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A review by harryjordan42
The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This story is told in 3 parts, each a recounting of some events or discussion of documents, each building on the last. While it’s compelling and I enjoyed it, it’s laced with constant racism that falls pretty poorly in 2024.
I’m honestly a little disappointed that there was a genuine encounter with Cthulhu that people lived to tell the tale of, but it was well written and leaned into the idea that Cthulhu and how he operates doesn’t make sense to human brains. The first two parts are arguably better at building the mythos and mystery, with the third being slightly more action oriented, something I didn’t expect and didn’t enjoy as much as the more academic approach earlier on.
I listened as an audiobook narrated by Jonathan Keeble, who did an excellent job. I’m not sure I’d have enjoyed it as much if I’d read it.
I’m honestly a little disappointed that there was a genuine encounter with Cthulhu that people lived to tell the tale of, but it was well written and leaned into the idea that Cthulhu and how he operates doesn’t make sense to human brains. The first two parts are arguably better at building the mythos and mystery, with the third being slightly more action oriented, something I didn’t expect and didn’t enjoy as much as the more academic approach earlier on.
I listened as an audiobook narrated by Jonathan Keeble, who did an excellent job. I’m not sure I’d have enjoyed it as much if I’d read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism