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A review by thefancifulreader
The Splendor of Fear by Ambrose Ibsen
4.0
It was in the Spring of 1880, after nearly a century of growth and success, that Newsom's Landing was rocked by a series of strange and horrific events. Within four years, the once-promising town would be completely abandoned and given over to the wilderness.
Penny and Jason have decided to spend the long weekend camping, but they couldn't have chosen a worst weekend. It's the anniversary of Ellie Pomeroy's death, a woman who, centuries prior, was killed for being a witch in the very forest the couple have pitched their tent in. What follows is a horrifying experience that proves the locals aren't just superstitious for staying well away on this weekend. They are also right.
The setting of this novel was spectacular, a particular strength of Ibsen's. The forest was suitably atmospheric, with an eerie isolation and confusing layout. Within the forest there are other, smaller locations to be explored that perfectly evoke just how scared and vulnerable Penny feels.
The haunting and how it plays out were fascinating and what we learn of the past is creepy and perfectly sets up the events of the present. I would love to say more about Ellie, but I would hate to spoil anything.
Ibsen masterfully employs one of my favourite psychological horror tropes- hallucinations. How much of what is happening is actually happening? Is there truly a way to escape, or are you trapped forever? Brilliant.
Alas, the weakest aspect of this novel for me were the characters. Both Penny and Jason were capable of absolute selfishness and stupidity. However, they did eventually grow on me like moss, slowly and organically, and demonstrated that they truly cared for each other.
Overall, this was another engaging story from Ibsen, as much about the living as the dead, with a slightly ambiguous ending. If you enjoy ghost stories, check this out!
Penny and Jason have decided to spend the long weekend camping, but they couldn't have chosen a worst weekend. It's the anniversary of Ellie Pomeroy's death, a woman who, centuries prior, was killed for being a witch in the very forest the couple have pitched their tent in. What follows is a horrifying experience that proves the locals aren't just superstitious for staying well away on this weekend. They are also right.
The setting of this novel was spectacular, a particular strength of Ibsen's. The forest was suitably atmospheric, with an eerie isolation and confusing layout. Within the forest there are other, smaller locations to be explored that perfectly evoke just how scared and vulnerable Penny feels.
The haunting and how it plays out were fascinating and what we learn of the past is creepy and perfectly sets up the events of the present. I would love to say more about Ellie, but I would hate to spoil anything.
Ibsen masterfully employs one of my favourite psychological horror tropes- hallucinations. How much of what is happening is actually happening? Is there truly a way to escape, or are you trapped forever? Brilliant.
Alas, the weakest aspect of this novel for me were the characters. Both Penny and Jason were capable of absolute selfishness and stupidity. However, they did eventually grow on me like moss, slowly and organically, and demonstrated that they truly cared for each other.
Overall, this was another engaging story from Ibsen, as much about the living as the dead, with a slightly ambiguous ending. If you enjoy ghost stories, check this out!