Monstera

I went into Monstera expecting a creepy, unsettling little horror story, and while I wouldn’t necessarily say I found it scary, it certainly managed to surprise me.

Because THAT twist? I did not see it coming.

And honestly, I think that’s what made this novella so interesting.

There’s something fascinating about horror that doesn’t rely entirely on frightening its readers. Sometimes it’s about creating an atmosphere where everything feels just slightly off, even when you can’t quite explain why.

I particularly enjoyed the contrast between the beautiful, almost inviting botanical imagery and the darker elements lurking beneath it. Plants are generally associated with life, growth, and renewal, so using them within a horror story creates an interesting contradiction.

I also appreciated the way the story explored vulnerability, attraction, and the desire to find somewhere you belong. Lucy is someone searching for independence and connection, which makes her growing relationship with Saskia an important part of the story’s emotional foundation.

One thing I particularly enjoy about novellas is how much an author can accomplish in such a limited number of pages. There’s very little room for unnecessary detours, and Monstera moves quickly while still establishing its atmosphere and central relationships.

Of course, that shorter format also means some elements don’t have quite as much room to breathe as they might in a full length novel. I wouldn’t have minded spending a little more time with the characters and exploring certain aspects of the story more deeply.

But the biggest takeaway for me was definitely the unexpected direction the story took.

I love when a book makes me realize that I wasn’t necessarily looking at everything the right way. When a twist challenges your assumptions rather than simply existing for shock value, it can completely change how you think about the story.

Ultimately, I wouldn’t describe this as a particularly terrifying reading experience for me. It was more strange, atmospheric, unsettling, and unexpectedly surprising.

If you enjoy botanical horror, morally complicated relationships, sapphic romance, and short stories with a darker edge, Monstera is worth adding to your TBR.

-Amy