Perish by LaToya Watkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perish by LaToya Watkins

I was overwhelmed with emotion after finishing Perish. It’s a haunting, deeply intimate exploration of family trauma, generational curses, forgiveness, and the complicated work of healing. LaToya Watkins doesn’t shy away from the brutal truths families often bury—and for that reason, I’d absolutely recommend this book, but with caution. The trauma portrayed here, especially involving molestation and generational abuse, can be incredibly triggering.

The story centers on Helen Jean, whose own childhood trauma shapes the way she raises her children—and, tragically, how that trauma is passed down. Each character is profoundly affected in their own way, and Watkins does an impeccable job of portraying their pain and humanity with raw, unflinching honesty.

The writing is lyrical and immersive, and the character development is some of the most nuanced I’ve read in a long time. As someone personally committed to breaking generational cycles in my own family, I found this book both heartbreaking and affirming. It won’t be for every reader—but for those who can sit with its heaviness, it’s a story that lingers and challenges in the best ways.

⭐ 4.5/5

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