American reviews
About The Usual Desire to Kill, published 1st April 2025 in America
The Booklist, USA / STARRED
Empathetic...intimate...Barnes explores long marriage, sibling rivalry, truths behind shifting memories, and family secrets as well as examining the decisions people make in life, the long-term effects of those decisions, and how well one truly knows the people they love.
Publishers Weekly, USA / STARRED
Playwright Barnes combines humor with pathos in her heart-wrenching debut...the genius of the novel lies in the ways Barnes highlights how parents can never be fully known to their children, no matter how observant their children are...an unforgettable story about the limits of judging others.
Indie Next Reviews
Valerie at Blue Willow Bookshop
“I devoured The Usual Desire to Kill. What a delightful, sad, but not sad family drama. The dialogue sparkles. This is every family!”
Anna Maria
“An eccentric and quirky family, a multilayered story that made me laugh and think. Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine.”
Bookmiser Inc.
“I did of course notice them slowly crumbling, like the house…” Miranda thinks about her parents who are in their 70’s and she visits them often and sees their decline as well as watching the house become more bug and rodent infected as it is neglected by her Mum and Dad.
Miranda complains about her parents to her older sister Charlotte who rarely visits. Miranda’s daughter Alice who is in her 20’s and a chemistry student also hears and sees the decline in her grandparents and their house.
Miranda’s parents have been married for fifty years and bicker and complain constantly about each other as they go about their daily life with llamas, ducks, chickens and cats with some of the food in the freezer dating back to 1983.
This story is heartbreaking as we hear from Mum in her youth discussing her courtship and an early pregnancy. The tale is also immensely funny when we watch these long married people survive with their pains and secrets.
Infused with Shakespeare and classical literature, this story is one all readers will recognize as truthful and honest and will long be remembered.
Kathy at East City Bookshop
The Usual Desire to Kill is a wonderfully propulsive and cleverly constructed novel sure to please readers who enjoy complicated, generational family stories. With witty dialog, descriptive writing, and a keen eye for the inner workings of a long and anomalous marriage, Barnes delivers a knockout debut! What I loved most about this book is that even in disappointment and misunderstanding, there are always ways to feel connection and love--even if only in the most unusual ways. Much love!”
Linda Marshall
“I liked the book, from the start, because of the characters and the circumstances. Being able to relate to the actions of the parents and their children’s responses was easy and at the end I was actually surprised and had to go back to reread some sections. The reading of and reaction to the end made for a great experience.”
The Valley Bookseller
“All families have their quirks, but eccentricities abound in Camilla Barnes wonderful family portrait. Readers won't know whether they want to throttle or hug these parents. Read THE USUAL DESIRE TO KILL before your next family gathering, or - better yet - gift it to all of your relatives. Gorgeous writing, compelling characters, and recognizable family drama combine to create an exquisitely crafted work of fiction.”
William Cusumano at Square Books
“Increased longevity certainly has been a blessing for many but also has attendant problems, especially greater generational divisions. Miranda attempts to assist her parents through their twilight years while also confronting sibling rivalry and communicating with her own daughter. This perceptive view of the modern family is narrated with a subtle, understated, observant humor that also can cut straight through to the marrow. It also serves as a poignant portrait of people trapped in an existence defined by strictures of class and conduct that are outdated and stifling. Rarely has the complexity of family been related so astutely.”
Shannon Rose at Literati Bookstore
“A view of an English couple living in France as seen through, often translated by their older daughter. What ensues includes a plethora of animals including the antics of two llamas; her parents’ venting, complaints and frustrations mixed with lines from Shakespeare, writers and philosophers - make this the perfect read for anyone looking for wicked sharp dialogue and a debut that feels like a play. Bravo to Barnes!”
First Light Books
“A story about a very eccentric and very funny English family living on a farm in the south of France. The dialogue is really the shining star in this book - very quippy and fast paced. Camilla Barnes is a playwright and that is no surprise based on the incredible dialogue. The family consists of two parents, their two daughters in their 50s and one young adult granddaughter. All of the dynamics at play are quite rich and interesting. I’m thankful to have read an advanced copy and look forward to the pub date on 4/1/25.”
Mollie Mitchell at Hearthfire Books and Treats
“I loved this book, the characters, the dialogue and the construction of it. The beginning was a hoot, but knowing that the two daughters and grand daughter are taking care of and dealing with aging ….it could end very sad. But it really didn’t. Instead it was insightful - into the characters themselves. Fabulous.”
Jessica at The Brewster Book Store
“A thoroughly entertaining read! Delightfully quirky characters come alive, each with their own distinct voice; their slightly sarcastic banter and quips - and the somewhat absurd circumstances - left me laughing out loud. At the same time, Barnes offers keen insights that those of us with aging parents will certainly relate to and find affirming. This was a one-sitting book for me, but it has stuck with me for much longer.”
Linda B at Auntie's Books
“Born in England and living in Paris, playwright Camilla Barnes has written a delightful debut novel about a family that - wait for it - was from England and lives in Southern France. That should be enough to get your literary saliva running, but this is also about the aging parents who have been married for fifty years and have reason to be hilariously funny - one talking about "the War" which happened before she was born, and the other a former philosophy professor who's very good at winning arguments. Throw in two daughters and a granddaughter, and you've got the makings of an entertaining, moving and comforting story for the ages. It will satisfy both the youngsters and the oldsters in our midst. The dialogue in this one is delicious. But most of all, I love the critters - especially the llamas. Check it out and see what you like the best. All I can say to the author is: "More, please!"