Review: The Sanatorium

I’ve looked at “The Sanatorium” for a long time. I finally purchased it when it was on a super sale as a Kindle book. I decided to read it yesterday. Yes, the whole thing. It kept me interested and I was entertained, but I’m glad I sat with my thoughts for a day. Yesterday, I basked in the rosy glow of finishing an entertaining book with only mild annoyances. Today, the annoyances have surfaced at the expense of the rest of the story.

Basically, the story is a locked room mystery where the characters are snowbound at a renovated hotel in the Swiss Alps. The hotel building was originally a sanatorium so there are creepy vibes. Elin, an on extended leave detective from England, is there to celebrate her estranged brother’s engagement and to spend some quality time with her beau. Unfortunately, her brother’s fiance goes missing. When a hotel worker is found dead, Elin’s instincts kick in and the hunt for a killer is on. 

The set up isn’t bad, but I was really hoping for something MUCH more gothic. Early on, characters mention a feeling of creepiness or think they see shadows, but that is not developed into a hold-your-breath kind of tension. Horror tropes abound (e.g. “I must go into this creepy space under the floor RIGHT NOW without telling anyone where I’m going.” …this is not a direct quote, but a representation of the idea).

My biggest beef is Elin’s dependence on her inhaler. Early on in the story it appears that she has severe asthma that flares up and must be treated with a rescue inhaler. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Elin, who suffers from anxiety, uses it as a coping mechanism. Toward the end of the story she admits as much to her brother. WHY does this have me up in arms? Simple, it sends a BAD message (e.g. the off-label use of powerful drugs to cope with anxiety). The drugs in these inhalers can be dangerous if overused and can even trigger feelings of anxiety because of the physical effects of the drug on your system (that’s on the drug information sheet that comes with your prescription and been there, done that). The thought of one of my anxiety-prone students reading this book then thinking that an inhaler should be used this way is, frankly, horrifying.

The discussion of sanatoriums in the early 19th century was interesting and is important to know, but it was not well-integrated into the story. 

Overall, though I read “The Sanatorium” and enjoyed it in the moment, I can only give a lukewarm recommendation at best.

CW: stories of rape, avalanche disaster, dismemberment

Review: Warrior Girl Unearthed

Angeline Boulley’s “Warrior Girl Unearthed” is her second YA novel featuring members of the Firekeeper family. The Firekeeper-Birch twins are now teenagers and, much to Perry’s (Pearl May) dismay, participating in a paid summer internship program in the tribal community. Perry would much rather be fishing than stuck indoors, but a traffic accident while speeding has left her in debt to her Aunt Daunis. While working the internship, Perry is forced to confront the impact of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) and the theft of cultural artifacts, including the remains of ancestors. Along the way, the family becomes embroiled in a murder investigation and Perry makes a startling discovery that leaves her no choice but to take matters into her own hands in order to bring her ancestors home, but will she be able to carry out her plan before a killer strikes again?

I loved catching up with the characters from Boulley’s first book “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” The title of this book seems to refer both to the thousands of remains still held by museums and private collectors as well as Perry’s burgeoning power as an indigenous woman. Part of Perry’s appeal is her sense of justice coupled with the impetuousness of a typical teenager. She makes grave mistakes with her big heart, but it’s clear that she has the larger community in mind. She struggles through self-reflection and learns to temper her power to get what she wants. The list of thought-provoking aspects to this story are practically endless.

“Warrior Girl Unearthed” is a powerful story for those who enjoy contemporary YA fiction featuring strong female characters, indigenous stories, and mysteries. I will be getting copies of this book for my classroom.

Classroom Considerations: This story would be great as a jumping off point to discuss topics such as MMIW, the legacy of Indian Boarding Schools, and who owns cultural artifacts. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an advance reader copy of “Warrior Girl Unearthed” in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own. 

“Warrior Girl Unearthed” will be available in early May. I highly recommend pre-ordering your copy now.