Bloodland

Sarah Robertson is an associate editor of the Canadian Book Review
Annual.

Julianna Grey is studying for finals at the University of Alabama when her mother, Marietta Grey, hangs herself under mysterious circumstances.

It is only after a series of shocking events that Julianna finally learns the truth behind her mother’s suicide.

Mosiman’s theme of family loyalty and betrayal is well portrayed in her bizarre cast of characters. Julianna is a disappointing heroine, however, passive and colorless; her love interest, Hollis, is little more than a cipher. Bland on their own, the two of them make for an even blander couple. Despite this, and despite some ludicrous plot turns, Bloodland keeps the reader generally hooked. The squeamish are advised to skim (or skip) a scene involving Travis and his beloved pit bulbs.