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A review by queenginger
The Willows by Algernon Blackwood
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
It’s been a long time since I’ve challenged my modern-day brain to a classical work of fiction. Let alone, a classic horror.
Despite the work my brain had to hurdle in order to follow the language of the story, I had a good time.
The use of the literary sublime made everything feel suffocating and immensely present. There’s nothing more terrifying than the environment taking back what belongs to it.
The slow spiral of delusion and fear felt true to the setting. I could feel myself becoming more and more confused, while at the same time completely aware of the surroundings. Evidence, I suppose, of psychological horror at work.
Following the characters slow unravel was also exciting. The main character, pompous and arrogant (in my opinion), having to grapple with the realization that not everything humanity interacts with is theirs for the taking was gratifying in its own right. The world ultimately has the upper hand and will strike whenever necessary.
I’ll never look at a willow bush the same again.
Despite the work my brain had to hurdle in order to follow the language of the story, I had a good time.
The use of the literary sublime made everything feel suffocating and immensely present. There’s nothing more terrifying than the environment taking back what belongs to it.
The slow spiral of delusion and fear felt true to the setting. I could feel myself becoming more and more confused, while at the same time completely aware of the surroundings. Evidence, I suppose, of psychological horror at work.
Following the characters slow unravel was also exciting. The main character, pompous and arrogant (in my opinion), having to grapple with the realization that not everything humanity interacts with is theirs for the taking was gratifying in its own right. The world ultimately has the upper hand and will strike whenever necessary.
I’ll never look at a willow bush the same again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Xenophobia, Suicide attempt
Minor: Racism