Apparently, you are meant to read spooky stories around Halloween. That is just one of the many valuable things, the book blogging community has taught me. Whilst not a fan of Halloween, I’m happy to oblige to the spooky reading. I normally prefer a dark, atmospheric story over explicit horror. This year, I decided on The Woman in Black. I’ve also included last year’s Halloween reading, which I didn’t manage to write about back then.
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill [1983]
A young solicitor comes to Eel Marsh House to settle the affairs of Mrs. Alice Drablow. Eel Marsh House is located on the moor, on an isolated causeway. Gradually, the solicitor realises something is seriously wrong in this house. The Woman in Black certainly creates an eerie atmosphere. However, the build-up of the story is very slow; too slow for my taste. Only in the last third, the plot picks up and then comes to a conclusion shortly after. The heavily foreshadowed ending provides a satisfactory pay-off, making the overall reading experience worthwhile. But considering all the hype surrounding this story, I was left somewhat disappointed.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman [2002]
When moving with her parents to a new place, Coraline decides to spend her summer holiday exploring the apartment block. Unfortunately, she finds more than she bargained for and must show courage and ingenuity to resolve the situation. If you like Neil Gaiman’s writing, you will most likely enjoy this modern fairytale featuring quirky neighbours, a sarcastic cat and a rather creepy antagonist. I found it fun and delightful and will highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Dawn French. Perfect for Halloween!
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu [1872]
Carmilla includes many of the tropes often connected with vampires, including an isolated castle and a beautiful mysterious stranger. However, this novel predates Dracula with some 26 years and may have helped define the characteristics of vampires for later generations, Like The Woman in Black, it is a relatively slow story, which gradually builds up tension. It feels to the point though, without unnecessary filler content. A high degree of symbolism can be found relating to coming of age and exploration of women’s sexuality. If you are interested in a classic, gothic vampire tale, Carmilla might be for you. I haven’t read Dracula, but from what I’ve heard, I may actually prefer Carmilla.
Have you read any of these? What would you recommend for Halloween reading?
I found The Woman in Black slow too. I’ve got Coraline here somewhere so I’ll have to root that out. Never heard of Carmilla but my interest has been piqued yet again by your blog so will have to find out more about that.
Ah, it seems there are a few of us, who didn’t enjoy the slow pace of The Woman in Black. I hope you’ll like Coraline, if you manage to find it. If you have liked something like Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, I think Coraline will be to your taste as well. Many of the tropes in Carmilla feel very familiar, but one has to remind oneself, that Carmilla was one of the original vampire stories and that other authors may have copies Carmilla, rather than the other way around.
Well, you’ve certainly caught my eye with the Neil Gaiman. I’m not a fan of eeriness generally, so it’s the only one I’m likely to read of these.
Coraline is a children’s story targeting middle grade or so, but taking that into consideration, it is actually quite creepy.
I might try it then. I can cope with middle grade creepiness.
So glad I’m not the only who was disappointed with The Woman in Black!
Absolutely, I should have listened to your advice! 😀 Ah, well…
A sarcastic cat? I need this one. I haven’t read any of his books yet so it’s exciting to find a new author you (will probably) like!
I’ve always found that snarky and sarcastic are character traits, which feel very realistic for cats. Did you read The Travelling Cat Chronicles? The attitude of the cat in Coraline reminded me of Nana from The Travelling Cat Chronicles.
Yes I read The Travelling Cat Chronicles! Ah I’d get along fine then! You’re right that cats are often such fun in books!
And in real life as well! 😀
My cat was the bestest cat, not snarky at all 🙂
Awwww. 😊
Susan Hill is a wonderful writer, but The Woman in Black has been miscast as a ghost story I felt too, there’s something as about the expectations that surround it that don’t quite deliver compared to her other books, where you know and expect slow, revelatory, quiet drama.
Coralie I’ve never read, but I know the story well as it was my daughter’s favourite film that she replayed often as a child, she adores spooky. 😳
Sometimes a lot of hype and high expectations are not the best starting point. It is so much easier to be disappointed. I am not averse to try other books by Susan Hill’s in the future. Now I know what to expect.
Ah, I will try to watch the film adaptation of Coraline at some point. Glad to hear your daughter enjoyed it.
I didn’t realize Carmilla predates Dracula. That’s a neat little factoid to know. Perhaps whenever I get to these — I should read them back to back to see which I like. I see that the NYT book section recently had Elizabeth Hand’s latest book A Haunting on the Hill on their cover, which looks like a spooky read and an homage to Shirley Jackson. I’m a bit curious to read it.
I have heard mixed opinions on Dracula and not sure, I’ll ever get to it. But in theory, it could be interesting reading Dracula and Carmilla back to back. A booktuber talked about A Haunting on the Hill recently, but she wasn’t impressed. In any case, I need to actually read Shirley Jackson before I start on the fan fiction. 🙂 Halloween reading next year might be dedicated to Shirley Jackson.
I saw Coraline (the movie) and loved it back in the day and I have a copy of the book to eventually check it out too. I definitely want to try The Woman in Black, but I’m glad to be forewarned that it’s super slow-paced hahah
I think the Coraline movie might actually be better known than the book. Will have to watch it at some point. Yeah my disappointment with In Woman in Black was probably caused by wrong expectations. So go into it with an open mind. 🙂
Woman in Black is far better as a stage play and seems to be always playing somewhere around the UK. The recent West End production is on tour around the country in the new year. I have my tickets.
I think it used to play in a theatre close to me. Next time it comes up, I will get tickets as well. Thanks!