Camp Damascus

I am very passionate about the intersection of horror literature and religious trauma. So I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of Camp Damascus. Some of the ways horror of humanity was portrayed through a questionable therapist and a church that supported a gay conversion camp. However the supernatural horror of demon possession was equally terrifying. 

The blend of both types of horror made  the town of Neverton a creepy place for the imagination. There are plenty of twists and turns that make Camp Damascus a page turner. 

If heading into the world of a homosexual character in a deeply religious community isn't too triggering, this is a phenomenal read.Literature is a great way to help.process trauma, but you do need to be in a good mental space to deal with the authentic portrayal of the ways life and faith play out in extremely religious settings. The way Bible verses are cited and churches get on power plays are very true to life.

For such a short read, Tingle's book is packed  the cultural commentaries on conservative Christianity. While it does have an entertaining narrative, it is worth reading it as a jumping off point for discussions on the ways Christianity has traumatized people, particularly the LGBT population.

In fact, I am tempted to read it again for further in depth analysis at some point in time. 

I would definitely add this to my canon of therapeutic  fiction in coping with religious trauma!

I am also sharing this review on Goodreads