'Herbert West: Reanimator' by H.P. Lovecraft is a collection of six linked stories that follow the mad scientist, Dr. Herbert West, and his assistant as they experiment with bringing the dead back to life. The plot revolves around their gruesome and disturbing experiments, starting with lab animals and escalating to human cadavers. Lovecraft's writing style in this book is described as pulp fiction, with shocking entertainment value and a non-literary feel. Each story tries to outdo the previous one with gory and unsettling details, creating a sense of parody or homage to Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Dr. West, are depicted as morally ambiguous or outright villainous, with racial stereotypes present in their portrayals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by elaborate vocabulary and descriptive prose, often leading to tediousness and a lack of immediacy.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features six interconnected tales centered around a mad scientist's grotesque experiments in reanimation, parodying classic horror themes.

Setting:

The setting blends gothic elements with historical contexts, enhancing the atmospheric horror.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, often hindered by recap sections and excessive detail, although horror elements can still provide suspense.

Of Herbert West, who was my friend in college and in after life, I can speak only with extreme terror. This terror is not due altogether to the sinister manner of his recent disappearance, but was eng...

Notes:

Herbert West: Reanimator consists of six linked stories about a mad scientist named Dr. Herbert West.

Lovecraft's writing style is often criticized for being overly complex and outdated.

The story is seen as a parody or homage to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, but with a more psychopathic main character.

It features graphic and disturbing details, including decapitations and cannibalism.

Many readers note that Lovecraft's works, including this one, reflect his problematic views on race.

Lovecraft was paid to write this story in installments, which resulted in repetitive recaps in each part.

Despite its issues, Herbert West: Reanimator is considered a fun and entertaining read for those familiar with horror.

The story is known for its tonal shifts, ranging from horror to dark humor.

Readers often find it easier to approach Lovecraft's works through adaptations, like the 1985 movie, which is noted for its campy charm.

Lovecraft's universe contains a mix of weird and cosmic horror elements, influencing many later horror writers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are high content warnings including graphic violence, gore, body horror, and overt racism.

From The Publisher:

H. P. Lovecraft was one of the greatest horror writers of all time. His seminal work appeared in the pages of legendary Weird Tales and has influenced countless writer of the macabre. This is one of those stories.

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Herbert West: Reanimator

H.P. Lovecraft