Book Review: Tilt by Emma Pattee
When I first came across Tilt, the title and that striking bird on the cover captivated me. There’s something about imagery that shifts your perspective, and I was absolutely in for any story that dared to do the same. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a heart-pounding journey filled with disaster, resilience, and an unforgettable protagonist.
Emma Pattee’s Tilt tells the gripping tale of a young pregnant woman navigating the chaos of a massive California earthquake. From the very first pages, I was smitten by how Pattee dives deep into the flawed yet compelling character at its center. Our protagonist is far from perfect; in fact, she feels like a ‘terrible mother’ in her own words, yet I found myself rooting for her fiercely. Pregnant and thrown into the horrors of survival, she embodies both determination and vulnerability—a juxtaposition that makes her relatable and utterly human.
The writing style stands out for its authenticity and rawness. Pattee cleverly employs a first-person narrative to pull us directly into the mind of our FMC. The way she describes anxiety and helplessness captures the very essence of what it feels like to be in a situation spiraling out of control. Her musings about pregnancy often have the blend of dark humor and poignant reality that leaves you both chuckling and contemplative:
“My belly distended, a blimp exiting sideways out of my body. I walk in stiff little jerky motions like a stork.” (p. 6)
Moments like these make the story feel truly alive. The pacing is relentless, echoing the urgency of our character’s plight and causing the reader to race alongside her through the pages. There’s a fascinating exploration of grief without tipping into melodrama, and the scenes where she speaks to her unborn child beautifully merge first and second-person perspectives—a technique that creates a powerful internal dialogue.
I particularly appreciated the author’s ability to depict something as daunting as inflation over the last thirty years in a way that felt both real and almost harrowing. There’s a line that resonated deeply with me: “People have done harder things than this. People have been through worse than this.” (p. 162) It reminds us of the resilience available within us, even in the direst circumstances.
However, I did feel the opening scene’s confrontation was a tad theatrical—is this intentional? Perhaps. It certainly propels the story, laying the groundwork for character development and grit.
In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend Tilt to fans of disaster narratives, thrillers, and especially those who appreciate strong female leads. It’s a fast-paced, heartfelt read that offers both hope and a raw look at survival. The narrative has left me reflecting on my own experiences, igniting a spark of gratitude for resilience in the face of adversity.
Tilt is undoubtedly a remarkable debut. Thank you, Emma Pattee, and MarySue Rucci Books, for this accessible digital arc through NetGalley. I’m excited to share this gem, and I believe it will resonate with many readers looking for a story that marries humor with heart in the bleakest of circumstances.
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