Curdle Creek : A Novel – Yvonne Battle-Felton

Curdle Creek follows Osira Turner, a widow trapped in a remote all-Black town governed by eerie rituals and a sinister population policy: “one in, one out.” When her children flee the town’s oppressive traditions and her father disappears after a chilling ceremony, Osira’s life unravels. Forced to confront her loyalty to Curdle Creek, she discovers a hidden power that thrusts her into alternate realms and timelines.

As Osira navigates surreal landscapes—from the town’s haunted past to a fragile sanctuary in rural England—she faces reckoning for crimes committed by her community. Battle-Felton weaves a haunting tale of tradition, trauma, and the cost of survival, blending gothic horror with literary depth. The novel critiques societal fears and the illusions of safety, asking how far one will go to belong.

Fans of Shirley Jackson and Toni Morrison will appreciate the lyrical prose and layered symbolism. Osira’s journey is a fever-dream exploration of identity, displacement, and the ghosts we inherit. The story lingers long after the final page, challenging readers to reflect on the monsters we create—and the ones we become.