The Funhouse Review

The Funhouse

Published: 1980

Author: Dean Koontz (written as Owen West)

Genre: American, Contemporary, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Funhouse Summary

The Review

The Funhouse is a novelization by American author Dean Koontz based on a screenplay written by Larry Block alias Lawrence J. Block and adapted into the 1981 film The Funhouse, directed by Tobe Hooper. The book was released before the film since the film's production took longer than planned. Koontz first published the work under the pen name Owen West.

I initially read this book many years ago and truly enjoyed it. I've read it several times over the years since it's always excellent for a nice shock! However, the film adaptation fell flat and did not adequately convey the tale. 

The audiobook edition was fantastic. Giving the characters voices brought this narrative to life. Although the story focused mostly on Amy, I appreciated how the author introduced you to Gina, Joey, and Liz. Their experiences all fit together nicely, and the backdrop leading up to Amy's ordeal was effectively handled. 

The only thing I would have preferred is a bit more towards the end. It concluded with Liz doing what she thought was best for her circumstances, but I would have wanted to see Amy confront her mother Gina about the actual story behind the funhouse.

It's weird because the first time I read it, I related with the daughter because of her troubles with her mother, which were far more extreme than my own experiences with the individuals I met, and the second time I can't help but identify with the mother and genuinely feel empathy for her. 

Overall, a nice novel. More for the story-telling component than for the shock value. Who knows, maybe I'll pick it up again in ten years. And, in my opinion, if you want to re-read and re-purchase the same book more than once, it says a lot. It has to be good.

I find that Koontz's characters must change and become more than they were when they were introduced, and there is usually a good reason for this. This work, on the other hand, appears to believe that character growth, as shallow as it appears to be, should please us despite of its lack of advancement.

The only slightly developed character in the entire novel is the two-dimensional daughter of a rigid religious mother, who becomes into the person she most feared: her mother, therefore degrading her own daughter with even more fervor and enthusiasm, albeit there is a good explanation for this. Even this character fades as the pages pass since there is no development, understanding, redemption, or even hope.

Mr. Koontz's best guess is that this woman periodically questions who she has become. There were a few times when I believed the light would alter this woman, as the real Dean Koontz could be seen molding her, but he immediately reverted to pen speed and lost any pretense of bringing this character forward.

This novel appears to have been put together from a succession of plot boards that may have appeared coherent but were just slapped together. Points of interest? Quite predictable. 

Finally, an ancient and worn brush is used to paint the "Religious" woman. Novelists nowadays are either unfamiliar with actual spiritual characters or just refuse to depict any religious person as a three-dimensional, sane, reasonable, or even joyous individual.

I see why this lack of "normalcy" is associated with the characters of both religious ladies, but a little more investigation may have given this novel a true story point: salvation. 

In a few words, I'll explain why it seems this way: it's a screenplay that Dean Koontz turned into a novel, so keep that in mind when reading this book, and don't blame him for its flaws.

This was a pleasant read, but it left me wanting much more, perhaps a hundred more pages. I desperately wanted the youngsters to inform their mother what had occurred. I was curious about what occurred as they grew up and had their own children. I sought to know if they will have regular children. 

It took me three days to read it the first time when I was reading around ten other novels, but on the third day, I just proceeded from the hundredth page to the last page. I simply wish the finale continued through Amy and her brother exiting the funhouse. And I'd love to see a sequel to this novel, for which I've been waiting for years.

The narrative seemed to finish abruptly, leaving me wanting more. We seemed to end in the middle of the narrative rather than at the end. However, the reason for this sort of sentiment and tale is because it was taken from a script for a movie that was released after the novel rather than before it.

Final Thoughts

I agree with many of my friends that a better-developed finale might have been achieved with an additional 100 pages, but it remains one of my favorite Koontz readings. 

The fact that it takes place in fictitious Coal County, PA makes you question if it's intended to be Coal Township in the Shamokin region or southwestern Pennsylvania. In any case, the characters are typical of small-town rural Pennsylvania, which adds to the amusement.

This is a fantastic book. I read it once when I was younger, then many times over the years, and now I'm listening to the audio version before writing the review. I didn't recall much about it back then, except that I enjoyed it. Reading it again, I see why I enjoyed it so much. 

The tale is fine albeit a little predictable, but what I truly appreciated was the characters' well-developed depth. You have access to each of the primary characters' brains and consequently the motivation behind their acts.

Dean Koontz will send shivers down your spine. If a horror/paranormal writer can scare you to that extent, believe me when I say it's a truly terrifying read. As seen by his primary characters, Koontz is a superb storyteller and character developer. 

Amy was conflicted until the very end when she matured and could distinguish between evil and everyday life. From beginning to end, The Funhouse is a captivating, enthralling novel that was impossible to put down for such boring duties as earning a livelihood.

I really suggest this book to any horror/paranormal readers. Congratulations, Mr. Koontz. Even with all of its imperfections, it is a fantastic story that I am proud to recommend to all Koontz aficionados and other readers.

Synopsis

“Evil comes in frightening and familiar forms in this terrifying novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

Once there was a girl who ran away and joined a traveling carnival. She married a man she grew to hate—and gave birth to a child she could never love. A child so monstrous that she killed it with her own hands...

Twenty-five years later, Ellen Harper has a new life, a new husband, and two normal children—Joey loves monster movies and Amy is about to graduate from high school. But their mother drowns her secret guilt in alcohol and prayer. The time has come for Amy and Joey to pay for her sins, because the carnival is coming back to town... “

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

AMC Plus Horror, Amy And Joey, Character Development, Derek Power, Derek Powers, Edge Of Your Seat, Funhouse Loose Ends, Good Read, Jack McDermott, Koontz Books, Largo Woodruff, Long Time, Miles Chapin, Odd Thomas, Owen West, Shawn Carson, Stephen King, Steven Bernhardt, Tobe Hooper, Years Later

Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Odd Is on Our Side Review

Odd Is on Our Side

Published: October 2010

Author: Dean Koontz, Fred Van Lente, Queenie Chan

Genre: Comics, Fiction, Ghost, Graphic Novel, Manga, Mystery

Odd Thomas Graphic Novels Book 2

Check the summary of this book here:

Odd Is on Our Side Summary

The Review

Odd Is on Our Side is Dean Koontz's second graphic novel featuring Odd Thomas. It's written by Fred Van Lente and Koontz, with manga-style artwork by Queenie Chan. The narrative of this book revolves around Odd's premonition that something terrible would occur during his town's Halloween festival. Elvis Presley's spirit wants to help Odd and gestures wildly, but because he can't talk, Odd has difficulties determining what will happen and who is involved.

You must understand that graphic novel means comic book and not a gory or scary book, so it is just a comic and if you buy it, you must understand that it is not a textbook, it has comic book style art that has text with it as a story, so if you buy it, don't blame me or the authors for cheating you into buying it because it clearly says it is a graphic novel! And I am going to remind this to you many times in this review.

I had read all of Odd Thomas books and decided to attempt the graphic novel, which I quite enjoyed. Text that is clean and simple to read. Excellent work of art. The plot is simple to follow. I adore the fact that he can see ghosts and other supernatural beings. Elvis, in particular!

While I appreciate Dean Koontz's novels and the comedy in his Odd Tales, I don't think this story has much depth and the humor is kind of poor. Children, on the other hand, may appreciate the book and be inspired to read his Odd Thomas non-graphic novels, which are a treat.

Dean Koontz wrote several comedic novels about the eccentric yet endearing Odd Thomas, who claims he earned his name Odd because his mother misspelled Todd. However, it is descriptive since Odd is exceedingly intelligent, courteous, and odd; he employs the titles "sir" and "ma'am" even to individuals who are focused on killing him most horrifically. His moniker is also descriptive since, unlike other people, he sees deceased men and women, such as Elvis Presley. The deceased can and frequently do gestures to Odd, but they are unable to talk. Koontz has also collaborated with others on three Odd Thomas graphic books.

Are you new to the franchise? Don't be concerned! This and the other graphic novels will bring you up to speed with the characters without giving too much away about what is to come in the books. 

Odd Is On Our Side is a terrific one-sitting read for younger readers, as well as a must-read for both die-hard Odd fans and newcomers. Examine them out! Without these, your collection is incomplete!

It was an enjoyable read. Of course, it lacks the richness and length of a whole novel, but it is a terrific self-contained narrative worth reading if you like the author and his creation.

I'll say it again: don't buy this if you don't enjoy comic books. I and other comic book fans will be pleased, but if you don't enjoy comics, this might be the worst waste of money for you. 

In the words of a number of my friends, "I had no idea this was even a comic book kind of book. I anticipated a conventional book, like the other weird novels. Was I ever incorrect? I'm not even going to read it since I can't get beyond the 'comic book' element. Those of you who enjoy comic books may be happy with it. I simply wish it said clearly that it is in comic book style." 

Okay time for my reply to these friends... One thing I must clarify is that when you see Graphic Novel printed on a book, it implies it is essentially a Comic Book, thus it was already on the book cover, and it is not the author's responsibility that you are unaware of this.

Odd Thomas is introduced to a new audience of readers. If you're not familiar with "graphic novels," have a look before purchasing this. It's essentially a comic book. However, Manga is much more than a comic book, and if you don't respect that, this is not the book for you.

Queenie Chan, a Hong Kong-born Manga artist living in Australia, drew the book. She is well-known in the Manga community and has a distinct creative flair. She gets interested in Manga projects because she likes the tale and wants to play a part in conveying it. And she demonstrates through her artwork that she likes this book and series, according to her rule of only drawing when she enjoys a story.

As stated before, the narrative was written by Fred Van Lente and Dean Koontz. Soon into the book, the reader will notice Koontz's characters are written by someone else. 

Odd is already recognizable if you've read any of Koontz's Odd novels. Odd is younger in this prequel than he is in the novels. Odd and his lover Stormy Llewellyn are among the well-written characters. There are a number of minor characters who feature in later Odd Thomas works.

The plot is straightforward, including missing children, Halloween, and maybe some poison. Odd is the only one that sees some ghostly characters along the road.

Final Thoughts

This is a traditional Odd Thomas story, and I enjoyed it as always. The art, on the other hand, was not entirely horrible because I like Manga and it was to my liking, but if you don't like Manga, you won't like it as much as I did. 

I thought the artwork had too much Manga in it, especially on the features of the female figures, and you have to see it to realize what I mean.

Odd Thomas's subsequent experiences, or perhaps his former ones, are described in a short, Manga-Esque, graphic novel manner. These volumes are essential reading for lovers of Koontz's main hero, Odd Thomas.

We explore what happened before Odd Thomas in Odd is On Our Side, and we follow Odd and Stormy on their adventures in and around Pico Mundo, California. Look for regulars you've grown to know and love over the course of the Odd Thomas novels.

Once again, all of the Odd novels are fantastic. Good for all ages and any Koontz lover. These are fantastic if you enjoy graphic novels.

This is a classic Koontz novel. It's in a format that most readers aren't used to, or, dare I say, are even interested in. Be cautious before making a purchase! This is a well-written, well-illustrated book for young readers, reluctant readers, anyone with a short attention span, aficionados of the supernatural, or Manga fans.

I read the paperback edition, and the font and images are standard sizes. According to my understanding, the Kindle edition may be more difficult to read. But still, it is worth it if you are into it.

Synopsis

“When things get scary, it’s nice to know that Odd is on our side.

The one and only Odd Thomas is back—in his second edgy and enthralling graphic-novel adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling suspense master Dean Koontz.

It’s Halloween in Pico Mundo, California, and there’s a whiff of something wicked in the autumn air. While the town prepares for its annual festivities, young fry cook Odd Thomas can’t shake the feeling that make-believe goblins and ghouls aren’t the only things on the prowl. And he should know, since he can see what others cannot: the spirits of the restless dead. But even his frequent visitor, the specter of Elvis Presley, can’t seem to point Odd in the right direction.

With the help of his gun-toting girlfriend, Stormy, Odd is out to uncover the terrible truth. Is something sinister afoot in the remote barn guarded by devilish masked men? Has All Hallows Eve mischief taken a malevolent turn? Or is the pleading ghost of a trick-or-treater a frightening omen of doom?”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Comic Books, Dead People, Fred Van, Like A Comic, Pico Mundo, Story Line, Van Lente, Waste Of Money

Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Ghost Story Review

Ghost Story

Published: 1979

Author: Peter Straub

Genre: American, Drama, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literary, Literature, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Ghost Story Summary

The Review

Peter Straub's Ghost Story is a horror story. Coward, McCann, and Geoghegan published it on January 1, 1979, and it was made into a horror film in 1981, minus the fifth protagonist, Lewis Benedikt. It was a turning point in Straub's career, becoming a national best-seller and solidifying his reputation.

Stephen King rates Ghost Story as one of the best horror books of the late twentieth century in his non-fiction study of the horror medium, Danse Macabre, and includes a comprehensive critique inside its "Horror Fiction" section.

In the manner of Stephen King in this book, Peter Straub has linked his works and book universe, and some of the links are as follows: Ricky Hawthorne is referenced in the author's 1983 novel Floating Dragon, where it is revealed that he is the uncle of a victim in the latter book. Milburn appears briefly in Koko, which was released in 1988.

This was a mind-boggling story, vast in scale and unsettling in execution. Peter Straub is a virtuoso at trapping the incomprehensible in the net of language and producing enchantment too high for fiction in words that are typically too thin to hold it, and this book is proof of that ability. 

In the pages of this novel, a complete little town comes to life, only to break apart at the seams one by one. Too much detail would detract from the narrative's grandeur, but this is a magnificent story that must be experienced.

If things appear to be moving slowly at first, have confidence that these flows will eventually snowball into a gigantic avalanche of horror. 

The past is necessary in order to experience the full weight of the present. Knowing the people so well is essential for feeling the full scope of their tragedy. 

A horrible narrative constructed from strands of remorse, fear, and yearning, this is a towering example of what the most creative human minds are capable of when turned on, as the title suggests, a 'Ghost Story.'

The work is hypnotic. The author has constructed a waystation deep in snow in the imaginary town of Millburn where people live their own lives, unknowing of the horrifying monsters hiding in the forest ready to strike. These evil creatures eventually come for the helpless people, and they are caught off guard.

This story of ghostly vengeance is educational in many ways because it reveals the consequences of abuse humans inflict on one another. The town itself is full of individuals surviving in varying degrees of guilt, and it is precisely these scars on their souls that brand the victims for the marauders out to feed on them.

I adore this book and wanted to share three things I learned from it.

First - If you're going to get retribution, instead of focusing on a few old townsfolk, ramp it up to eleven and destroy the entire town. 

The main villain, who goes by several aliases, all of which begin with the letters AM, intends to accomplish precisely that. 

And, like the author, she instructs her victims in the ways of the occult and why they must die. Fortunately, the monster's coup de grâce cannot be delivered because of the bravery of Ricky Hawthorne, Peter Barnes, and Don Wanderly. Nonetheless, a commendable effort.

Second - in my opinion, stories in which the innocent are slaughtered like lambs are not entertaining. 

But if you take a community full of folks who have done everything from the heinous to the just irritating and go after them, you've got something. 

Of course, the Chowder Society members are the worst, because they killed a young lady, well, she seemed to be a young woman and buried the evidence. 

Add to that a lunatic farmer who is always suing people and seeing Martians, a drunken shell of a sheriff, and a woman who would rather have sex with almost every other man in town than stay at home. Wouldn't you say there's enough fodder for a spiteful, deadly, otherworldly being?

Third - This final point highlights Straub's genius. He might have provided a nice old-fashioned vindictive spirit like Henry James did in The Turn of the Screw. 

But he went one step further: he created a being—or, God help us, a race of beings—that has inhabited the globe for thousands of years and feeds not only on people's flesh but also on their fear. 

That, in my opinion, is what pushes this work over the top. You can't merely crouch inside a circle of salt while holding a crucifix. These are actual things, that may really be living among us.

Is this Straub's greatest work? That's what I knew before I read this book, and it's very evident it is throughout and after reading it. 

It has the sense of a great classic to it when you're reading it. As I previously stated, Straub's writing is excellent, from the thrilling prologue to the sinister undertone that runs throughout the novel. 

This is one of the greatest horror books I've ever read, and I definitely recommend it. Also, while Straub does a fantastic job of conveying terror without being overly gruesome or bloody, that does not imply there isn't any. This is an excellent book.

Final Thoughts

I have to say that I am disappointed that I did not find this excellent author sooner. I had no idea who Peter Straub was until I discovered the books (The Talisman and Black House) he and Stephen King co-wrote. 

And, like many other Stephen King and Peter Straub fans, I consider myself fortunate that they collaborated on the Talisman series.

There is no comparison to Stephen King, yet I had to tell myself several times while reading this novel that I was not reading his work.

If you haven't already done so, I recommend picking up a copy of Ghost Story and bracing yourself for a night of non-sleeping. While you're at it, watch the 1981 film starring Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, and John Houseman, which was released in 1981.

Without a doubt, one of the most terrifying ghost stories ever told. If you didn't believe in them before, you will after reading this book. "The Shining" by Stephen King is right up there with it. 

You don't want to flip the page to see what happens next, but you have no choice. Do not, I repeat, do not begin reading this book late at night; you will most likely experience nightmares. 

It's best not to start it before heading to work or while you're at work, as it's tough to put down. 

Take a few days off, relax, put on all the lights, and read this fantastic terrifying tale of vengeance perpetrated by the most enraged ghost you'll ever meet.

Synopsis

"#1 New York Times bestselling author Peter Straub’s classic tale of horror, secrets, and the dangerous ghosts of the past...

What was the worst thing you’ve ever done?

In the sleepy town of Milburn, New York, four old men gather to tell each other stories—some true, some made-up, all of them frightening. A simple pastime to divert themselves from their quiet lives.

But one story is coming back to haunt them and their small town. A tale of something they did long ago. A wicked mistake. A horrifying accident. And they are about to learn that no one can bury the past forever..."

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alice Krige, Burt Weissbourd, Character Development, Chowder Society, Douglas Green, Ever Read, Ever Written, Fred Astaire, Ghost Stories, Horror Novels, John Houseman, John Irvin, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., New York, Ralph Cohn, Salem Lot, Small Town, Thing That Ever

Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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The Colorado Kid Review

The Colorado Kid

Published: 4, October 2005

Author: Stephen King

Genre: Crime, Detective, Fiction, Hard-Boiled, Horror, Literature, Murder, Mystery, Serial Killer, Suspense, Teen, Thriller, Women’s

Check the summary of this book here:

The Colorado Kid Summary

The Review

Stephen King's mystery thriller The Colorado Kid was released in 2005 under the Hard Case Crime label. Joyland, Stephen King's next Hard Case Crime novel, was released in June 2013. In May 2019, Hard Case Crime released The Colorado Kid in an illustrated paperback version. I had a great time reading this book. While watching the Syfy series "Haven," which is based on Stephen King's "The Colorado Kid," I became captivated by this novel.

If you read the novel first and then watch the program, there's a good possibility you'll enjoy "Haven" even more. The show's writers performed an excellent job of sifting through the labyrinth of mystery surrounding the major event of the Colorado Kid.

But fans of Syfy's Haven should be aware that the show appears to be based on this novel. That's a stretch; it'd be nice to say it's influenced by The Colorado Kid, but nothing in this book will help you comprehend the show, which is why I said you'll like it even more since the idea is there but the book isn't. That's why, unlike with other media tie-ins, I didn't offer a link to the show.

Returning to the novel, I enjoy Stephen King's writing style as always, and I appreciate his explanations to the readers about the plot.

And I understand. I loved the metaphor at the conclusion of the narrative because it served as a sort of resolution to the continuous mystery, which, I believe, is similar to daily existence. There are certain things in life that we cannot understand or for which we have no solutions, yet we face them every day.

This is a novella based on one of Stephen King's short works. Unlike much of his work, there are no overt supernatural elements, yet the supernatural may be involved because it was written by the master, and you may discover after a few years in another novel that something otherworldly triggered the events in this book.

The location of The Colorado Kid appealed to me the most: a little community on a Maine seaside island. The artistry of the author's portrayals is stunning. 

His three central characters, two senior newspapermen and their young female aide are likable and convincing. This is a tale that will linger in your mind for a long time.

The author did not tell the readers what they should believe; instead, he left the mystery to the reader's imagination. And it was fantastic! I wish there were more novels written like this. This is the sort of book I could read every day.

Author masterfully constructs a framework tale around a wholly "told" mystery storyline - we never see any of the persons engaged in the mystery, and the entire story is "told" to a young female Midwestern acquaintance by two old men who are involved in journalism.

The ultimate brilliance of Stephen King's presentation is in enthralling us with the "mystery" that the old men have with the young lady in order to pique and maintain our interest in the three "real-time" characters, which he depicts extremely neatly and efficiently.

Stephen King's treatment of "voice," particularly in his depiction of Downeast accent, is outstanding.

Most writers would tell you that dialect is treacherous ground, and Stephen King discusses it in "On Writing" - attempting to express any lengthy piece in an authentic representation of any regional or ethnic accent almost dooms the conversation.

But Stephen King manages to suggest to the reader how these characters sound, then appropriately and cautiously strengthens it with irregular linguistic recreations, and the spell is done - every time Vince and Dave speak, I hear the down Maine twang as clearly as if I were listening to them myself, somewhere up down? The coast, perhaps near Wiscasset.

Normally, I despise open-ended books or those that finish on a cliffhanger, but I really like this one.

I appreciate the way the author constructs his novels, with such rich characters and details that immerse you in the setting and make you feel as if you are sitting right there listening to the dialogue.

This narrative was refreshing to me because it dared to tell a story without neatly tying up the ends, addressing all the questions, and then using that story to make a point and define the two forms of storytelling.

Final Thoughts

I don't think this is a spoiler, but rather open information to readers who read this novel and didn't comprehend it or the open-ended conclusion that wasn't really an ending but a beginning, so everyone has to realize that the tale is not about the Colorado Kid.

It's about a young lady, Stephanie, coming to accept the town and, in turn, the community accepting her.

The Colorado Kid is a deception. The Colorado Kid is the mechanism employed to convey Vince and Dave's acceptance, and Stephanie embraces it as she accepts her new role as a "townie."

If the readers understand what I'm saying, they will not feel tricked at the conclusion of the story and will instead feel and think about life and the metaphors the author employs to make us view the world in new ways.

The mystery is interesting, and the ending is a double-edged sword in that to comprehend it, you must first comprehend life or be a philosopher, as this is how life frequently works.

If you're seeking for a great example of Stephen King's narrative abilities, his talent for establishing personalities, and his unmistakable style of narration and scenario setting, go no further. As Vince, Stephanie, and Dave alternately exclaim, school is in session.

This is not a traditional mystery narrative, despite the fact that it is about a mystery. The author makes it clear right away.

This is just a heads up. Yes, there is some form of a victim. And there's no denying that there's a puzzle to be solved.

However, there are no suspects, minimal action, no hard-boiled by the book flatfoots, no down-on-his-luck private eye looking for atonement, and no femme fatale.

There is a fantastic story here. One that, as Vince points out, isn't perfect. If you're looking for a classic mystery, try an Agatha Christie or a grim Dashiell Hammett. This isn't one of those tales. However, it is a story definitely worth reading.

Synopsis

“On an island off the coast of Maine, a man is found dead. There's no identification on the body. Only the dogged work of a pair of local newspapermen and a graduate student in forensics turns up any clues.

But that's just the beginning of the mystery. Because the more they learn about the man and the baffling circumstances of his death, the less they understand. Was it an impossible crime? Or something stranger still...?

No one but Stephen King could tell this story about the darkness at the heart of the unknown and our compulsion to investigate the unexplained. With echoes of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon and the work of Graham Greene, one of the world's great storytellers presents a surprising tale that explores the nature of mystery itself...”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Case Crime, Coast Of Maine, Colorado Kid, Found Dead, Hard Case, Loosely Based, Man Found, Pulp Fiction, Real Life, Short Story, Small Town, Vince And Dave, Waste Of Time, Weekly Islander

Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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Salem’s Lot: The Miniseries (2004) (NR)

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The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

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The Mysteries of Udolpho Review

The Mysteries of Udolpho

Published: 8, May 1794

Author: Ann Ward Radcliffe

Genres: Adventure, Classic, Education, Fiction, Gothic, History, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural

Check the summary of this book here:

The Mysteries of Udolpho Summary

The Review:

Ann Ward Radcliffe's novel The Mysteries of Udolpho is admired for its simple yet universal ideas of true love, commitment, and personal integrity. It's a gothic romance at its core, with adventure and mystery thrown in for good measure. I also liked how the novel stayed grounded in reality by revealing that the ostensibly supernatural events were actually caused by normal causes.

Ann Ward Radcliffe, in my opinion, spent much too much time describing the landscape of a country she had never been to. Reading endless descriptions of plants and mountain ranges grew tedious shortly. It was as if I were reading a tour book written in both French and Italian. However, some authors do so as if they were painting with words, and not everyone can comprehend or appreciate a painting.

So, in the end, it all depends on the reader, since I appreciate it sometimes and become bored or angry at the author other times, because not all authors can do it well, and not all tales require a painted environment.

After swimming through a sea of tears shed by theatrical characters and a narrative saturated in excessive eloquence, the reader will discover a delightful story beneath.

The characters were getting on my nerves. The characters' pathetic, emotional neediness got on my nerves a lot. The villain was the only one who seemed to have any sense. He may have been a despicable human being, but at least he wasn't breaking into tears or swooning over a chair every five minutes. However, I feel that we can only move on with the story if all or at least some of the characters are defective.

Some things were not as great as they may have seemed when it was first published, and it may not be as amazing for many readers who are used to modernized fast-paced versions of this and other classics today but believe me when I say that all modern "Goth" novels are based on this and other classics like this one.

The Gothic portion of the novel makes up roughly above a quarter of the book, with the rest consisting of descriptions of the places and structures where the action takes place, as well as inane interior monologues. The protagonist is constantly fainting out and losing her courage. I realize that was a different era, but it irritated me much. Worst of all, the author constantly pauses the action to recite poetry written by the heroine. It may bore some readers as I mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Starting in Gascony and traveling to Languedoc before crossing the Alps from France to Italy and spending time in Venice, the narrative is exceedingly convoluted. The Gothic horror section begins at the Apennine castle of Udolpho and continues in a Languedoc château and monastery.

Prepare yourself for tales of inexplicable deaths, eerie music, phantom figures at midnight, and the enigma behind the black veil! The explanations take place in France, after a Shakespearean number of blunders when the heroine and hero are together. The plot is unbelievable, yet it is thrilling for its time.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen has made this novel quite widely known, despite the fact that many people haven't read it. Jane Austen was influenced by Ann Ward Radcliffe, thus if you appreciate Jane Austen, you must read this novella. If you're reading this for the first time, be warned that it's a messy affair that, in today's world, would very surely be chopped down to approximately half of what it is, albeit taking something away from it, maybe part of the charm.

Final Thoughts:

I've always wanted to read this book since it's a classic and I believed it could be related to Mathew Lewis' The Monk and Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto. It is unrelated to these novels, yet it may be included in the same category as one of the major classics that affected a large number of books and helped a genre develop into what it is today. It had some poetry and a lot of details that, as I previously stated, were sometimes too long. However, I absolutely loved reading this book! There's a lot of suspense and mystery in this book.

If you ignore the lengthy word paints and characters sobbing, Ann Ward Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho is a fantastic engaging mystery. For me, it was a lot of joy. The story was great, and I was able to finish the book in seven days, despite the fact that many readers believe it is a difficult book to read. I really liked the poetry interspersed throughout the chapters since it is quite good. I would suggest this book to people who appreciate reading.

I couldn't give it more points since I know it would be cheating with those who trust my ratings and follow my recommendations. However, for those who enjoy reading classics, it is still a worthwhile read.

Synopsis:

“This was the most popular novel of Radcliffe's time; Radcliffe's portrayal of her heroine's inner life raised the Gothic romance to a new level. The atmosphere of fear and the gripping plot continue to thrill today.

This is the story of the orphaned Emily St Aubert, who finds herself separated from the man she loves and confined within the Castle of Udolpho by her aunt's new husband Montoni. Here she must cope with an unwanted suitor, Montoni's threats, and the wild imaginings and terrors which threaten to overwhelm her.”

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Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle version here:

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