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(originally posted on September 4, 2006)
Now this is exactly what a horror novel should be: beautiful, suspenseful writing; a sense of foreboding from the beginning that only increases as the story goes on; and well-crafted characters, from the doomed Susan Marley and all who fall under her tainted spell. There's subtle metaphor and allegory but most of all, a great, great story that should be read and passed on.
(originally posted on September 4, 2006)
Need we more proof (along with Sara Gran and Sarah Langan) that the best new supernatural horror fiction is being written by women? Sokoloff's screenplay training pays off with this economical and very scary tale of five alienated teens who get caught up in forces far, far beyond their control, but she scores extra points for the biblical twist that really ratchets up the tension.
(originally posted on September 4, 2006)
This is, point blank, the future of literature. Adichie's talent was already in evidence with PURPLE HIBISCUS, but that a writer so young can so near-perfectly capture the turmoil of war, of ideas uplifted and shattered, is truly amazing - and beyond the grasp of those far older than she. Epic in scope and vision, it's the kind of fiction that should be written more often, but most people are too afraid to even try. No question, one of the best books I've read this year.
(originally posted on September 4, 2006)
What evil lurks in the heart of Old Tuonela? It's old, it's dormant, but thanks to a porphyria-stricken writer, his pathologist childhood friend and a shocking spate of murders, it's roaring back. Frasier spins a plausible premise with supernatural overtones by maintaining suspense and showing off a keen understanding of teen anxieties and wants - and how they can be manipulated for sinister purposes.
(originally posted on September 4, 2006)
Thinking of going to see that Sofia Coppola movie about the notorious queen? You're much better off spending the money on Naslund's sumptuous, wonderfully layered depiction of how a young woman from Austria marries above station and gets caught up in her own whims and desires but despite calamity and revolution, never fully loses her sense of self. Historical novels should always teach the reader something new, and ABUNDANCE does so in spades.
