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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
This is very out of my wheelhouse...sometimes pushing your limits works and sometimes it is ridiculous. Guess which one this is.
As haunted house books go, this one had an interesting premise but I didn't find the story interesting. The biggest problem was the narrator, for me. The diary conceit is always difficult to pull off, perhaps especially when the book's set in the past. Ellen Rimbauer was, for me, an annoying combination of self-conscious historical voice and modern novel habits. For instance, I'm not going to say what a teenaged bride at the turn of the century would or wouldn't possibly know about, she did seem to have the standard interest in recording bodily functions, sex crimes and pretty much anything to do with sex.
Although she says over and over she never wants anyone to read the diary, she still feels the need to explain things to herself she would presumably already know. For instance, if you've bought a set of autographed books by Jack London, you would think you would know who Jack London was and not have to remind yourself he's a clever new writer. There's of course also a lot of very self-conscious references to past events and people innocently mentioned with no idea they will one day be household names.
Ellen occasionally takes time out of living a life that seems like would make her conservative to express concern for less privileged people or note how she's much more comfortable with them than she was at first. This is especially uncomfortable given that her "best friend" is her maid, a magical negro that she brought home from her honeymoon. Serious magical negro trope going on.
Presumably the idea was inspired by the Winchester Mystery house, but the idea of an ever-growing house that eats people is a more interesting idea than the tale of the abusive marriage it reflects here, imo.
Although she says over and over she never wants anyone to read the diary, she still feels the need to explain things to herself she would presumably already know. For instance, if you've bought a set of autographed books by Jack London, you would think you would know who Jack London was and not have to remind yourself he's a clever new writer. There's of course also a lot of very self-conscious references to past events and people innocently mentioned with no idea they will one day be household names.
Ellen occasionally takes time out of living a life that seems like would make her conservative to express concern for less privileged people or note how she's much more comfortable with them than she was at first. This is especially uncomfortable given that her "best friend" is her maid, a magical negro that she brought home from her honeymoon. Serious magical negro trope going on.
Presumably the idea was inspired by the Winchester Mystery house, but the idea of an ever-growing house that eats people is a more interesting idea than the tale of the abusive marriage it reflects here, imo.
mysterious
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this novel. The diary entry style was interesting to experience and I loved Ellen. I have loved her and Sukeena from the first time I watched Rose Red, and seeing them through the pages of this novel was amazing.
There was more focus on the Rimbauers and how the house came to be which was SO fascinating to me. The house seems to have become alive quite early on and we don't really get the almost motivation (?) behind the house in the mini series and we get theories in the novel from Ellen.
I quite like that we had Madam Lu in the novel; ahe was a welcome surprise for me. I feel like we got almost nothing from Madame Stravinski but what we got was SO GOOD. And Sukeena! Ugh she was utterly fantastic. I loved all the ladies honestly.
There was more focus on the Rimbauers and how the house came to be which was SO fascinating to me. The house seems to have become alive quite early on and we don't really get the almost motivation (?) behind the house in the mini series and we get theories in the novel from Ellen.
I quite like that we had Madam Lu in the novel; ahe was a welcome surprise for me. I feel like we got almost nothing from Madame Stravinski but what we got was SO GOOD. And Sukeena! Ugh she was utterly fantastic. I loved all the ladies honestly.
You all remember the popular Stephen King mini-series that aired earlier this year on ABC under the auspicious title of Rose Red: the story of a group of “gifted people” who, with the help of Joyce Reardon, venture into the old abandoned mansion known as Rose Red, where within they come in contact with the supernatural, though in no way that has ever been televised before. But what happened to the former occupants of the house? The ghosts that now dwell within, what were their lives like? Well here’s your answer. For the first time ever the diary of Ellen Rimbauer has been released to the public, giving her life story and how it was fraught with pain and loss, and how Rose Red eventually drove her insane. My only suggestion to the read would be: it’s okay to leave the light on if you want to.
Originally published in July/August 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
Originally published in July/August 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Started out interesting, but quickly grew super boring and very racist. DNF, though I'm keeping it because it was a gift to my mom from my late aunt.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes