Death Valley is a darkly funny and moving novel about grief, loss, and the power of the human spirit. The novel follows a woman named Esther who travels to Death Valley in the wake of her father's illness and her husband's worsening health. She seeks respite from the pain and emptiness that plague her and "anticipatory grief", but soon finds herself on a journey that is both desolate and rich, hilarious and poignant.
Esther is a quirky and interesting character who is easy to relate to. She is flawed and vulnerable, but she is also strong and resilient. She is a survivor, and her journey through Death Valley is a testament to the power of each person to overcome even the most difficult challenges.
The writing style in the novel is exceptional. Broder's use of interior monologue allows the reader to experience Esther's thoughts and feelings in a way that is both relatable and tangible. The writing is razor-sharp, witty, and remarkably sensitive all at the same time.
Esther arrives at a Best Western in Death Valley, which is completely empty. She takes a hike and soon gets lost in the desert. As she wanders through the sand dunes and rocks, she begins to have surreal visions. She chances upon a towering, monumental cactus that seems out of place with its surroundings, but it piques her curiosity enough to enter it. The surrealism of it all is delightful.
Esther's journey through the cactus serves as a metaphor for her experience of life after loss. Although she feels adrift at first, alone and confused, Esther eventually finds her way back to herself, accepting her grief along the way. Her journey teaches her about the resilience and elasticity of which we are all capable, and the power of self-discovery.
Death Valley is a truly captivating read that will linger in your mind long after you finish. It is an emotionally charged novel, full of moments that make you smile, snicker, and consider thought-provoking themes. I strongly suggest picking up a copy.
Rating: 5/5
Buy on Amazon.
[An ARC was shared with The Arcane Archives through NetGalley ahead of release, in exchange for an unbiased review.]