Liked It“Not many horror novels really scare me at this late date, but this one did such a good job that I've never been able to either re-read it or get rid of it. This is a really, really effective ghost story.” see full review » see other reviews » |
“Not many horror novels really scare me at this late date, but this one did such a good job that I've never been able to either re-read it or get rid of it. This is a really, really effective ghost story.”
Eileen M wrote this review Saturday, July 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Peter Straub's breakout book that launchehd him in the ranks of premier horror writers such as Stephen King and Clive Barker.
It established him as the master of the modern day ghost story. and all his books have a ruling theme of past mistakes carching up with you in really bad ways.
It's very gothic, a damsel in distress, a haunted house, and a very evil ghostly presence, but updated to our times.”
“I got this book after I happened upon the old movie "The Haunting of Julia" one day on cable and found the ending rather disturbing So I wondered what the book it was based on was like. The movie barely scratched the surface of the book (as is true of so many movies that attempt to bring a book to the big screen), but I have to say, I found the book not exactly a "this-book-was-great" type book either. The story is pretty solid, definitely engrossing (I couldn't stop turning the pages), but I can't say I loved it. It was well written, but not as scary or suspenseful as the quotes all over the inside page would have you believe. (No way was it as scary as The Exorcist!). I guess scary in the 70's meant something else compared to what it does today. But the story was good, the characters interesting and complex, and I guess based on who the characters were the way the book ended was the only way the story could work out, but it wasn't a "good" ending in the sense that it made you feel good (if that makes any sense). I found the book was as disturbing as the movie in that respect. I do have to say, though, the last few lines of the book are killer. I think I appreciated them most of all. While I didn't like what happened to the main character, I did enjoy that last page. Overall if someone asked me how the book was I'd have to honestly say "It was okay" and thus 3 stars. ”
Catherine C wrote this review Saturday, October 4 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Good read!”
Orchid of India wrote this review Tuesday, March 11 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No