Two-Step Devil

And then afterwards we get a split narrative that lets Quatro have it both ways with her book. I want to know: did an editor tell her she needed to lighten it up? Or did she write the lighter version first?

Noted on December 10, 2025

At about 80% of the way in, we get a short section as a theater script. It shifts into an entirely different register. The tone gets lighter but we also get this 'curtain pulls back and tells us what's going on' with a... pretty compelling satanic theodicy? It's a much-needed break from the stress and misery of the previous bit.

Noted on December 10, 2025

Quatro is a very talented writer. While this breaks my 'I dont like reading about poor people in the south' rule (sorry southern gothic writers), it's really great. The actual content is tough: elderly god-touched outsider artist who lives in a cabin meets a sexually-trafficked teen. But man, what a read.

Noted on December 10, 2025