Review of The September House by Carissa Orlando
There’s something undeniably magnetic about a haunted house story, and when I stumbled upon The September House, Carissa Orlando’s debut novel, I felt an irresistible pull to dive in. Having heard whispers of its dark charm and clever storytelling, I was thrilled to discover a tale that not only embraced the eerie but also unpacked the complexities of familial relationships. Spoiler alert: I was blown away and completely impressed!
Orlando crafts a narrative that centers around Margaret, a woman whose supposedly dream home becomes a waking nightmare every September. The atmosphere is rife with tension as Margaret grapples with her spiraling life—her husband, Hal, has fled, leaving their daughter Katherine to confront the chaos. This familial unraveling serves as the heart of the story, intertwining horror with poignant emotional truths.
One of the aspects I found truly captivating was how Orlando brings us into Margaret’s head. Her voice is a delightful blend of humor and melancholy, making it impossible not to root for her. As readers, we tread the fine line between sympathy and frustration, especially as Katherine enters the picture. The dynamic between the two women is particularly compelling; both are navigating their own versions of dissatisfaction, yet Orlando portrays their relationship with a nuance that feels genuine. I found myself completely invested in their journey towards understanding—frustration and miscommunication transform into revelation and healing.
The writing style is engaging right from the start. Orlando doesn’t waste time; we’re thrown straight into the heart of the chaos, which is a refreshing choice for a debut. Readers familiar with the works of Rachel Harrison and T. Kingfisher will recognize the deliciously dark humor woven throughout the narrative. One moment I was laughing, the next, I was contemplating the real horror lurking beneath the surface. The duality of their relationship is a highlight, and even with the supernatural elements at play, it was the emotional resonance of Margaret and Katherine’s lives that truly impacted me.
Admittedly, I did feel the pacing drag slightly in the middle, and there were moments that felt a tad repetitive. However, the rich character development and impactful themes of family, loss, and the complexities of home made it easy to overlook these minor bumps.
As a lover of cozy horror, I found The September House to be a delightfully fresh take on the traditional haunted house narrative, peppered with just the right amount of humor. For those who appreciate tales that are as touching as they are terrifying, this book is a must-read. If you enjoy the thrill of something slightly wicked but rooted deeply in human experience, then I highly recommend you pick this up.
With this being Orlando’s debut, I can’t help but feel excited about what comes next. I’ve been hooked, and I’ll be eagerly waiting for her follow-up work. Thank you to Berkley for providing me with an advance copy; this is one I’ll be thinking about long after I’ve turned the last page!