Review of The September House by Carissa Orlando
When I first stumbled upon The September House by Carissa Orlando, I was immediately intrigued. A haunted house story that invites you to laugh, shiver, and reflect on the complexities of life and relationships? Count me in! With Grady Hendrix praising it as a fresh take on haunted house tales, I couldn’t resist diving in. Little did I know, I was in for a delightful twist that left me both entertained and introspective.
At the heart of The September House is Margaret, a woman unflinchingly determined to stay in her dream Victorian home on Hawthorn Street, despite its ghastly hauntings. Each September, the house reveals its spine-tingling secrets: walls that drip blood, ghostly inhabitants, and a lurking terror in the basement. Most would run in fear, but not Margaret—she’s made her peace with the otherworldly residents, finding humor and resilience in the face of chaos. This unusual dynamic adds layers to the narrative, transforming the traditional haunted house trope into a compelling exploration of human emotion and resilience.
What struck me most was how Orlando wove in darker themes such as family, loss, and the haunting memories of trauma. Margaret’s relationship with her husband Hal is fraught, and when he abruptly leaves, she faces not only the supernatural challenges of the house but also her own emotional ghosts. Their daughter, Katherine, soon enters the picture, bringing her own turmoil into the mix. As their interactions unfolded, I found myself reflecting on how families navigate problems—often privately—much like Margaret’s relationship with the house.
Orlando’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, blending dark humor with poignant moments that resonate deeply. I particularly enjoyed her ability to develop the ghosts not just as phantoms but as reflections of Margaret’s own struggles. One moment that lingered with me was Margaret’s pragmatic approach to living with the supernatural, almost as if she was adhering to a set of house rules. This clever juxtaposition of the eerie and the mundane kept me riveted.
As the plot thickens, the pacing shifts dramatically, transitioning from a slower, character-driven exploration to a fast-paced, tension-filled climax. Readers of thrillers will appreciate the unexpected twists and turns; just when I thought I had it all figured out, Orlando deftly shifted the narrative in a way that left me delightfully bewildered.
Overall, I believe The September House will resonate with readers who appreciate a blend of horror and humor, especially those drawn to character-driven narratives that delve into the complexities of domestic life. If you’re someone who enjoys unraveling the intricacies of family dynamics against a backdrop of supernatural elements, this book is a must-read.
Personally, I’ll carry the themes of resilience and the humorous absurdity of living with ghosts with me long after turning the last page. Carissa Orlando has crafted a unique story that seamlessly interlaces the haunting aspects of both houses and relationships, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. If you’re looking for an eerie escape that lingers in your thoughts, The September House is the book to pick up this season.
[ad_2]