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A review by zaartjie87
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Haunting, Atmospheric, and Devastatingly Gothic
The Woman in Black is a masterclass in quiet horror—steeped in gothic atmosphere, melancholy, and the kind of dread that creeps in slowly and never quite lets go. Susan Hill’s prose is beautifully evocative, written in the style of classic Victorian ghost stories, and it perfectly captures the isolation and eerie stillness of the marshlands and Eel Marsh House.
Paapa Essiedu’s narration is outstanding. His voice is expressive, thoughtful, and completely immersive, adding emotional depth to a story already rich in mood and tension. The subtle background sounds—creaking floorboards, wind, distant cries—elevate the experience without distracting from it, creating a fully cinematic listening experience.
And the ending? Far more heartbreaking and horrifying than the film adaptation. Just when you think there might be peace, the final moments hit like a gut punch. I had tears in my eyes. It’s bleak, tragic, and unforgettable.
I can’t believe it took me this long to finally listen to this book—it's a gothic gem, and in many ways, far superior to the movie. A must-listen for fans of classic ghost stories and slow-burn horror with emotional weight.
The Woman in Black is a masterclass in quiet horror—steeped in gothic atmosphere, melancholy, and the kind of dread that creeps in slowly and never quite lets go. Susan Hill’s prose is beautifully evocative, written in the style of classic Victorian ghost stories, and it perfectly captures the isolation and eerie stillness of the marshlands and Eel Marsh House.
Paapa Essiedu’s narration is outstanding. His voice is expressive, thoughtful, and completely immersive, adding emotional depth to a story already rich in mood and tension. The subtle background sounds—creaking floorboards, wind, distant cries—elevate the experience without distracting from it, creating a fully cinematic listening experience.
And the ending? Far more heartbreaking and horrifying than the film adaptation. Just when you think there might be peace, the final moments hit like a gut punch. I had tears in my eyes. It’s bleak, tragic, and unforgettable.
I can’t believe it took me this long to finally listen to this book—it's a gothic gem, and in many ways, far superior to the movie. A must-listen for fans of classic ghost stories and slow-burn horror with emotional weight.