A review by catly
The Possession of Mr Cave by Matt Haig

3.0

Working my way through Matt Haig's novels, I wanted to read this book although it doesn't come with great ratings. I think this is because it is a story filled with relentless darkness. There is no relief, no humor. The narrator is unreliable; we can't be sure what is really happening. The narrative is a jumble of disordered imagery, disconnected memories, paranoia, suspicion, rage, and fear. In terms of the writing itself, it reminds me of Edgar Allan Poe: brooding, pounding, aching, grim. Which is to say the craftsmanship is good, but the effect is a big bummer. I don't usually choose to read horror, although I found this to be compelling. I appreciate the way Haig captures the pain of trauma although I did not enjoy the experience. Cover to cover, I read it in about three days.