In her electrifying debut novel, Neena Viel crafts a genre-bending narrative that masterfully blends elements of horror, magical realism, and family drama. Listen to Your Sister follows the Williams siblings—responsible elder sister Calla, detached middle brother Dre, and rebellious teenage Jamie—as they navigate a reality that becomes increasingly warped by nightmarish visions and doppelgangers.
Plot and Pacing
The story opens deceptively conventionally, with 25-year-old Calla struggling to parent her wayward 16-year-old brother Jamie while their middle sibling Dre remains frustratingly absent from his promised responsibilities. When Jamie’s involvement in a protest goes violently wrong, the siblings flee to a remote cabin that seems pulled straight from a horror movie set. It’s here that the narrative takes a sharp turn into the surreal, as Calla’s recurring nightmares begin bleeding into reality.
What sets this novel apart is how Viel gradually ratchets up the tension and supernatural elements. The early chapters ground us in the siblings’ complicated dynamics before the story spirals into increasingly bizarre and terrifying territory. The pacing is relentless yet purposeful, with each revelation about the true nature of “the Nightmare” and the mysterious doppelgangers known as “the Callas” adding new layers of psychological horror.
Character Development and Relationships
The heart of this novel lies in its richly drawn characters and their messy, authentic relationships. Calla’s exhaustion and resentment as she shoulders the burden of raising Jamie feels painfully real, while her fierce protectiveness of her brothers drives much of the story’s emotional weight. Jamie’s combination of teenage rebellion and genuine desire to fight injustice makes him both frustrating and endearing. Dre’s attempts to maintain distance while being inexorably pulled back into his siblings’ orbit creates compelling tension.
Themes and Social Commentary
Viel fearlessly tackles heavy themes including:
The weight of family obligation versus personal freedom
Intergenerational trauma and its ripple effects
Systemic racism and police brutality
The price of protecting those we love
Identity and how we fragment ourselves to survive
What’s remarkable is how these weighty topics are woven naturally into the supernatural horror elements rather than feeling preachy or disconnected from the main narrative.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Viel’s prose strikes an impressive balance between lyrical and propulsive. Her ability to shift between moments of quiet character observation and scenes of visceral horror demonstrates remarkable control. The multiple POV structure, alternating between the three siblings, helps maintain suspense while giving us intimate access to each character’s perspective.
Some readers may find the more experimental elements in the latter half – particularly the fractured timeline and multiplying versions of Calla – initially disorienting. However, this complexity serves the story’s themes about identity and sacrifice.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel’s ambitious scope is largely successful, there are a few elements that could be stronger:
The cabin setting, while atmospheric, feels somewhat underutilized
Some of the secondary characters, particularly Noah, feel thinly sketched
The resolution, while emotionally satisfying, leaves several plot threads somewhat ambiguous
Horror Elements and Supernatural Aspects
The horror in Listen to Your Sister operates on multiple levels:
Psychological horror through the fracturing of identity and reality
Body horror in the violent manifestations of the Callas
Social horror in the very real threats faced by the siblings as young Black Americans
Supernatural horror via the nightmare realm and doppelgangers
What makes these elements particularly effective is how they’re all in service of exploring the central family relationship rather than existing merely for shock value.
Impact and Resonance
The novel’s exploration of sacrifice, protection, and the bonds between siblings leaves a lasting impression. Viel’s ability to make the supernatural elements feel emotionally true while maintaining real-world stakes is remarkable. The story’s conclusion manages to be both haunting and hopeful, suggesting that while we can’t always prevent nightmares, we can face them together.
Similar Works and Genre Context
Fans of the following works will likely appreciate Listen to Your Sister:
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Final Verdict
Listen to Your Sister announces Neena Viel as a bold new voice in speculative horror. While not without its flaws, this debut demonstrates impressive ambition and skill in blending genres while maintaining emotional authenticity. The novel is a good read for its innovative approach to horror, compelling character work, and thoughtful exploration of family dynamics.
Strengths
Unique blend of supernatural horror and family drama
Well-developed sibling relationships
Effective integration of social commentary
Strong prose and pacing
Creative approach to multiple POV narrative
Areas for Growth
Some underdeveloped secondary characters
Occasionally confusing timeline
Ambiguous plot resolution
Recommendation
Highly recommended for readers who:
Enjoy horror that prioritizes psychological tension over gore
Appreciate stories about complex family dynamics
Are interested in innovative approaches to supernatural elements
Don’t mind some narrative ambiguity
Like their horror with a side of social commentary
Not recommended for readers who:
Prefer straightforward linear narratives
Are looking for traditional horror tropes
Want all plot threads neatly resolved
Are sensitive to descriptions of violence or racial trauma
Listen to Your Sister marks an impressive debut that suggests exciting possibilities for Viel’s future work. Despite some minor shortcomings, it succeeds in creating a unique and affecting story that will linger with readers long after they turn the final page.