'The Other' by Thomas Tryon is a horror novel set in 1930's Connecticut, focusing on twins Niles and Holland who have contrasting personalities - one good and one evil. The story unfolds in a small town called Pequot Landing and revolves around disturbing incidents that occur during a hot summer. The narrative is filled with twists, gothic elements, and a sense of insidious fear, showcasing the author's skill in character development and psychological terror. The writing style is described as atmospheric, meticulous, and captivating, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems, and secrets lurk beneath the surface.

Characters:

The characters include the contrasting twins, with Niles being naive and good-hearted, while Holland embodies malevolence, alongside their complex grandmother.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is ornate, contributing to a Gothic atmosphere, with period-appropriate dialogue that enhances the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on identical twins with contrasting personalities, leading to a series of sinister events that unveil deep family secrets and a shocking twist.

Setting:

The setting is a rural Connecticut town in the 1930s, contributing to the story's Gothic and eerie atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing starts off slow, creating an atmosphere of suspense, and accelerates in the final third, delivering impactful twists.

“Holland—listen!” he insisted, his voice ecstatic with horror. He had hastily put out the candle, flatting his hand against the flame, knocking over the bottle the candle was stuck in; its empty clatt...

Notes:

The Other was published in 1971 and is a Gothic psychological horror novel.

It follows the story of identical twins Niles and Holland Perry, who have contrasting personalities.

Niles is portrayed as the good twin while Holland has a sadistic streak and causes deadly incidents.

The setting is a quaint 1930s farming town in Connecticut called Pequot Landing.

The narrative explores themes of family secrets, mental health, and the consequences of denying a child’s true nature.

The book features a significant twist midway that changes the reader's understanding of the characters and their dynamics.

Thomas Tryon was originally an actor before becoming a writer, and The Other was his first novel.

Despite being released over 50 years ago, The Other still resonates with readers today due to its strong atmosphere and psychological depth.

The novel is noted for its detailed character development and evocative setting, reminiscent of classic horror literature.

The Other's influence is recognized in the genre, compared to works by Stephen King and Shirley Jackson.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The content warnings include graphic depictions of violence, child abuse, and themes of psychopathy, which may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

Holland and Niles Perry are identical thirteen-year-old twins. They are close, close enough, almost, to read each other's thoughts, but they couldn't be more different. Holland is bold and mischievous, a bad influence, while Niles is kind and eager to please, the sort of boy who makes parents proud. The Perrys live in the bucolic New England town their family settled centuries ago, and as it happens, the extended clan has gathered at its ancestral farm this summer to mourn the death of the twins' father in a most unfortunate accident. Mrs. Perry still hasn't recovered from the shock of her husband's gruesome end and stays sequestered in her room, leaving her sons to roam free. As the summer goes on, though, and Holland's pranks become increasingly sinister, Niles finds he can no longer make excuses for his brother's actions.

Thomas Tryon's best-selling novel about a homegrown monster is an eerie examination of the darkness that dwells within everyone. It is a landmark of psychological horror that is a worthy descendent of the books of James Hogg, Robert Louis Stevenson, Shirley Jackson, and Patricia Highsmith.

Ratings (6)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (2)
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It Was OK (1)
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Reader Stats (18):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (3)

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The Other

Thomas Tryon