Dive into this immersive “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil book review” exploring V.E. Schwab’s genre defying tale of immortality, hunger, and timeless choices (153 characters).
A Timeless Tale from a Literary Mastermind
V.E. Schwab, the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, has once again woven a spellbinding narrative with her latest release, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. Published on June 10, 2025, this genre-defying novel has already garnered praise for its lyrical prose, intricate storytelling, and profound exploration of human desire. Spanning centuries and continents, the book follows three women—each from a different era—whose lives are intertwined by immortality, hunger, and the choices that define them.
In this Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil book review, I’ll take you through the novel’s captivating plot, its richly drawn characters, and the themes that linger long after the final page. Whether you’re a longtime Schwab fan or a newcomer eager to dive into her work, this review will offer a deep dive into why this book is a must-read. From the wild streets of 16th-century Spain to the bustling modern-day Boston, Schwab’s latest masterpiece promises an emotional journey that’s as haunting as it is beautiful.
A Tapestry Woven Across Time
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is an ambitious novel that unfolds across three distinct timelines, each centered on a woman whose life is shaped by an unquenchable hunger:
- 1532, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain: The story begins with a fierce, untamed girl who dreams of a life beyond the confines of her small world. Her beauty is both a gift and a shackle, and her hunger for freedom leads her to a choice that alters her fate forever.
- 1831, London, England: Centuries later, a woman in Victorian London seeks liberation from the societal chains that bind her. Her pursuit of something greater—knowledge, power, autonomy—draws her into a shadowy bargain that echoes through time.
- 2019, Boston, USA: In the present day, a woman in Boston lives with the weight of centuries. Her story is one of reflection and regret, as she navigates a modern world while tethered to an ancient past.
These three narratives are masterfully interwoven, with Schwab revealing their connections gradually, like threads in a tapestry coming into focus. The common thread? Immortality—a gift that proves to be more curse than blessing—and the relentless hunger that drives each woman to act. The historical settings are vivid and immersive, grounding the fantastical elements in a tangible reality that makes the story all the more compelling.
Strengths of the Plot in This Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Book Review
- Seamless Interconnection: Schwab’s ability to link three disparate stories into a cohesive whole is a testament to her storytelling prowess. Each timeline enhances the others, creating a narrative that feels both expansive and intimate.
- Rich Historical Context: The settings—whether the dusty Spanish countryside, the fog-laden streets of London, or the bustling energy of Boston—are meticulously crafted, offering a window into each era’s culture and challenges.
- Emotional Depth: At its core, the plot is driven by the characters’ inner struggles, making their journeys resonate on a deeply human level.
Weaknesses of the Plot
- Occasional Pacing Issues: Some readers might find the shifts between timelines slow the momentum, particularly in the middle sections. While this allows for richer character development, it can feel deliberate at times.
- Complexity: The intricate weaving of stories may require patience, though the payoff is well worth it.
Characters: Three Women Who Defy Time
The heart of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil lies in its three protagonists, each a complex and unforgettable figure:
- The Girl from 1532: Wild and defiant, she’s a force of nature trapped in a world that seeks to tame her. Her hunger for freedom is raw and visceral, driving her to a decision that sets the novel’s events in motion.
- The Woman from 1831: In London, she’s a seeker—intelligent, ambitious, and desperate for a life beyond what her time allows. Her journey is marked by discovery and sacrifice, her hunger for power both her strength and her undoing.
- The Woman from 2019: Living in Boston, she’s the culmination of the novel’s themes. Her life is a study in endurance, her hunger tempered by centuries of regret and resilience.
Schwab excels at crafting characters who feel alive, their flaws and desires laid bare on the page. These women aren’t perfect—they’re angry, flawed, and fiercely human, which makes their stories all the more compelling. Supporting characters, from mysterious benefactors to fleeting lovers, add depth without overshadowing the trio at the novel’s core.
Why These Characters Stand Out in This Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Book Review
- Relatability: Despite their immortality, their struggles—yearning for freedom, grappling with regret—are universally human.
- Growth: Each woman evolves over the course of her story, shaped by the choices she makes and the consequences she faces.
Themes: Hunger, Immortality, and the Human Condition
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a rich exploration of themes that resonate across time:
- Hunger: This isn’t just physical hunger but a deeper, existential craving—for life, love, meaning. Schwab uses it as a lens to examine what drives us, even when the cost is steep.
- Immortality: Far from a fairy-tale blessing, immortality here is a burden. The characters are trapped in time, forced to watch the world move on while they remain static, their hunger undiminished.
- Choice and Consequence: Every decision these women make ripples through their lives and beyond, raising questions about fate, agency, and redemption.
- Feminine Strength: The novel celebrates the resilience and rage of women, each protagonist fighting against the constraints of her era in her own way.
These themes are woven into the fabric of the story with a deft hand, making the novel both a gripping read and a thought-provoking meditation on what it means to be human.
Language and Narrative Style: A Symphony of Words
Schwab’s prose is a highlight of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. It’s lyrical yet sharp, with a rhythm that draws you in and refuses to let go. She has a gift for crafting sentences that linger, like this one: “Hunger is a relentless thing, a beast that gnaws at the soul until there is nothing left but bone.” The language is evocative, painting vivid pictures of each setting while conveying the characters’ emotional turmoil.
The narrative style is equally impressive. Schwab shifts between timelines with ease, each era distinguished by its own voice and tone. The transitions are smooth, and while the pacing can slow at times, it allows for a deeper connection to the characters and their world.
Notable Quotes from the Book
- “Immortality is not a gift; it is a sentence, a cage made of time.”
- “We bury our bones in the midnight soil, hoping that the earth will keep our secrets.”
- “Hunger is the only constant, the one thing that never fades, no matter how many years pass.”
These lines showcase Schwab’s ability to blend beauty and melancholy, a hallmark of her writing.
Reflections on a Haunting Read
Reading Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil felt like stepping into a dream—one that’s equal parts enchanting and unsettling. Schwab’s take on immortality is particularly striking. Unlike stories that glorify eternal life, she portrays it as a weight, a relentless march through time that strips away as much as it gives. It’s a perspective that hit me hard, making me wonder what I’d sacrifice for such a fate.
The theme of hunger resonated deeply, too. It’s not just about survival—it’s about the things we chase, the desires that define us. Each woman’s hunger felt personal, a mirror to my own longings and regrets. Schwab has a way of making the fantastical feel intimate, and that’s where this novel shines.
For me, the book’s emotional depth is its greatest strength. It’s a story that demands you feel—rage with the girl in Spain, ache with the woman in London, mourn with the one in Boston. It’s a testament to Schwab’s skill that I closed the book feeling both drained and uplifted, as if I’d lived alongside these women for centuries.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Look
Strengths Highlighted in This Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Book Review
- Writing Style: Schwab’s prose is a masterclass in balancing beauty and precision, making every page a pleasure to read.
- Character Development: The three protagonists are richly drawn, their growth palpable and their struggles relatable.
- Thematic Depth: The exploration of hunger, immortality, and choice is handled with nuance, offering plenty to ponder.
- Narrative Craftsmanship: The way Schwab ties the timelines together is ingenious, creating a story that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Weaknesses
- Pacing: The deliberate pace might not suit readers looking for a faster, more action-driven read.
- Density: The layered storytelling and heavy themes could overwhelm some, though they’re a strength for those who enjoy complexity.
Reader Impressions: Voices from the Community
Readers have been quick to praise Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads:
- “Schwab’s best yet. The characters are so alive, their stories so intertwined—it’s breathtaking.” — Goodreads user
- “A beautiful, haunting book that I couldn’t stop thinking about. The prose is pure magic.” — Amazon reviewer
- “It’s slow at times, but the payoff is worth it. These women will stay with you.” — Goodreads user
On X, the sentiment is similar:
- “V.E. Schwab does it again—Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a dark, addictive masterpiece.”
- “The writing is like a song, pulling you into three incredible stories. I’m obsessed.”
These reactions echo my own experience, highlighting the book’s ability to captivate and linger.
A Must-Read That Buries Itself in Your Soul
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is V.E. Schwab at her finest—a novel that blends history, fantasy, and raw human emotion into a tale that’s impossible to forget. It’s a story about hunger in all its forms, about the choices that shape us, and about the price of living forever. The characters are vivid, the themes profound, and the writing nothing short of exquisite.
If you’re craving a book that will challenge your mind and tug at your heart, this is it. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a journey worth taking, one that will leave you reflecting long after you’ve turned the last page. Don’t wait—grab your copy today and lose yourself in this haunting, timeless tale.
Final Thoughts in This Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Book Review
This Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil book review barely scratches the surface of what makes this novel special. It’s a book that demands to be read, felt, and discussed. Whether you’re drawn to its historical sweep, its emotional weight, or its poetic prose, there’s something here for every reader. So, dig into its pages and let Schwab’s midnight soil unearth its secrets for you.
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