Myrrh consists of three interwoven narratives, each intriguing in their own right. The titular Myrrh is trying to track down her birth father, who abandoned her mother shortly after impregnating her. She is also dealing with a goblin who lives inside her head.
Marian is the wife of the aforementioned absent father, reflecting on this unexpected turn of events at a late stage in her life.
Cayenne’s relationship is failing, and she is navigating the terrain of dealing with a teenage step-daughter, while trying to become pregnant herself.
I loved this book for so many reasons. Polly Hall takes her time in revealing the link between the three female narrators, and allows each story and character to develop beautifully.
The roles of parent and child can take so many forms, and I loved how many perspectives were covered in Myrrh; including adoption, step-parenting, and surrogacy. As someone who constantly overthinks her position as a mother, a lot of these situations resonated with me.
I’m sure the ending of Myrrh will get a lot of people talking, but I think the real appeal of this novel is the strength of the writing and the characters. No spoilers, but I don’t think many readers will be entirely shocked by the ending, which while undoubtedly disturbing, is not gratuitous.
In terms of similar books, I’d say that the tone reminded me a little of Anna Metcalfe’s brilliant Chrysalis. Myrrh is completely unique, and incredibly well-written. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
Myrrh is out now!
Eternal thanks to Titan for the ARC.
California Reading 