Hi everybody! I hope you are all doing well. I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. The weather where I live is erratic, so it’s hard to plan anything. I have had some good days, so that counts for something. I then, however, turn around and read some of the most depressing novels I have read in a bit. Before I even give my usual content warnings, I will say that this book is also a heavy read that covers a lot of dark topics. If you are unsure, I will give the content warnings, and then you can decide if you want to proceed. If you are a curious soul and comfortable with discussing such topics, then feel free to stick around. Let’s talk about On the Savage Side.
Content Warning: Drug Abuse, Addiction, Prostitution, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Miscarriage, Strong Language, Misogyny, Grief and Mourning, Overdoses, Disturbing Imagery
Arcade and Daffodil are twins, sharing fiery red hair and mismatched eyes. The sisters use their imaginations to retreat into fantastical worlds. With the guidance of their grandmother, they begin to imagine a life outside of their small town of Chillicothe, Ohio. Unfortunately, the generational curse of addiction catches up with them. Arcade tries her best to be strong for her family, but must contend with her own trauma. When young women like Arc and Daffy start to go missing, Arc is forced to face the reality that a killer is targeting women who are already ignored by everyone. Despite everything she has been through, Arc is determined to keep herself, her sister, her mother, and her aunt safe. She might, however, not be able to escape the “savage side.”
On the Savage Side is a dark and harrowing novel about the cycles of addiction and the harsh reality of those who struggle with it. This was a hard read, but I’d argue it is a necessary read. Tiffany McDaniel’s prose is both elegantly metaphorical and fiercely unflinching in the face of such dark topics. The book is actually written in tribute to six young women who were killed in Chillicothe, which makes it all the more necessary to read. Small towns, like Chillicothe, are often overlooked in every sense. McDaniel’s novel is as much a love letter to the town and the people who live there as it is a rallying cry to the tragedy that lies in towns ravaged by drugs. Everything about this book was written with great care. Arc, as a main character, is as tragic a figure as they come. All of the characters, particularly the female characters, are so beautifully humanized by McDaniel. As the reader, you only want the best for them, but are forced to contend with the realities of drug addiction. On the Savage Side is a difficult read, I’m not going to lie. It is something I needed to read, though. I think it’s important that we, as readers, have a responsibility to read about difficult topics. It’s the only way we can develop empathy and understand the wider world around us, including the tragedies. On the Savage Side is a powerful novel that is worthy of your time.
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