A review by pulp_fiction_books
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

House of leaves is less a book and closer akin to a piece of art. This is essentially two stories running parallel 'The Navidson Record' which is the story described above and the story of Johnny Truant and his descent into madness as he tries to make sense of and catalogue 'The Navidson Record'. However this book is so far removed from being just "essentially" that. This book is extremely difficult to read, it is incredibly complex, filled with endless footnotes, puzzles and ciphers. The page layout is designed to disorientate and confuse you, it's less reading a book and more finding your way out of a labyrinth. it also contains multiple appendices of information and exhibits. This is no ordinary horror story, this will get under your skin and affect you. I found myself at times dealing with a genuine feeling of unease even after I had put the book down and I know I'm not the only one, if you go online you will find endless testimony of people describing their own visceral reactions and mental struggles. I will concede that I know this book will not be for everyone and I can see how some would find it boring and laborious and clocking in at over 700 pages I can see why it's so regularly DNF'd.