In her latest novel Private Rites, Julia Armfield crafts a mesmerizing narrative that blends climate horror with intimate family drama, creating a story that is both deeply unsettling and profoundly moving. Following her acclaimed works salt slow and Our Wives Under the Sea, Armfield continues to prove herself as a master of atmospheric storytelling, this time turning her attention to three estranged sisters navigating their complicated relationships against the backdrop of a world slowly drowning in endless rain.
The Story: A Modern Gothic Tale
The narrative centers on sisters Isla, Irene, and Agnes Carmichael, whose already strained relationships are further tested by their father’s death. Stephen Carmichael, a renowned architect known for designing buildings that rise above the flood waters, leaves behind a complicated legacy – including his masterpiece, the mechanically-elevated White Horse house, which he unexpectedly bequeaths to his youngest daughter Agnes.
This inheritance becomes the catalyst for exploring deep-seated family dynamics, buried secrets, and a mysterious cult-like group with an unsettling interest in the sisters, particularly Agnes. As the story unfolds, we learn of their mother’s disappearance, Agnes’s mother’s abandonment, and the darkness that has always lurked at the edges of their family life.
Masterful World-Building
The world Armfield creates is both familiar and frighteningly altered. The endless rain has reshaped society, forcing people to adapt to a semi-aquatic existence. Cities are partially submerged, with elevated walkways and water taxis replacing traditional transportation. The author’s attention to detail in describing this transformed world is exceptional—from the mold creeping up walls to the smell of damp that permeates everything.
Strengths and Notable Elements
Rich Character Development
- Isla – The eldest sister, a therapist struggling with her own demons while trying to maintain control
- Irene – The middle sister, sharp-tongued and angry, yet vulnerable in her relationship with Jude
- Agnes – The youngest, distant and complex, finding unexpected love with Stephanie
Atmospheric Writing
Armfield’s prose is exquisite, creating a palpable sense of claustrophobia and dread. Her descriptions of the endless rain and its effects on both the physical and psychological landscape are particularly striking. The writing style seamlessly blends literary fiction with horror elements, creating a unique reading experience.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel excels in many aspects, there are moments where the pacing could be tighter. The middle section occasionally meanders, and some readers might find the ambiguous nature of certain plot elements frustrating rather than intriguing. The supernatural elements, while effectively creepy, sometimes feel underdeveloped compared to the rich family dynamics.
Themes and Social Commentary
Climate Change and Adaptation
The novel serves as a powerful meditation on climate change, showing how society adapts (or fails to adapt) to environmental catastrophe. The class divisions become more pronounced as the wealthy literally rise above the water while others struggle to survive.
Family and Identity
At its heart, Private Rites by Julia Armfield is about the bonds between sisters—how they can be both sustaining and suffocating. The exploration of queer relationships adds another layer to the examination of family and belonging.
Impact and Relevance
What makes Private Rites particularly compelling is its relevance to contemporary concerns. The environmental catastrophe depicted feels unnervingly possible, while the family dynamics and personal struggles remain deeply relatable despite the extraordinary circumstances.
Final Verdict
Private Rites by Julia Armfield is a remarkable achievement that deserves a place alongside other contemporary literary horror classics. While it may occasionally frustrate readers seeking more concrete resolutions, those willing to embrace its ambiguity will find a rich, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page.
For Fans Of
- Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven
- Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach trilogy
- Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties
The novel firmly establishes Armfield as one of the most interesting voices in contemporary speculative fiction, building on the promise shown in Our Wives Under the Sea while pushing into new territory. It’s a book that demands to be read, discussed, and revisited – preferably on a rainy day when the boundaries between our world and Armfield’s feel particularly thin.
