Reviews

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

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colleenbatman's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A damn good ghost story, not one that’ll necessarily scare you but definitely one that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Satisfying explanations & ending!

tracheite's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

katiesmooncanvas's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced

2.0

caitlin_89's review against another edition

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3.0

I was looking for something akin to the electric energy of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House: truly nerve-wracking and scary but not something that would haunt me personally.

This book delivered on not haunting me. There was also no electricity. BUT. It's a solid ghost story, and well-written and enjoyable. And there were some good shivery scenes. Maybe I was just too cozy and content while reading? And maybe that's for the best, because I didn't want to be deeply scared. But the cover boasted four statements touting this tale as being deeply "chilling," yet it struck me as cozier than I believe it was meant to. Of course, the ghost and the recurring nightmare situation at Eel Marsh were chilling, but our main guy was so dang plucky!

kittyburritoland's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.25

thecheshirecat's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

"The Woman in Black seemed to haunt me, even here, to sit at the end of my bed, TO PUSH HER FACE SUDDENLY CLOSE TO MINE as I lay asleep, so I awoke crying out in terror."

The statement alone chilled me. I deeply regretted finishing the novel at night. That, after I vowed to read it only in broad daylight.

I began reading this story in celebration of Halloween, although I was day late (1st of November). And I was not disappointed. I loved, loved, loved the story! Contrary to other reviews, this did not bore me at all. It was gripping. It was frightening. It was terrifying. It will wake you up at in the wee hours of the morning, to switch on the lights. The Woman in Black traumatized me. Much. I was left speechless after that twist.

And with that, I draw this review to a close with another one of my favorite quotes from the book:

"A man may be accused of cowardice for fleeing away from all the manner of physical dangers but when things supernatural, insubstantial and inexplicable threaten not only his safety and well-being but his sanity, his innermost soul, then retreat is not a sign of weakness but the most prudent course."

I have told it. Enough. (If you know, you know).