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Comfort Me With Apples Review
Domestic Horror | Psychological Suspense
I went into Comfort Me With Apples completely blind, which is exactly how most readers suggest experiencing it. In my case, that approach didn’t quite work out the way I’d hoped.
Very early on, I picked up on the Adam and Eve parallels woven through the story. Once that Genesis-inspired framework clicked into place, it shaped how I read the rest of the book. What was likely meant to feel mysterious and unnerving instead felt a little too familiar for me, and that familiarity took some of the edge off the thriller atmosphere.
That said, there were elements I genuinely enjoyed. Sophie’s growing unease, especially around her neighbors, was where the novella really found its footing for me. The subtle shift from polite curiosity to quiet discomfort was handled beautifully, and those moments carried the kind of creeping tension I was looking for. Her interactions with Cascavale were another highlight; they brought out a real sense of fear and uncertainty that added depth to the story.
Even the constant HOA updates, which at first felt like odd little distractions, ended up playing an interesting role. They mirrored the small changes happening around Sophie and helped build that feeling that something in her perfect world was quietly unraveling.
The writing itself is sharp and precise, and the structure is clever. Once I connected the story to a Bluebeard-style theme, of Adam recreating wives from pieces of the past, it made more sense to me on a conceptual level. Still, the heavy biblical undertones kept me at arm’s length, and that ultimately colored my overall experience.
Comfort Me With Apples is a quick, unsettling read that many readers will absolutely love, especially those who enjoy allegorical horror with religious or mythic influences. For me, it wasn’t quite the right fit, but I can appreciate what Valente set out to do, even if it ended up being more of a one-time read than a new favorite.
If this story stayed with you, these reads belong on your shelf → Things We Read Without Apology
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