Book Review: Katie, Bar the Door

Katie, Bar the Door. Ruth Hull Chatlien, Amika Press, September 22, 2021, Paperback and eBook, 466 pages.

Review by Kelly Fumiko Weiss.

Katie, Bar the Door is a novel written by Ruth Hull Chatlien that follows the life of Katie Thompson and how her formative years impact her life's choices. After her father's death, Katie never lets herself grieve and internalizes the messages of her Baptist mother in ways that twist and distort who she was meant to be. The book is a journey to see how she hits rock bottom and then pulls herself up again, all while untangling the web of judgment she's told herself and has been told by others. Katie, Bar the Door does not shy away from any topic—whether it be disparate Christian viewpoints, sex crimes, and sexual identity, the role of women in relationships and marriage, or the bonds between parents and children. 

Some parts of this book are genuinely emotionally difficult to read. In extreme cases, the sexual exploitation can be jarring and triggering. But in most cases, it hurts to watch as Katie pushes away any good that she comes across because she cannot see the good in herself.

I will admit, the summary on the book jacket affected my reading of the book. It was so specific that I kept thinking about it as I was reading instead of letting myself really settle into what was a compelling, well-written, and emotionally honest journey. I appreciated that this book was not 100% anti-Christian or anti-religion. The layers of faith woven into the different characters became really flushed out, especially toward the end. I also appreciated how the author contextualized the prose more than the "disastrous choices about men" the jacket cover alluded to. Chatlien did a lovely job of not victim-blaming, diving deeply into the motivations behind the characters and the healing journey Katie ultimately embarks upon.

While the book tackles a wide range of difficult topics, it was quick to read and flowed at an easy pace. It was a fast 466 pages and had a satisfying ending. The full circle of love, loss, and forgiveness left me with a great deal of hope and heart-swell; after everything Katie endured, it could have just as easily been a cynical tale of repression. I truly appreciated the kindness of the last few chapters especially. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves family-driven fiction. However, I will say that some of the themes may be triggering. This book is not for the faint of heart. It will make you look inside yourself and ask some tough questions of the readers, how you may judge others, and your own capacity for healing and forgiveness. One can only hope that we can and will be as strong as Katie when truly difficult situations arise and that we will have the support she ultimately finds to help guide us through.