The Violence

By Delilah S. Dawson

Book Overview

How far would you go to be free? Three generations of women forge a new path through an America torn by a mysterious wave of violence in this "chilling [and] dizzyingly effective" (The New York Times Book Review) novel of revenge, liberation, and triumph.

"A compulsively readable fusion of domestic thriller and modern horror."--Kameron Hurley, author of The Light Brigade

"A novel that defines this era."--Stephen Graham Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians

FINALIST FOR THE ITW THRILLER AWRAD - ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times

They call it The Violence: a strange epidemic that causes the infected to experience sudden bursts of animalistic rage, with no provocation and no memory of their crimes. While it tears the nation apart, one woman sees something unlikely in the chaos--an opportunity.

Chelsea Martin has been a prisoner in her own home for too long. Her controlling husband has manipulated her for years, cutting her off from all support. Her narcissistic mother is no help, and her teen daughter is realizing she might be falling into the same trap when her once adoring boyfriend shows a dark side.

But when the Violence erupts, Chelsea creates a plan to liberate herself and her daughters once and for all.

What follows is a shocking and thrilling journey as three generations of women navigate a world in which they are finally empowered to fight back. Somewhere along the journey from her magazine-ready Tampa home to the professional wrestling ring, Chelsea becomes her own liberator, an avatar of revenge and hope, and a new heroine for a new world.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593156625
• ISBN13: 9780593156629
• Release Date: February 2022
• Publisher: Del Rey Books
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

4.25 stars

THE VIOLENCE by Delilah S. Dawson What a trip! Props to the author for setting the tone with the opening scene; I was hooked right away. Considering this was published in 2022 yet takes place in 2025, it hit a little too close to reality which is both terrifying, depressing, and ironic. This book addresses heavy topics (DV, emotional and physical abuse, trauma…). The author does a great job of showing the realities and horrors of Chelsea’s life dealing with her abusive POS husband and narcissistic mother. It was infuriating and heartbreaking to read, especially when the POV switches to Chelsea’s teen daughter Ella. Overall, I was surprised at how much I loved this. While the midway point dragged a bit, it all came together nicely (though not quite realistically) at the end. Highly recommend, but check trigger warnings and mind your mental state before reading. Rating: 4.25/5 ⭐️