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A review by natalyr
The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is an incredibly difficult story to review. Lovecraft's voice is heavily bolstered by an extensive vocabulary, which is expressed to the utmost extent. Weaving together the finer twines of the narrative with his trademark, eldritch imaginative horrors. It felt like tumbling into an episode of The Twilight Zone if it were inspired by the co-mingling of Hieronymous Bosch and M. C. Escher, so vivid were the descriptive visuals.
This style of writing, complex in all its nuances and need to articulate an unquestionable level of intensity, must be slowly and thoroughly digested. I found myself revisiting paragraphs to ensure I'd gleaned every drop of understanding from the intricately crafted intimations.
There is evidence of certain prejudices that are characteristic of the time in which it was written, a time with considerably less knowledge, understanding and acceptance of all people, race and status. A time of fear, even, of people perceived as strangers. Whilst I do not share or condone these beliefs myself, I feel it is important to consider it from an educational standpoint. I wish it would be in order to show how far we have come, however, in actuality, it just highlights that the issues today are of an ancient beast. Much like the one in the story.
This style of writing, complex in all its nuances and need to articulate an unquestionable level of intensity, must be slowly and thoroughly digested. I found myself revisiting paragraphs to ensure I'd gleaned every drop of understanding from the intricately crafted intimations.
There is evidence of certain prejudices that are characteristic of the time in which it was written, a time with considerably less knowledge, understanding and acceptance of all people, race and status. A time of fear, even, of people perceived as strangers. Whilst I do not share or condone these beliefs myself, I feel it is important to consider it from an educational standpoint. I wish it would be in order to show how far we have come, however, in actuality, it just highlights that the issues today are of an ancient beast. Much like the one in the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism