PIHM Book Review: Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
Genre: Horror
Age: Adult
Camp Damascus will be published by Titan Books on July 18th
This book is going to live in my head for a long time. I’ll hold my hands up here and admit this is my first time reading Chuck Tingle’s work, and I think he’s immediately crossed over into my list of favourite horror writers. With Camp Damascus he has delivered a powerful look at fundamental Christianity, the evangelical movements, and conversion camps. Through Rose, the main character, there’s a slowly unfolding sense of dread right from the start. Her POV means everything we see is presented as completely normal, but as a reader, the chills start early. The way the town seems split between worshippers and non-worshippers, the way Rose freely quotes the Bible, and the way her parents push back against her curiosity – all normal to her, but all ringing alarm bells for the reader early on.
Rose is neurodivergent, and it’s something that comes through really well and clear in Tingle’s writing. She’s a great character to follow, especially when you initially have the combination of her belief, her curiosity, and her more scientific side. As the story unfolds and we start to put the pieces together, so does Rose, though Tingle makes it so you’re kind of a step ahead of her, understanding sinking in for the reader a split second before it does for her.
It's masterfully done, and the whole book balances the religious themes and the horror in humanity really well with the more supernatural elements. It’s honestly a really great book that tackles a very contemporary, infuriating issue represented by the camp itself, and without a doubt is well worth a read.
Review by Elle Turpitt
Twitter & Instagram: @elleturpitt
www.elleturpitt.com
I received this ebook from Titan Books via NetGalley for review consideration.
