This features Brian’s Goodreads review of Upside Down by R. Morello.
In his 5-star Goodreads review, Brian describes Upside Down as a rare and emotionally powerful novel that blends psychological depth with a surreal, dreamlike world. Caleb’s descent into the Upside Down, a distorted purgatory where “broken” versions of people face their most painful memories, left a strong impression.
Brian highlights that although the story unfolds in an otherworldly realm, it is ultimately a realistic metaphor for emotional suffering: the grief we avoid, the guilt we carry, and the versions of ourselves we bury to survive.
What stood out most for Brian is the book’s unflinching honesty. In the Upside Down, nothing is hidden.
This vulnerability, he says, is what gives the book its power.
Even though the story takes place in a mirrored realm, its core themes are grounded in deeply human struggles.
According to Brian, this combination of imagination and emotional realism makes the book unforgettable.
Brian concludes that Upside Down is a moving psychological drama about what it means to heal after devastating loss. Its imaginative approach to trauma and its heartfelt character arcs make it a standout for readers who value emotional depth in their fiction.
ISBN: 979-8296073051
