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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I did not finish because of a very upsetting scene in regards to a trans woman. I think that went just a bit too far for me in the terms of the general tone and how it was described, even if it was meant to be commentary/satire
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Chuck Palahniuk's Haunted aims to be an ambitious mix of horror and satire, but instead it sinks under the weight of its own grotesque imagery. The novel follows a group of aspiring writers lured to an isolated writer's retreat, where they’re promised a place to channel their creativity. However, what unfolds is a psychological and physical descent into depravity as each character competes to create the most shocking story for fame and fortune. They ultimately sabotage themselves and each other in ways that push past shocking and straight into absurdity.
While Palahniuk is no stranger to dark themes, Haunted is absurdly gross and grim for no reason beyond shock value. The infamous short stories within—like “Guts,” featuring a stomach-churning act of self-harm—seem designed solely to push boundaries rather than add depth to the plot or characters. The lack of nuance makes the novel a tiresome read; rather than building horror or suspense, it’s a continuous assault of gory, repulsive scenes with diminishing impact.
The characters, rather than coming across as complex or intriguing, are caricatures obsessed with outdoing each other in twisted ways. Any potential for meaningful commentary on art, fame, or isolation is buried under layers of disturbing, sensationalist content. Overall, Haunted feels more like a dare than a novel, a hollow experience where shock takes precedence over storytelling.
2/5 stars
While Palahniuk is no stranger to dark themes, Haunted is absurdly gross and grim for no reason beyond shock value. The infamous short stories within—like “Guts,” featuring a stomach-churning act of self-harm—seem designed solely to push boundaries rather than add depth to the plot or characters. The lack of nuance makes the novel a tiresome read; rather than building horror or suspense, it’s a continuous assault of gory, repulsive scenes with diminishing impact.
The characters, rather than coming across as complex or intriguing, are caricatures obsessed with outdoing each other in twisted ways. Any potential for meaningful commentary on art, fame, or isolation is buried under layers of disturbing, sensationalist content. Overall, Haunted feels more like a dare than a novel, a hollow experience where shock takes precedence over storytelling.
2/5 stars
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
slow-paced
I picked up this book thinking it would be a great read for Halloween, I got through the first chapter and had to DNF. I'm an audio book reader, 3 minutes through and I already could tell the author was a misogynist and it did not get any better. Here are some quotes:
"And I have a little red rose tattooed on my butt cheek"
"Don't write dyed hair, women either lift or tint the color of their hair"
Her breasts so big they almost rest in her lap
Waving her fingers to make the ring sparkle, lady bag lady says "it's my late husband, cremated and made into a 3 carat diamond"
"Face-lift is one word"
Leaning over her own huge breasts, holding them like a child in her arms
I only give grace to 1 out of pocket comment about a woman before I'm gone, and this had so many more than I allow. From what I can tell this is pretty regular behavior from this author, so I guess my bad for not doing any research.
"Don't write dyed hair, women either lift or tint the color of their hair"
Her breasts so big they almost rest in her lap
Waving her fingers to make the ring sparkle, lady bag lady says "it's my late husband, cremated and made into a 3 carat diamond"
"Face-lift is one word"
Leaning over her own huge breasts, holding them like a child in her arms
I only give grace to 1 out of pocket comment about a woman before I'm gone, and this had so many more than I allow. From what I can tell this is pretty regular behavior from this author, so I guess my bad for not doing any research.
This is the closest a book has ever gotten to terrifying me. Since it is told in short stories, obviously there are some that hit me more than others. The stories that terrified me might not terrify someone else, but there’s enough here for everyone. Obviously check triggers. You can skip a story here and there if they are “too much” and the whole story will still make sense. This was a well written book but I did not enjoy reading it.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes