Ep 612 - Cackle, by Rachel Harrison (w/ Natasha from UNspoiled!)
Oct 2, 2023
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Guest Natasha from UNspoiled! joins the hosts to discuss the book 'Cackle' by Rachel Harrison. They also talk about their relationship with spiders, a delightful thriller/horror book they recently listened to, forming opinions about books through discussion, the influence of the web metaphor, book bans in America, dynamics of relationships and personal growth, creepy encounters at Sophie's house, resistance to change, the importance of community and balance, and Annie's experience of different perspectives.
Annie's friendship with Sophie teaches her the importance of being true to oneself and rejecting toxic influences.
The podcast episode explores the societal expectations placed on women who choose to live independently and challenges the vilification of such choices.
Annie's revenge fantasy highlights themes of female empowerment and the fine line between justice and cruelty.
The book effectively combines cozy horror elements with themes of love, friendship, and personal development, creating a unique reading experience.
Deep dives
Annie's post-breakup sadness and move to Rowan
Annie, a teacher, moves to the small town of Rowan after a breakup with her boyfriend Sam. She is turning 30 and feeling sad and alone. She struggles with her feelings and pines for Sam, failing to see her own worth and the potential for a fresh start.
Annie's encounter with Sophie
While at a liquor store, Annie meets Sophie, an ageless and captivating woman. Annie is drawn to Sophie and wants to get to know her better. Sophie invites Annie to hang out and they start spending time together, with Sophie exhibiting strange behaviors that Annie overlooks due to her desperate need for approval and validation.
Annie's passivity and growing suspicions
Annie continues to spend time with Sophie, despite sensing that there is something off about her. Annie remains passive and overlooks the evidence of Sophie's questionable behavior, always making excuses for her and craving her validation.
Annie's journey of self-discovery and confrontation with Sophie
As the story progresses, Annie slowly begins to assert herself and question the manipulative behavior of Sophie. She starts to see through Sophie's lies and realizes her own worth. Annie finally confronts Sophie, asserting her independence and rejecting her toxic influence.
Annie's Friendship with Sophie: Embracing Self-sufficiency and Being Unapologetically Independent
Annie's friendship with Sophie, a witch living in the woods, challenges societal expectations and empowers Annie to embrace her own self-sufficiency. Sophie's refusal to conform to societal norms and her contentment with living alone inspires Annie to question why women who choose to live independently are often vilified or feared. Annie learns the importance of being true to oneself and not seeking validation or acceptance from others. Their friendship also highlights the complexities and struggles of female friendships, particularly when faced with control, toxic behavioral patterns, and the need for boundaries.
The Dread and Horror of Annie's Double Date: Exploring Revenge Fantasies and Empowerment
Annie's double date with Jill and her husband Dan becomes increasingly uncomfortable as Dan's passive-aggressive comments and behavior escalate throughout the evening. Frustrated by Dan's mistreatment, Annie finds solace in a magical message she stumbles upon in the bathroom, encouraging her to take back the night. Annie's suppressed anger and desire for revenge manifest when she unleashes a horrific display of magical power, causing Dan to vomit bones and bleed. This revenge fantasy exploration in the narrative underlines themes of female empowerment and standing up against mistreatment, while also delving into the fine line between justice and cruelty.
Mixing Cozy Horror and Emotional Growth: The Contrast of Comfort and Dread
The podcast episode discusses the effective mix of cozy horror elements and emotional growth in the book. It explores the notion that horror does not need to be a terrifying or grotesque experience, but rather can coexist with themes of love, friendship, and personal development. The book transitions seamlessly between moments of comfort, such as indulging in delicious food, and moments of dread and suspense, where Annie navigates her own fears and confronts toxic relationships. This fusion of genres allows readers to engage with the horror elements while still finding solace and enjoyment in the narrative.
We've all been through a bad break-up, right? We've all moved away to start fresh, we've all started a new job, we've all befriended witchy spider-ladies and felt a strange new power growing within us. Right? Tale as old as time.
We're joined this week by Natasha from the UNspoiled! podcast family, hear more of her work at unspoiledpodcast.com.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/overdue and get on your way to being your best self.
