Sing Her Down is a dark gritty book about obsession, betrayal and the vicious hidden selves some people are capable of hiding. I appreciate the gritty depth and POV style. I can say I truly connected to the characters in the book as both are fairly unredeemable but it was still a good read.. I find thrillers and criminal elements a fascinating read because I always wonder what creates theses types of people within society m. Although this is fiction it still mirrors the obsessions that we read of and the things that drive crimes. To that the book does justice in its world building. As I said I didn’t truly connect with the book but I still feel many might enjoy it. Happy reading.

In Sing Her Down, author Ivy Pochoda explores the dark, violent, gritty side of women through two recently incarcerated main characters. The story highlights the impact of the pandemic on homeless and other marginalized populations. This is a well written novel that was a bit difficult for me to read as I found it quite violent. I read it in small batches.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an electronic ARC and the opportunity to review this book.

I snatched an early copy of this as soon as I saw it, but never wrote a review because I don’t like when I don’t like my favorite authors. So before I write the absolute very least about this book, let me tell you that I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Ivy Pochoda. <i>Visitation Street</i>, <i>Wonder Valley</i> and <i>These Women</i> are all books that blew me away. I love how multifaceted Pochoda’s characters are and especially love that the location is so well-developed that it too becomes a character in her stories.

The fact that those things were missing from me here was probably why I failed to connect to <i>Sing Her Down</i>. After publication I saw that this was compared to <i>No Country for Old Men</i> to which I say . . .

<a href="https://lunapic.com"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/TmZvTtb.gif" border=0></a>

I mean, I guess I can see it as a bare bones comparison, but again the depth was really lacking for me. This game of chase takes place during Covid (Covid being the catalyst behind Florida and Dios being sprung from the pokey) and most likely it was another anticipated release that fell short due to it being written in that period of the unknown. It seems like having all the time in the world to write would have had these brilliant minds creating the best of the best, but we (or at least I) tend to forget authors were experiencing all the same day-to-day stresses (my kingdom back then for some toilet paper) as the rest of us normies so their work product may have suffered the consequences.

I still will 100% be first in line again for whatever Ivy Pochoda comes up with next.

<i>ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing this ARC. A novel set initially in a women's prison during Covid, i was instantly sold. Sing Her Down is unlike any novel I've ever read. I gauge my interest by how long it takes me to finish a novel. I was sad every morning and every evening when I had to stop reading (i.e., get ready for work or going to bed). Such a good quick read. Highly recommended.

This is a pandemic novel. I thought, somewhat foolish maybe, that I would be okay with reading one now. It's 2023, we are dealing with it by getting COVID vaccines and boosting them (GET YOUR SHOTS), and I was like "I can be a mental headspace for this novel".

Boy was I WRONG.

Now, you're thinking, oh, this is something against the author. This is something against the type of novel. Nope. Wrong. All wrong. This is 100% on me not being able to read a pandemic novel. Plus, it makes me so angry that I can't because there's so much good in it. From the little I read until I couldn't anymore, there's good. I highly recommend it if you are unlike me and can get through such a novel. I just - I couldn't. It wasn't even the setting - a women's prison - or the characters. It was the pandemic part of the setting and I am so sorry that I had to put this down. We'll give it another try in a few years.

I just love Ivy Pochoda. Her writing style is so engrossing. Gripping Novel! I was so pulled into this book right away. It is violent for sure, but made me really think.

It is about two prisoners Dios, a cunning, devious, sadistic woman and Florida, who appears to be more of an innocent bystander, yet Dios sets out to prove Florida has a much darker side. Both are let out on earlier release during the pandemic. Dios stalks Florida to LA. You know a show down in coming with these two. Detective Lobos is looking to find these two, yet she has her own story that is wrestling with her conscience. The setting is gritty and perfectly set.

Beyond the physical violence, it really is a psychological mind experience for me. It explores the idea of women being innately sinister and not just going down a bad path due to bad men. Yet, another idea that All Women have rage, it’s how we handle it that matters.

Thank you NetGalley, Farrah, Straus and Giroux and Ivy Pochoda for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.

"Let me tell you- inside we all rage the same. It’s how we let it out that differs.”

Definitely a case of this one just isn't for me. The story felt disjointed. I never understood why we were given glimpses into each woman's mind. I don't think violence is a surprise. Are we surprised women can be violent too? The world is an ugly place and too many get lost in the shadows and slip between the cracks. This book seemed to take that point and constantly shove it in your face. I was surprised by the depth of darkness but I soon found Dios and Florida's voices hard to distinguish.

I think this might have worked for me as an audio book. It sounds like the audiobook has a full cast and I think that would probably be amazing.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Book Review: Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda

⭐⭐⭐.5 stars

Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda is a gripping and lyrical novel that delves into the depths of a woman’s identity, the impact of societal prejudices, and the dangerous consequences of obsession. Pochoda’s exquisite writing style immerses readers in a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface, challenging our perceptions of innocence and guilt.

The story revolves around Florence “Florida” Baum, a woman who arrives at an Arizona women’s prison claiming to be an innocent victim. However, her ex-cellmate, Diosmary Sandoval, knows the truth that Florida hides from herself and the world. Dios understands that women can also be capable of darkness, despite society’s refusal to acknowledge it. Determined to open Florida’s eyes and unleash her true self, Dios’s obsession takes a dangerous turn when an unexpected reprieve grants both women their freedom. This sets off a deadly cat-and-mouse chase from Arizona to the desolate streets of Los Angeles.

The strength of Sing Her Down lies in Pochoda’s masterful writing. The prose is undeniably beautiful and lyrical, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. Pochoda fearlessly tackles weighty topics such as sexism, misogyny, rape, and even the backdrop of a pandemic, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative. The author’s ability to address these issues with sensitivity and depth is commendable and adds layers of complexity to the story.

However, despite the exceptional writing, there are some shortcomings that prevent Sing Her Down from reaching its full potential. Throughout the novel, readers may find themselves grappling with confusion regarding what is happening, what is real, and what is not. This lack of clarity can make it challenging to fully connect with the story being told, detracting from the overall reading experience.

Additionally, the beginning of the book showcases a stronger narrative than when detective Lobos takes over and Dios essentially disappears from the story. While Lobos brings a new perspective and adds intrigue to the plot, the absence of Dios diminishes the intensity and depth that her character initially brought to the story.

Despite these flaws, Sing Her Down is still worth reading for its exceptional writing alone. Pochoda’s ability to craft raw and poetic prose elevates the novel beyond its shortcomings. The exploration of identity, societal biases, and the dangerous consequences of obsession make for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

In conclusion, Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda is a dark and poetic exploration of identity and obsession. While some may find themselves grappling with confusion at times, the novel’s compelling themes and fearless exploration of societal issues make it a worthwhile read. Pochoda’s ability to tackle weighty topics with sensitivity and depth solidifies her as a talented writer who deserves recognition in the literary world.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

An atmospheric and thought provoking novel that will stay with you. Consistently paced and with vivid characters not to be forgotten.
Many thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux,and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is pitched as No Country for Old Men meets Killing Eve. I was sold when I read that because I love both.

The book is told from multiple POVs. First, we have Florida, we met her in an Arizona prison. Florida insists she is innocent and just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her cellmate Dios doesn't believe her story.
The two women find themselves freed on the same day and Dios is fixated on Florida. and that's when things go haywire. Intermixed with these two women's stories is another inmate's POV and a detective's.

I loved the POVs and the tension woven throughout the book however I feel like it could have been grittier.

I still enjoyed this book and would recommend it. And if you can get your hands on the audiobook you will not be disappointed. The narrators have done a fantastic job.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

To be clear, this isn’t my typical pick. It’s billed as a “gritty, feminist Western thriller” (thrillers are a genre I never read). I do enjoy westerns, enjoy feminist lit, and the setting is Arizona, not far from where I used to live. Plus, the book jacket copy urged me to give it a try. The literary, smart writing drew me right in.

Since I’m not a thriller reader, I can’t say that’s what this truly is? Is it even a western (they are typically set during the 1800s)? The story is very introspective with lots of soul-searching and, honestly, over the first six chapters, there isn’t a heck of a lot going on. As a literary reader, I’m cool with that.

I’m cool with the intelligence of this novel, and to some degree, the characters' violence as allegory for female rage. At first. By chapter seven, the reader gets a little break from that female vengeance, and feels like she’s getting to the essence of the story, the characters. But shortly thereafter, we’re right back to rage and violence – so much of it, I felt that I was the one being bludgeoned over the head by the theme. Every female character angry, wanting to kick, kill, hurt others. Florida’s backstory unraveled too slowly and too late in the novel for me to truly form emotional empathy for her.

That said, there is much to admire about this book. The writing is impressive, and even the choice to set this book during the pandemic – when inmates are being released back into a very altered, shut-down society, after years of not being in society – was brilliant. It was a whip-smart move, also, to tell parts of the story through a character (view spoiler) (I loved Kace, probably the most). Also smart: a female cop character named Lobos (wolf) with a believable backstory that brought an urgency to her character (despite an insane overuse of TicTac chewing).

While, overall, I enjoyed the writing, the author would break into a series of implied sentences, while in a character’s voice (either in third or first person). “See the tree. See it bend and sway, always out of reach. Now hear it. Because look at her. Look at her struggling to eat. Look at her lifting her fork gingerly like the very air around her is barbed.”

And then descriptions of the surroundings often took on a list-like cadence: "Here’s a tent. Here’s a brush fire… Here’s a man sitting on the guardrail… Here’s a shrine. Here’s a tent in the breakdown lane.” It was a little jarring for me because the author would jump from present and future tense in the same paragraph – all of it probably too experimental for my tastes.

The novel tackles a number of societal issues: gentrification, sexism, misogyny, domestic violence, rape, and captures the fear of COVID quite well. While I probably wasn't the ideal reader for this one, I would give future books a shot, because this author can write.

a really great thriller! I couldn't put it down

Thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for this review copy.

Beautiful, affecting, and completely impossible to put down – Ivy Pochoda’s latest novel, Sing Her Down, will cement her reputation as one of the most reliably excellent authors working today.

It starts with Kace, resident of a women’s prison in Arizona, as she introduces you to the women the novel will follow – fellow prisoners Florida and Dios, all three facing the early days of the Covid-19 outbreak. Only two will find themselves unexpectedly released – but Dios and Florida have a history, a tension between them that will follow them as they explore their newfound freedom. It’s that connection that forms the heart of Sing Her Down, punctuated along the way with Kace’s conversations with the dead.

This is one of those books that’s all about the journey – you’re told the destination right from the start, but it didn’t lessen the impact of that ending for me in the slightest. As much as it affected me though, I wasn’t in a hurry to reach it; I was enjoying the process of reaching it far too much. Ivy Pochoda balances viewpoints effortlessly, and has again created characters that are realistically flawed and yet easy to root for. Even those who remain unlikeable are compelling – people you want to hear about, even as you get the feeling that you’re watching the human equivalent of a car crash in slow motion.

This was fantastic, and it deserves to be recognized as one of the standout books of 2023. Ivy Pochoda can continue to write just about anything, and I’ll continue to wait eagerly to read whatever she gives us next.

This is a gritty, fast-paced read, deliciously cynical as all good noir is. The characters jump off the page and the action and plot twists keep the pages turning.

"Sing Her Down" by Pochoda immerses readers in a haunting tale. Pochoda's narrative explores family dynamics and mystery, but pacing can feel uneven. The writing creates a vivid atmosphere, though character motivations might feel unclear. The book delves into complex emotions and relationships, offering a mix of intrigue and depth, yet its occasional struggles with coherence might affect its impact for some readers.

Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda begins in Arizona women’s prison and ends at the corner of Olympic and Western in Los Angeles. Florence “Florida” Baum and Diosmary Sandoval are inmates at a women’s correctional facility at the time of the pandemic.

Dios knows Florida’s secret about her actual involvement in the murder of two men. Florida told a former cellmate the secret. Unfortunately the cellmate started to tell people so Florida practically beat her to death. Dios ended up killing the cellmate and thought that she and Florida were kindred spirits. Their fellow inmate Kace, who carries voices of the dead within her, also knows the secret because

Florida and Dios get an early release from prison but are supposed to remain in quarantine for a period of time in Arizona. Since Florida’s car and former life is in Los Angeles, she begins to plan to violate her parole and cross state lines. Dios follows Florida wherever she goes. She’s obsessed with getting Florida to be who really is – a savage killer.

Florida was a party girl with no one who had her best interest in mind, not even her mother. Every man in her life was a loser and an abuser. In my opinion, she was angry about how a couple of drug dealers mistreated her. So she convinced her boyfriend to set a trap for them. He accepted the prison sentence that should have been Florida’s punishment.

Although she is probably a killer, Florida is mostly likeable. She’s more of an anti-hero than a villain. Her violent nature is under control until it isn’t, unlike Dios who is a homicidal maniac. Dios has killed several people since being released from prison approximately two weeks before.

Florida used to live a glamorous life and drive a fast car. Since being in prison, she’s trying to figure out if she is Florence or Florida. Aren’t many of us trying to figure out who we really are?

Detective Lobos of Los Angeles is on the trail of Florida and Dios. She is also trying to avoid her abusive soon-to-be-ex husband. He pops up out of thin air to harass her. Although the ex doesn’t know anything about the trail of bodies following the former prisoners, he makes catching the elusive Dios and Florida very difficult.

Dios never has trouble finding Florida. It’s a little spooky. In the end, Florida finds Dios for their last meeting.

There’s a mural at the intersection of Olympic and Western that depicts the final showdown of Florida and Dios. Some people say it’s alive and has movement. People will probably talk about the story behind the mural for a long time. It reminds me of how people still talk about famous confrontations, such as the gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the fictional version of the showdown between Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo.

If you like mysteries, westerns, or stories about people on the run, then you will love Sing Her Down.

If you are an inappropriate corrections officer or some other sort of degenerate, then I can’t say whether you would like this book or not. You should but you might not have good taste or judgment.

I read Ivy Pochada's Sing Her Down three months ago and I have no memory of the storyline. I went back and read the blurb- nothing. I read other people's reviews- still nothing. There was a killing in prison right? And one lady held it over the other lady's head maybe? I gave it two stars. It was okay.

Florida and Dios are in a women’s prison in Arizona after being convicted of separate violent crimes. They used to be cellmates, but that became problematic, so they were separated. Due to the pandemic (of course) they are both released early, and while Florida wants to move away and start over, Dios is determined to make Florida face herself truthfully. It ends with a showdown reminiscent of an old western novel! I didn’t like either of the characters, and I really didn’t care what happened to either of them! Violent and gritty. Thanks to the publisher, Ivy Pochoda and NetGalley for my copy of Sing Her Down.

Some part of this book had me HOOKED! But others just had me confused. I felt like Kace’s POV was the easiest to read but I felt like Florida’s and Dios’s were confusing - a lot of the time I wasn’t sure if it was real, or a dream, or metaphorical or literal.

I thought the storyline was wild so it kept me interested but I couldn’t get past Dios - what was her deal? I feel like I never got to see or understand why she was doing what she was doing. The additional storyline of the cop and her husband I thought was unnecessary and personally I don’t think it added anything extra.

I thought I would be much more into this story since it was sold as "Killing Eve" meets "No Country for Old Men" but that was not the case