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qalminator's review against another edition
2.0
I think I'm only giving this two stars because I've read Gemma Files' response to it (Hairwork), and that makes it interesting as a backdrop to finally make sense of that story. Without that, it would be one star (and only because negative stars are not an option).
We have the standard framing for a ghost story: traveler lost at night, stumbles across an old mansion, and seeks shelter. There he hears an incredible story (with racist over-, under-, and middle-tones), stumbles out of the shelter, and finds out the house was destroyed years ago. Pretty standard stuff, except for the tale of what happened within.
I think the real topper on this one was how much more horrific it was to these characters that the wife had African ancestry than that she was a priestess of Cthulhu et al. Rather nasty bit of work, and now I want to go read Hairwork again to cleanse my palate.
We have the standard framing for a ghost story: traveler lost at night, stumbles across an old mansion, and seeks shelter. There he hears an incredible story (with racist over-, under-, and middle-tones), stumbles out of the shelter, and finds out the house was destroyed years ago. Pretty standard stuff, except for the tale of what happened within.
I think the real topper on this one was how much more horrific it was to these characters that the wife had African ancestry than that she was a priestess of Cthulhu et al. Rather nasty bit of work, and now I want to go read Hairwork again to cleanse my palate.
kelamity_reads's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
WARNING: This story contains repeated use of the N*word and is racist as all heck!!!
Look, we all know Lovecraft is racist and there's no use trying to pretend otherwise, and it's important to call out problematic authors even if we enjoy their works. But this story was much more than his usual racist crap. Literally, the idea that a woman being of African decent is made out to be more horrific and terrifying than the fact that she is a FREAKING MONSTER!
Yeah, nah.
The atmosphere in this story is better built than most Lovecraft stories, but the ending is just too much.
No way am I going to pretend that portraying African heritage as being the most awful thing imaginable in a world where unnameable and unimaginable insanity-causing horrors exist is excusable or acceptable and anyone who enjoyed this story (even "despite the ending") needs to ask themselves why the heck they're so comfortable with such unacceptable and blatant racism. Not even the excuse that "it's a product of its time" can be used here.
I'm glad that Lovecraft never copyrighted his works because I would hate to give his estate any of my money.
Look, we all know Lovecraft is racist and there's no use trying to pretend otherwise, and it's important to call out problematic authors even if we enjoy their works. But this story was much more than his usual racist crap. Literally, the idea that a woman being of African decent is made out to be more horrific and terrifying than the fact that she is a FREAKING MONSTER!
Yeah, nah.
The atmosphere in this story is better built than most Lovecraft stories, but the ending is just too much.
No way am I going to pretend that portraying African heritage as being the most awful thing imaginable in a world where unnameable and unimaginable insanity-causing horrors exist is excusable or acceptable and anyone who enjoyed this story (even "despite the ending") needs to ask themselves why the heck they're so comfortable with such unacceptable and blatant racism. Not even the excuse that "it's a product of its time" can be used here.
I'm glad that Lovecraft never copyrighted his works because I would hate to give his estate any of my money.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
musaab's review against another edition
5.0
The story was a pleasure to read and kept me engrossed the entire time. The flow of the narration from the point of view of the old man felt like I was sitting there next to him listening to the story. Definitely well-written and worth the hour it takes to read. Gets my recommendation :)
vampfang's review against another edition
read this for a class on monsters. incredibly racist, but super interesting to analyze. as a horror fan, i'd been meaning to read lovecraft, but i don't think i will read more for obvious reasons.
famel's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful suspenseful book. The premise is tantalizing from beginning to the end. Creepiness all around the story and it’s great. The characters is also worth mentioning, they are nicely written for Lovecraft’s work.
festiveconclave's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Body horror
zoe243's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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? No
2.75
zitahk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
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