The Lamb by Lucy Rose: The Book That Made Me Late to a Baby Shower (And Was Totally Worth It!)

“On my fourth birthday, I plucked six severed fingers from the shower drain.”

Yep, that’s the opening line. If that doesn’t grab your attention, I don’t know what will. The Lamb by Lucy Rose had me hooked. I read it in one sitting – yes, one! – and ended up being late to a baby shower because I had to finish it. No regrets.

Why I Loved It

1. The Atmosphere: The tension in The Lamb is palpable. From the opening pages, there’s this claustrophobic sense of unease that builds steadily. Rose masterfully layers in details – the creak of a floorboard, the application of lipstick – that made me feel that I was constantly on edge. The isolated, almost stifling setting added to this brilliantly, making it feel like danger was just around the corner (but maybe not for those you would typically expect).
   
2. The Fairy Tale Element & Emotional Journey: What struck me most was how The Lamb read like a twisted fairy tale – dark, visceral, and layered with symbolism. Margot’s life is one of grim rituals and disturbing family traditions, yet at its heart, this is a coming-of-age story. Margot’s journey from a sheltered, manipulated child to someone who starts to see the world beyond her twisted upbringing is deeply emotional. The blend of Gothic horror and emotional growth is what makes this book stand out.
   
3. The Characters: Every character feels so real, so flawed – the kind you root for one minute and question the next. There’s a particular character whose motivations and actions shocked me at the end, but as I was second-guessing up until the very last moment, it added a fantastic layer of suspense. It still broke my heart though.

My Reflection

I think what really cemented The Lamb as one of favourite reads this year is how immersive it felt. I didn’t just read this book – I lived in it for those few hours. I could visualise every aspect of the home, the forest and school. It’s dark, gripping and Rose’s storytelling is second-to-none. The fact that I physically couldn’t put it down says it all.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Just, yes. It’s a truly unforgettable read. Just, uh…maybe don’t start it right before you’re suppose to be somewhere important. Trust me.

Have you read The Lamb yet? Or had a book completely take over your day like this before?