Something Wild by Hanna Halperin

“Look at me.” “I’m looking, Lorrie.” “No. Look what you did to me.” - Hanna Halperin, Something Wild

Warning: This book contains domestic violence and sexual assault themes. Reader discretion is advised.

I’m often quite reluctant to recommend sad books, especially those with heavy themes because they are not for everyone (Also, who would want to purposely make their friends cry?). However, I think Something Wild by Hanna Halperin is such an important book that it needs to be talked about. I finished this book last night and since then my mind has been a train wreck. I can’t even find the right words to articulate my feelings right now. My soul is crushed. My heart is shattered. My eyes are still swollen. So let’s just sit down and talk.

The novel primarily centres on Tanya and Nessa’s trip back to their hometown to help their mother (Lorraine) move out of their childhood home. Once again cooped up in that suffocating space, the sisters are forced to confront the long-buried secrets that will put their sisterhood to the test. On a surface level, Something Wild by Hanna Halperin is a story about the intricacies of familial bonds and past traumas. However, at its core, it is a tale of hunger, of what we would do to satiate our fervent needs for attention, for comfort, and above all, for love. After all, it is indeed the desire for love that drives Nessa down a trajectory of unfulfilling affairs, breeds Tanya’s insecurities, and traps Lorraine in a vicious cycle of violence.

The writing in this novel is razor-sharp and crisp with detailed descriptions of each character’s stream of thoughts. The author is incredibly skilful at forging a connection between the characters and the readers. There are parts of the book wherein you feel completely immersed in the lives of the characters. However, I have to warn you that some scenes are quite graphic. Halperin’s description of violence is utterly honest and raw without sugarcoating or sensationalizing the gruesome details, which makes the novel even more genuine and heartbreaking. Another aspect I appreciate in this book is the point of view the author chooses. This soul-crushing story is told through third-person omniscient narration, which (at least for me) is such a wise choice as it provides the readers with thorough insights into the characters’ inner thoughts, yet still gives us the much-needed “personal space” to think and reflect. Besides, I think this point of view also works well for exploring the intergenerational traumas and the interwoven web amongst the three protagonists - Lorraine, Nessa, and Tanya.

Something Wild by Hanna Halperin is the sort of book that will shatter your soul only to build it back stronger than ever before. Notwithstanding the main theme of violence and loss, this book is truly a splendid ode to women’s unwavering resilience and the power of rejuvenation.

When she sings their son the moon song, it'll be something more than just a lullaby. There will be grief there, too, but that doesn't mean she won't sing it. - Hanna Halperin, Something Wild