Finding Hope Among the Rubble: A Review of Tilt by Emma Pattee
Wow. If I could sum up my experience with Tilt in one word, it would be “alive.” Emma Pattee’s debut novel blossomed on my radar, not just for its captivating title but also for the arresting imagery of its cover—a bird, shifting perspective, and an invitation to look deeper. From the moment I opened the digital ARC, I felt an undeniable urge to dive into this story, and boy, did it pull me in!
Tilt tells the gut-wrenching and chaotic journey of a young pregnant woman navigating the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California. Imagine being caught in a natural disaster while carrying an entire new life within you. The protagonist, with her beautiful imperfection and vulnerability, is one of the most relatable characters I’ve encountered. She’s imperfect, messy, and yes, probably going to be a terrible mom, but I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. Pattee masterfully crafts a narrative that fuses anxiety, humor, and resilience without ever losing sight of hope, even amidst devastation.
The writing style is astoundingly poignant. Pattee captures anxiety in a way that feels truly authentic, avoiding the forced portrayals often seen in first-person narratives. Her descriptions are vivid and unflinching; I felt every pang of her protagonist’s struggle as if it were my own. From her “stiff little jerky motions like a stork” (p. 6) to her humorous and dark reflections on the absurdities of pregnancy, I was both laughing and cringing along with her.
Let’s pause for a moment to talk about the emotional heart of the story. One line that struck me was, “People have done harder things than this. People have been through worse than this.” (p. 162). It resonated with an almost comforting truth. It’s not just about survival; it’s about recognizing our shared human experience, grappling with grief, and the weight of our own expectations. Throughout the chaos, the protagonist speaks tenderly to her unborn child, creating an intimate connection that propels the narrative and deepens our investment in her fate.
There were also moments where I felt a twinge of dissonance. The opening confrontation felt a tad theatrical to me, almost too far-fetched for the high-stakes reality that unfolded. However, I can see why Pattee set that stage; it establishes grit and depth in the characters right from the get-go.
Tilt is a bold and refreshing survival tale that merges disaster and motherhood in a way that feels both unique and familiar. It’s a fast-paced ride that will appeal to fans of thrillers, disaster stories, and tales of strong female characters. If you’re into gritty narratives where hope flickers through the cracks of despair, this book is for you.
As I closed the final pages, I felt not just entertained but uplifted, as if I had run that wild trail alongside the protagonist. So, if you’re looking for a read that captures the raw, messy beauty of life amidst uncertainty, grab a copy of Tilt—you won’t regret it.
Thank you, Emma Pattee, and MarySue Rucci Books, for an advance digital copy of Tilt. All views are my own, and my excitement for this title is bursting at the seams!