The Reformatory (by Tananarive Due)
I’ve been intrigued by Tananarive Due’s horror novel, The Reformatory, since its release in late 2023. The book’s popularity has surged over time, and Due’s own fame has grown as well. I’ve heard authors praise it, recognized her name in author acknowledgments (like Joe Hill’s King Sorrow), and she wrote a short story in the anthology The End of the World as We Know It. In 2025, I placed a library hold on the audiobook and waited 11 months for my turn. In hindsight, I wish I had just bought it from Audible. It was worth the wait, but it’s also worth the Audible credit.
The Reformatory is a fascinating blend of horror and historical fiction, inspired by the real Dozier School for Boys in Jim Crow-era Florida. Set in 1950s Gracetown, Florida, the story follows 12-year-old Robert Stephens Jr., a Black boy with a rare gift for seeing ghosts called “haints.” Tragically, he’s wrongfully sentenced to six months at a brutal segregated reformatory after a devastating incident. Amidst unimaginable cruelty, abuse, and inexplicable deaths, Robert must rely on his visions, his older sister Gloria’s unwavering determination, and fragile bonds with other boys to survive a chamber of human and supernatural terrors.
Due masterfully weaves Southern Gothic chills, social commentary on racism and injustice, and family resilience into this gripping and page-turning masterpiece. As expected from a story set in the Jim Crow era, the tension is palpable from the very beginning. Robert Stephens, Jr.’s story is exceptionally well-written, showcasing Due’s exceptional storytelling skills. It’s difficult to comprehend the horrific treatment of the children at the reformatory, and I was intrigued by the characters of the haints. Their unique twist to the story added depth, intrigue, and suspense. Throughout the book, there are numerous heartbreaking moments, but there are also equally hopeful and beautiful moments that highlight strength, loyalty, and unconditional compassion. I absolutely loved this novel.
I borrowed the audiobook of The Reformatory from my local library using Libby. Joniece Abbott-Pratt’s narration was exceptional, bringing the novel to life.
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