Books matching: haunting presence
59 result(s)
Three by Ann Quin is a novel that delves into the lives of a bickering middle-aged bourgeois couple, Leonard and Ruth, as they sift through the belongings of their deceased lodger, a young woman named S. Through the diary entries and recordings left behind by S, the reader is exposed to the intricate psychosexual dynamics between the three characters. The narrative unfolds through a mix of diary entries, recordings, and near stream of consciousness, offering alternating perspectives and versions of events that create a complex and enigmatic portrayal of the relationships involved.
Ann Quin's writing style in Three is characterized by its experimental nature, combining elements of impressionistic stylings with hints of surrealism, pointillism, and narrative poetry. The novel captures the essence of the 1960s era while exploring themes of individuality, romantic relationships, and the complexities of human interactions. Through erratic variations in tone and voice, Quin creates a jazzy, improvisational feel that keeps the reader engaged and intrigued by the ceaseless restless interactions of the characters with their environment.
- #2
Save:Gilded Ashes by Rosamund Hodge is a gothic retelling of the classic Cinderella story set in the world of the author's previous works. The novella follows Maia, a strong and audacious character who navigates a world of demons, magic, and dark bargains. As she becomes entangled in a dangerous game of love and deception with Lord Anax, heir to the Duke of Sardis, Maia must confront her past, face her fears, and make choices that will determine her future.
The story is rich in mystery, romance, and spine-tingling chills, offering a fully realized and satisfying tale that leaves readers yearning for more. Through vivid storytelling and complex character relationships, Gilded Ashes weaves a haunting narrative of darkness, grief, love, and hope, exploring themes of oppression, sacrifice, and the power of inner strength.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Fairy Tales ) - #3
Save:In 'The Rust Maidens' by Gwendolyn Kiste, the story revolves around Phoebe and her best friend Jacqueline, who undergo a tragic body transformation in their neighborhood. The narrative, told by Phoebe, effortlessly jumps between the past and present, blending cliffhangers and suspense. The book delves into themes of life, stubbornness, growth, and acceptance, portraying a dark tale of eerie body horror and the haunting effects of a mysterious illness on young women in a desolate town.
The author, Gwendolyn Kiste, intricately describes the decaying town of Cleveland, creating an atmospheric setting that enhances the anguish of the story. The writing style is described as beautiful and seductive, drawing readers into a world of eerie transformations and dark secrets. The plot unfolds through Phoebe's eyes as she revisits her childhood home, revealing the impact of the girls' transformation on both survivors and victims, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they finish the book.
I shiver in the street near the old steel mill, reading and rereading those graffiti letters on the crumbling asphalt. The red spray paint is faded now, but time hasn’t erased it the way it should hav... - #4
Save:'The House with a Clock in Its Walls' by John Bellairs follows the story of Lewis Barnavelt, a recent orphan who goes to live with his eccentric wizard uncle, Jonathan, and their witch neighbor, Mrs. Zimmerman. Together, they uncover a mystery within Jonathan's old mansion, as they try to find the source of the ticking in the walls which leads them to confront the evil forces of the past. combines elements of mystery, magic, and adventure set in the 1940s, creating a spooky yet engaging atmosphere that captivates readers of all ages. The writing style is described as sophisticated, with a good balance of creepiness and humor, making it a delightful and nostalgic read for those who enjoy supernatural tales.
Lewis woke up the next day with confused memories of the previous night running around in his head. In general, his impression was a happy one, despite the dark things that lurked in the corners of th... - #5
Save:In the book 'Long Lankin' by Lindsey Barraclough, the story unfolds in 1958, where two sisters, Cora and Mimi, are sent to live with their great Aunt Ida in an eerie moated manor house in the village of Bryers Guerdon. As the girls settle in the isolated village, strange occurrences and the awakening of an evil presence in the marshes lead to a chilling tale of horror and mystery. The narrative alternates between different characters' points of view, adding layers of suspense and building an atmosphere of creepy folklore intertwined with supernatural elements.
The writing style in 'Long Lankin' is described as hauntingly beautiful, evoking a sense of rural England with its dark woods, abandoned churches, and mysterious folklore. The characters, particularly the children Cora and Roger, are portrayed as vivid and real, adding depth to the story as they navigate through the unsettling events surrounding Long Lankin, a malevolent supernatural villain from village superstition and witchcraft. The slow build of horror, the intricate plot development, and the atmospheric setting create a compelling gothic horror narrative that keeps readers engaged till the chilling climax.
I twist round in my seat and rub the back window with a wet finger until the skin goes brown. I lick it again, and it tastes bitter. Through the smear on the glass, I see the edge of the city moving a... - #6
Save:'The Shark Net' by Robert Drewe is a memoir that intricately weaves the author's coming of age with the loss of innocence experienced by the small coastal city of Perth, Western Australia. The book captures the essence of Perth in the 1950s and 60s, delving into the author's childhood memories, family life, and the backdrop of a series of chilling murders that occurred in the community. Drewe's writing style is described as evocative, meandering through vignettes of his life in Perth, painting a vivid picture of the city and its happenings during that time.
It’s a different sunlight – harsher, dustier, more ancient-looking – that enters courtrooms. Streaked by this ominous light, guarded by two big uniformed cops and hunched in his old-fashioned blue pin... - #7
Save:'The Hunger' by Alma Katsu is a historical novel that retells the journey of the Reed Donner Party in 1846, adding a supernatural element to the story. The book delves into the horrors faced by the pioneers, including disease, starvation, and cannibalism, while also incorporating a supernatural twist that heightens the tension and fear within the narrative. Through well-done characterization and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the interactions and struggles of the moving community, making the story a captivating blend of historical fiction and horror.
The plot of 'The Hunger' follows the ill-fated Donner Party as they face a series of mishaps, poor decisions, and supernatural threats while attempting to cross 1800's America from east to west. The author skillfully weaves together elements of historical events with supernatural horror, creating a gripping and eerie tale that keeps readers on edge. The book explores themes of despair, survival, and the malevolent nature of the surrounding environment, making it a haunting and immersive read that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
He stood that morning in front of the big mirror strapped to the side of James Reed’s wagon. In every direction, the prairie unfurled like a blanket, occasionally rippled by wind: mile after uninterru... - #8
Save:'Weathercock' by Glen Duncan is a novel that follows the life of Dominic Hood, from his childhood in Lancashire to his adulthood as a publisher's agent in New York. The story intertwines themes of bullying, cruelty, sadism, and the struggle for one's soul. The narrative shifts between Dominic's past and present, exploring his relationships with Father Ignatius Malone, Penguin, and the manipulative Deborah Black. The writing style is described as deep, enthralling, and provocative, with a blend of wit, observational humor, and a touch of supernatural elements.
- #9
Save:"Sweet Days of Discipline" by Fleur Jaeggy is a chilling and somber tale set in a boarding school in Switzerland, focusing on the experiences and relationships of the teenage girls residing there. The narrative explores themes of suppressed feelings, coldness, gloom, and a sense of looming darkness. The writing style is concise and detached, capturing the claustrophobic world of the secluded school and the intense, somber atmosphere that permeates the story.
The novel delves into the lives of the protagonist and her fellow boarders, depicting their struggles with discipline, relationships, and the haunting presence of death. The story unfolds in a minimalist yet impactful manner, drawing parallels to the works of Robert Walser and Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground." The narrative voice reflects on her upbringing in a detached manner, portraying the underloved rich boarding school girls with undeclared queerness and a suppressed sense of darkness and self-destructiveness.
Frédérique was beginning to look at me. I felt the weight of her eyes on my body. It was like a punch in the back sometimes, and I would turn. Sometimes, at table, I sensed her gaze on me, and then I ... - #10
Save:"The Tenant" by Roland Topor is a psychological horror novel that delves into themes of paranoia, identity loss, and descent into madness. The story follows Monsieur Trelkovsky, a man who takes over the apartment of a woman who committed suicide, only to find himself entangled in a web of persecution, paranoia, and self-destruction. The narrative is described as powerful, nightmarish, and filled with dark humor, as the protagonist's internal imagery teeters between the banal and the grotesque, leading to a captivating yet disturbing portrayal of psychological terror.
The book is praised for its captivating storytelling and the gradual spiral into madness that Topor creates, blurring the lines between reality and surrealism. The writing style is noted for being convincingly told, with a sly dark humor peeking out from the corners, making it a unique and intense read that explores the complexities of human psyche and the terrifying consequences of losing touch with reality.
Trelkovsky was on the point of being thrown out in the street when his friend Simon told him about an apartment on the rue des Pyrénées. He went to look at it. The concierge, an ill-tempered woman, re...
