Clearly I am some sort of masochist because I picked up Little Deaths by Emma Flint knowing it was a book based on the real-life murders of two small children. Did I think this was going to be an easy book to read? Of course not, yet I read it anyway because my curiosity was piqued by the promise of it being a worthwhile mystery. Aside from a few pacing issues, it’s a rewarding read for those looking for some social commentary mixed in with their murders.
The book centers on Ruth Malone who is the opposite of a ‘good’ mother; she wears lots of makeup, goes out to bars at night with various men, and drinks every night. And when her kids wind up missing and murdered the police make it their mission to convict her, even if the evidence is circumstantial and suspect. But the book begins with Ruth in jail so we know she’s found guilty within the first few pages; the lead up to the conviction is what builds the atmosphere of suspense.
Some may find parts of this book a bit slow. Once the children’s bodies are found and the police are quietly building the case in the background not a lot happens. But instead of focusing on crafting the perfect thriller, Flint uses her storytelling to draw attention to the ways women are shoved into tiny little boxes, especially back in the 1960s which is the setting for this book. Ruth is a mother struggling to do the very best she can, and she feels immense guilt over not being the perfect mother, but she also allows herself to indulge in the exact same activities that then men around her participate in, and she is vilified for it. Even worse, it’s men and women who paint Ruth as a child-killer, not just the police trying to close a case. The slut-shaming in this book is subtle but reprehensible, and Ruth is unwilling to fight the gossip-mongers around her to clear her name.
For the reason listed above, I don’t think men would engage with this book the same way I have. Ruth’s inner monologues and recollections before the kids’ deaths are the most fascinating parts of this story. Being a mother myself, I think the murders had a more profound effect on me. The fact that the victims were innocent children immediately made me more invested in the characters, Ruth especially because her situation seemed so tragic right from the outset. So because of who I am, I may have rose-coloured glasses on when it comes to reviewing this book. But regardless of who you are the ending has a great twist to it, so you’ve got that to look forward to.
I’m half-tempted by this one because most of the reviews I’ve seen of it have been pretty positive with a few of them glowing. But the whole murdered children thing rather puts me off – there seem to have been so many books with that as a theme recently. Glad you enjoyed it, though, although maybe ‘enjoy’ isn’t quite the right word in this context!
Yes I know what you mean!
It seems like every time a child goes missing, the parents are the first suspects, even now. I think I’ll have to skip this one.
And as a parent, being s suspect would bE horrific, especially after your child has just gone missing!
Very interesting premise. Not being a mother myself, I would probably not be as emotionally involved but the murder of innocent children will be something hard to deal with, no matter who is reading.
I’m glad the author made sure to keep things subtle and realistic.
Wonderful review!
thank you! And I agree with you, if I had read this book before i had children, I probably would have been a little less devastated by the premise, so I felt it important to state that that the beginning of my review 🙂
Excellent review. Even though I know it will be a hard book to read, I do think I’ll be adding it to my TBR list. Thanks for your insight into this book!
Thank you for reading and following my blog 🙂
Usually I avoid books with something bad happening to children at all costs, but I admit you make this one sound tempting. Good job!
I SHOULD avoid books like this, but the temptation was too great!
Many of my book blog friends read this book and talked about the gender privilege men enjoy, so much so that I forget someone DID just these children–but who!
I know!!! That’s what drew my in to the book originally, finding out the ‘truth’, but I think the case went unsolved…
Well, shit.
I tried to read this one back last year but couldn’t get into it due to its slow nature. I’m glad you enjoyed this one though! 😀
Such a great book. I loved it because of the social theme… but the ending was also great!
yesss I really liked the ending too