Book Riot Podcast Summary

Episode: So...Is it Good?: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Hosts: Rebecca Schinsky, Vanessa Diaz, Danica Ellis
Guest: Vanessa Diaz (Managing Editor), Danica Ellis (Editor)

Introduction

In this episode, Rebecca Schinsky hosts a discussion with Vanessa Diaz and Danica Ellis about V.E. Schwab’s highly anticipated summer release, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. The conversation delves into the book's themes, character development, and overall reception.

Initial Reactions and Expectations

Rebecca opens by sharing her excitement about reviewing the book after returning from PTO and a trip. She mentions the anticipation built over months leading up to the release.

Rebecca Schinsky [00:28]: "I've been looking forward to this all week."

Vanessa and Danica echo her enthusiasm, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis.

Hallmarks of V.E. Schwab’s Writing

Vanessa, a long-time fan of Schwab’s work, outlines what makes Schwab’s novels distinctive.

Vanessa Diaz [04:08]: "She has really great sentence-level writing, a knack for writing complex characters, and a tendency to let characters act on impulses without concern for their likability."

She emphasizes Schwab’s ability to create morally gray characters and her skill in crafting immersive, lengthy narratives.

Overview of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil

The hosts provide a spoiler-free synopsis of the book, introducing the three main characters—Maria, Sabine, and Alice—and hinting at their connections and transformations into vampires.

Rebecca Schinsky [06:00]: "Maria gets married to a terrible viscount in the 1500s and meets Sabine, a mysterious widow who turns her into a vampire after a terrifying encounter."

Character Analysis

Maria Sabine

Rebecca details Maria's journey from an oppressed wife to a self-reliant vampire.

Danica Ellis [14:12]: "Maria drains Sabine out of sheer hunger, marking her first and most shocking transformation into a vampire."

Maria embodies the struggle for freedom against patriarchal constraints, choosing vampirism as a means to gain independence.

Sabine

Sabine represents the allure and danger of vampirism, initially appearing as a liberator but revealing a darker side.

Rebecca Schinsky [21:44]: "Sabine is a sophisticated and beautiful woman who takes Maria under her wing, only to reveal her monstrous nature."

Alice and Lottie

Alice’s storyline in modern Boston intertwines with the historical narratives, exploring themes of grief and loss. Lottie serves as a connective thread, illustrating the corrupted morality that comes with centuries of vampirism.

Danica Ellis [38:36]: "Alice's story is deeply rooted in grief, reflecting the broader themes of mortality and the human condition."

Themes Explored

Feminism and Abuse

The book delves into feminist themes, portraying vampires as symbols of both empowerment and oppression. The abusive dynamics between characters highlight the complexities of power and autonomy.

Rebecca Schinsky [21:44]: "The book examines the real struggle between freedom and the monstrous side of unchecked desire."

Mortality and Grief

Throughout the narrative, characters grapple with eternal life and the inescapable nature of mortality, emphasizing that vampirism is not a true escape from human suffering.

Vanessa Diaz [44:13]: "Even as vampires, the characters cannot escape their mortality and must face ongoing grief."

Comparisons to Other Works

Vanessa draws parallels between Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil and the film Sinners, noting different representations of vampirism and underlying societal commentaries.

Vanessa Diaz [34:33]: "Both the book and the movie use vampires as allegories for deeper issues like cultural appropriation and power dynamics."

Audiobook Commentary

Vanessa critiques the audiobook narration, expressing frustration over the inaccurate and distracting portrayal of Spanish accents, which detracted from her listening experience.

Vanessa Diaz [56:41]: "The narrators’ exaggerated accents were so distracting that it almost made me stop listening."

This point highlights the importance of cultural and linguistic accuracy in audiobook productions.

Categorization and Target Audience

The hosts discuss the book’s classification, debating whether it fits better within adult fiction or young adult (YA) due to its themes and writing style.

Danica Ellis [61:05]: "Fans of gothic literature and morally gray characters will particularly enjoy this book."

Rebecca Schinsky [62:09]: "It appeals to a broad audience, especially those interested in vampires without the need for explicit romance."

Conclusion and Recommendations

All three hosts generally recommend the book, appreciating its depth and complex characters despite minor critiques like the audiobook narration. They suggest it for readers who enjoy gothic themes, queer representation, and intricate vampire lore without heavy romantic or sexual content.

Rebecca Schinsky [63:57]: "If you're looking for vampires portrayed in a morally complex and gothic setting, this book is a great choice."

Danica Ellis [63:51]: "Ideal for readers who support women's rights but also acknowledge their flaws."

Notable Quotes

• Rebecca Schinsky [07:44]: "It's a book about three women who eventually are vampires. I guess we'll talk a little bit about them and try not to give any spoilers."
• Daniela Ellis [21:14]: "Maria does think about, like, a feminist revenge approach, basically, like, she'll just kill bad men."
• Danica Ellis [25:33]: "Lottie is telling us at one point like this, when we find out that it wasn't Lottie that turned Alice. She confronts her."
• Rebecca Schinsky [46:39]: "This book, at a lot of moments, felt like it could have been advanced YA to me rather than adults."

Final Thoughts:
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab is a nuanced exploration of desire, freedom, and the enduring impact of societal constraints through the lens of vampirism. Its rich character development and thematic depth make it a compelling read for those seeking more than traditional vampire narratives.

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