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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Stories I liked most:
- The Call of Cthulhu (4 stars)
- Celephaïs (5 stars)
- The Outsider (5 stars)
- The Rats in the Walls (4 stars)
- The Shadow Over Innsmouth (4 stars)
- The Color out of Space (3.5 stars)
- The Haunter of the Dark (3.5 stars)
- The Call of Cthulhu (4 stars)
- Celephaïs (5 stars)
- The Outsider (5 stars)
- The Rats in the Walls (4 stars)
- The Shadow Over Innsmouth (4 stars)
- The Color out of Space (3.5 stars)
- The Haunter of the Dark (3.5 stars)
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
H.P. Lovecraft's 'The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories' invites readers into a world where terror and storytelling converge in an enthralling symphony. What truly fascinated me was Lovecraft's narrative approach—a hauntingly beautiful tale told through the echoes of a diary's ink-stained pages.
Lovecraft's ingenious storytelling unfolds as if the ink itself whispers the horrors that have come to pass, entangling the reader in a web of dread and suspense. Through the lens of diarists recounting their harrowing experiences, the narrative paints a picture of fear, even when the character's fate is sealed—a testament to Lovecraft's mastery in evoking raw emotions.
The allure lies in Lovecraft's deft penmanship, crafting an immersive world where the known outcome only deepens the reader's trepidation. The whimsical, almost fable-like tone invites us into a chilling embrace, where the veil between reality and the unknown thins to reveal unfathomable horrors.
This collection stands as a testament to Lovecraft's unparalleled ability to blend the arcane with storytelling finesse, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of the horror genre. A chilling expedition into the depths of the human psyche, echoing long after the final pages turn.
Lovecraft's ingenious storytelling unfolds as if the ink itself whispers the horrors that have come to pass, entangling the reader in a web of dread and suspense. Through the lens of diarists recounting their harrowing experiences, the narrative paints a picture of fear, even when the character's fate is sealed—a testament to Lovecraft's mastery in evoking raw emotions.
The allure lies in Lovecraft's deft penmanship, crafting an immersive world where the known outcome only deepens the reader's trepidation. The whimsical, almost fable-like tone invites us into a chilling embrace, where the veil between reality and the unknown thins to reveal unfathomable horrors.
This collection stands as a testament to Lovecraft's unparalleled ability to blend the arcane with storytelling finesse, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of the horror genre. A chilling expedition into the depths of the human psyche, echoing long after the final pages turn.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism
Moderate: Xenophobia
H.P. Lovecraft horror stories are like candy. They're cheaper and arguably as effective as therapy. They're the type of thing you'd want to read if you were having a rough day in a time before you could just go on YouTube and watch cat videos to get over it. My absolute favourite in this collection was "Herbert West -- Reanimator". though I also liked "The Whisperer in Darkness". I enjoyed how Lovecraft uses unreliable narrators in a way that makes you question the incredible stories being told while at the same time wanting to believe them.
I would recommend though that readers take a look at some of the discussion around Lovecraft's racis. It raised for me and I felt I had to do some follow-up learning after I finished the book. I particularly recommend Nicole Cushing's response to the defense that Lovecraft's racism(as exemplified in the way he characterizes several heathen groups as "negroid" or coming out of the "South Sea Islanders", as well as the depiction of the black boxer in "Herbert West -- Reanimator" and the mention of his cat's name, Nigger-man, in "The Rats in the Walls") can be overlooked or explained away by saying Lovecraft was a "man of his time": http://nicolecushing.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/lovecraft-racism-the-man-of-his-time-defense/
While I don't think this means people shouldn't read his stuff, I would like to see it generally presented with more critical, historical context in introductions as well as when the stories are taught in schools.
I would recommend though that readers take a look at some of the discussion around Lovecraft's racis. It raised for me and I felt I had to do some follow-up learning after I finished the book. I particularly recommend Nicole Cushing's response to the defense that Lovecraft's racism(as exemplified in the way he characterizes several heathen groups as "negroid" or coming out of the "South Sea Islanders", as well as the depiction of the black boxer in "Herbert West -- Reanimator" and the mention of his cat's name, Nigger-man, in "The Rats in the Walls") can be overlooked or explained away by saying Lovecraft was a "man of his time": http://nicolecushing.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/lovecraft-racism-the-man-of-his-time-defense/
While I don't think this means people shouldn't read his stuff, I would like to see it generally presented with more critical, historical context in introductions as well as when the stories are taught in schools.
I just really didn't love this. Honestly, I was a bit bored. I am not sure if it was the text of the stories, or if perhaps the narration just made me want to tune it out. I had planned to write a more useful review, but honestly can't find the energy to devote more time to it.