. But despite that, he yearns for more. I feel for him as he tries to be the person his family expects him to be, and you can't help but feel bad in moments when he actively tries to defy his existence, such as him trying to enter hallowed ground because he just wants to hear his dad's sermons. Mackie's relationship with his sister is also my absolute favourite - they just love and care for each other so much.
I always love a good changeling story, and one infused with some Tam Lin-esque sacrifices makes it extra interesting. Yovanoff doesn't hold back on the eerie nature of this weird little book, and there's really its strength.
As I said, this book really isn't for everyone. But it absolutely is the one for me. And if you so happen to feel like delving into a strange story where the ugly lurks beneath the shiny façade of a seemingly normal town... this might just ensnare you.