The details….
- Title: A Long Time Dead
- Author: Samara Berger
- Publisher: Bywater Books
- Publication date: May 16, 2023
- Available formats: ebook, paperback
- File size: 4327 KB
- Print length: 464 pages
- Genre: dark historical romance
- Themes: women loving women, vampires
The blurb from the publisher…
Somewhere foggy, 1837 . . . 1872
Poppy had always loved the night, which is why it wasn’t too much of a bother to wake one evening in an unfamiliar home far from London, weak and confused and plagued with a terrible thirst for blood, to learn that she could no longer step out into the day. And while vampirism presented several disadvantages, it more than made up for those in its benefits: immortality, a body that could run at speed for hours without tiring, the thrill of becoming a predator, the thing that pulls rabbits from bushes and tears through their fur and flesh with the sharp point of a white fang.
And, of course, Roisin. The mysterious woman who has lived for centuries, who held Poppy through her painful transformation, and who, for some reason, is now teaching her how to adjust to her new, endless life. A tight, lonely, buttoned-up woman, with kindness and care pressed up behind her teeth. The time they spend together is as transformative to Poppy as the changes in her body, and soon, she finds herself hopelessly, overwhelmingly attached. But Roisin has secrets of her own, and can’t make any promises; not when vengeance must be served.
Soon, their little world explodes. Together and apart, they encounter scores of vampires, shifty pirates, conniving opera singers, ancient nobles, glamorous French women, and a found family that throws a very particular sort of party. But overhead, threat looms—one woman who is capable of destroying everything Poppy and Roisin hold dear.
My thoughts…
A Long Time Dead by Samara Breger is a gothic romance novel that takes place during the mid-1800’s. The story follows Poppy, a young woman that wakes up one night weak and confused in an unfamiliar countryside home far outside London. Once she gains her strength, she makes the surprising discovery that she has been bitten by a vampire and now is one. It is there in this countryside home that she meets Roisin, another vampire, and the two immediately become inseparable. Together, they explore the night and seek shelter from the day. As time passes, Poppy finds herself hopelessly attracted to Roisin. However, Roisin holds a secret that just may destroy everything Poppy has come to believe about her.
Vampires have long been a popular subject matter in literature; readers cannot resist their allure. When immortality and supernatural forces mix with forbidden love, it creates something quite compelling. Breger understands this and capitalizes on it big time. A Long Time Dead offers readers layers upon layers of complexity, all of which are intricately woven together and filled with themes of power, sexuality, and identity. This isn’t light reading, but that’s the beauty of it. It leaves one thinking, just as any good story should.
Though dark and heavy at times, it’s evident that Breger had fun crafting A Long Time Dead. By using a mix of vampires and humans in the storytelling, the narrative provides a certain measure of freedom to be creative with the storylines and character arcs. Societal expectations and power dynamics are wonderfully manipulated. Themes of consent, agency and autonomy are pleasantly pushed. All of this works to benefit the story stupendously, making it easily engaging and highly entertaining.
As rich and evocative as the construction of A Long Time Dead is, it isn’t a plot-driven tale. This story is all about the characters, and Poppy and Roisin are the focal point. These leading ladies are well-developed and compelling in their own right. These complex women contain their own unique personalities and backgrounds, enabling readers to be pulled into the story. It all works to make lush, dynamic characters, ones readers can empathize with. Their strengths and weaknesses—as well as their fears and desires—inspire credibility. Furthermore, readers easily embrace them, leaving readers with something that’s immersive as well as memorable.
Final remarks…
A Long Time Dead is the perfect tale for sapphic-loving vampire fans. Its prose is intelligent and sharp, while its romance is soft and warm. Breger makes Poppy and Roisin’s love story come alive, giving readers one entertaining read.
Strengths…
- Well-written
- Engrossing narrative
- Rich story world
- Well-developed lead characters
- Fantastic secondary characters
- Entertaining read
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A bit about the author…
Samara Breger is a writer and performer from New York City. In her previous life, she was an Emmy-nominated journalist, covering sexual and reproductive health. Now, she writes queer books about magic and feelings—and she has a crush on every character. If you’d like to know more about her, check out her website and social media.
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