Published: 16, February 2016
Author: Matt Ruff
Genres: Adult, African American, Black, Cultural Heritage, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Horror, Literature, Racism, World
Review:
This is a dark fantasy horror novel by Matt Ruff that explores the relationship between H. P. Lovecraft's horror fiction and racism in the United States during the Jim Crow era, as seen through the eyes of black science-fiction fan Atticus Turner and his family.
I was hesitant to buy this book at first because I assumed it was a ploy to capitalize on the name "Lovecraft," but after reading it, I felt ashamed of myself for thinking that way. Because this book is unlike anything you've ever read before, and it didn't just use Lovecraft's name; in fact, it made it even more popular in my opinion.
The author did an excellent job of creating the world of this story because it feels so real, and then the entire monstrosity of not only the actual monsters but also the "Man," who is the true villain of this world, feels so real that you begin to doubt if it actually happened.
For me the most feared thing was the racism and the treatment of colored innocent people by the privileged was too much and I felt so much anger and rage build inside me and I thought of the people who actually had to suffer all this and how much hate and anger they must have felt for these people.
There are many references to cults, magic, creatures, and other things that I won't reveal because I don't want to spoil the fun of discovery for the readers.
I think the book's title is brilliant because it not only alludes to monster horror, but it also alludes to racism in a subliminal way. H.P. Lovecraft lived during a time when such things were commonplace and not considered racist, and it was acceptable to treat the colored community in the manner depicted in this book.
The book was made into a television series, which I had already seen and loved. If you haven't seen the series yet, I recommend you starting with the book.
Synopsis:
“Now an HBO® Series from J.J. Abrams (Executive Producer of Westworld), Misha Green (Creator of Underground) and Jordan Peele (Director of Get Out)
The critically acclaimed cult novelist makes visceral the terrors of life in Jim Crow America and its lingering effects in this brilliant and wondrous work of the imagination that melds historical fiction, pulp noir, and Lovecraftian horror and fantasy.
Chicago, 1954. When his father Montrose goes missing, 22-year-old Army veteran Atticus Turner embarks on a road trip to New England to find him, accompanied by his Uncle George—publisher of The Safe Negro Travel Guide—and his childhood friend Letitia. On their journey to the manor of Mr. Braithwhite—heir to the estate that owned one of Atticus’s ancestors—they encounter both mundane terrors of white America and malevolent spirits that seem straight out of the weird tales George devours.
At the manor, Atticus discovers his father in chains, held prisoner by a secret cabal named the Order of the Ancient Dawn—led by Samuel Braithwhite and his son Caleb—which has gathered to orchestrate a ritual that shockingly centers on Atticus. And his one hope of salvation may be the seed of his—and the whole Turner clan’s—destruction.
A chimerical blend of magic, power, hope, and freedom that stretches across time, touching diverse members of two black families, Lovecraft Country is a devastating kaleidoscopic portrait of racism—the terrifying specter that continues to haunt us today.”
Useful Search Related Words:
Adult, African American, African Americans, Atticus Turner, Black People, Crow America, Crow Era, Great Read, HBO Series, Jim Crow, Jordan Peele, Looking Forward, Lovecraft Country, Matt Ruff, Science Fiction,
Rating: 100/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
Buy the Kindle version here:
Free with free Audible trial:
HBO Series Adaptation:
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