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A review by yellerreads
The Haar by David Sodergren
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
and this here is my new best book of 2025, finished in one day. incredibly amazing and spectacular in every sense of the words. i cannot begin to express my adoration but i will certainly try. something about an emotionally gripping sentimental horror novel just hits me so deeply. i absolutely adored these characters, the plot, the ending, and the storytelling. Muriel is such a lovely character and to have read about an old woman as the focus/ FMC for once has been so refreshing and new. with that comes the fact that this is absolutely one of the most unique books i’ve ever read and has undertones of monstrillio (my #1 book of 2024) which makes sense why it is my new favorite of this year.
Muriel, an old woman who is stuck in her ways, refuses to leave her cottage in a small Ireland town that has been run out by developers. her husband built that home and they lived there until his death a few years prior, in which he was involved in a shipwreck. it is all she has left of him and will not sell to a billionaire that wants to turn the coastal town into a golf course. one day, she finds a strange thing on the beach asking for help, and being the person she is, she does.
from beginning to end, this was beautifully written and executed. Avalon was so lovable in his willingness to protect her. he listened to her, learned from her, and grew with her. their story truly made me cry at the end. that ending was just phenomenal and i stared at the wall for a good few minutes just trying to get my bearings. i’m trying not to spoil too much but this is a MUST READ.
Muriel, an old woman who is stuck in her ways, refuses to leave her cottage in a small Ireland town that has been run out by developers. her husband built that home and they lived there until his death a few years prior, in which he was involved in a shipwreck. it is all she has left of him and will not sell to a billionaire that wants to turn the coastal town into a golf course. one day, she finds a strange thing on the beach asking for help, and being the person she is, she does.
from beginning to end, this was beautifully written and executed. Avalon was so lovable in his willingness to protect her. he listened to her, learned from her, and grew with her. their story truly made me cry at the end. that ending was just phenomenal and i stared at the wall for a good few minutes just trying to get my bearings. i’m trying not to spoil too much but this is a MUST READ.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Self harm, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Car accident