A review by remmerich1
The Classic Horror Stories by H.P. Lovecraft
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was unsure what rating to give this. On the one hand, it was a real slog. Lovecraft's images and imagination are stellar, and the reason for his influence is clear, but there were times when the prose was so dense it was hard to keep track of what was actually happening. I've never read a book with so many half page sentences.
This collection starts with his early work and moves through to his more famous works, published towards the end of his life, and as an overview of his writings I found it very good. You feel him growing into his own style, and see how the themes run throughout and grow more prominent as you read. His personal flaws are addressed in the foreword and appendices, which I was grateful for.
I end up on four stars because I find myself thinking about the stories a lot. More than most books this has stayed with me, so rather like a hike up a mountain I end up feeling the view upon completion is worth the sore feet on the way up.
This collection starts with his early work and moves through to his more famous works, published towards the end of his life, and as an overview of his writings I found it very good. You feel him growing into his own style, and see how the themes run throughout and grow more prominent as you read. His personal flaws are addressed in the foreword and appendices, which I was grateful for.
I end up on four stars because I find myself thinking about the stories a lot. More than most books this has stayed with me, so rather like a hike up a mountain I end up feeling the view upon completion is worth the sore feet on the way up.