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A review by queenginger
The Hole by Pyun Hye-young
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can see why this novel won the 2017 Shirley Jackson Award. As a devout fan of Shirley Jackson and her skill of working twisted narratives into the psychological horror realm, this novel by Pyun portrays that art in a similar way.
Everything is subtle. That’s the unnerving aspect of the story. It’s not your typical paranormal, ghostly, slasher sort of horror. Everything that makes you uneasy is slow-building and tense. The claustrophobia seeps into every corner and devours you whole by the end.
The themes of guilt, anger, grief, and loneliness are hard hitting and fit into each piece of this story’s puzzle.
Subtly is what makes psychological horror work in such a beautiful way, and I would say Pyun nailed it all perfectly.
Everything is subtle. That’s the unnerving aspect of the story. It’s not your typical paranormal, ghostly, slasher sort of horror. Everything that makes you uneasy is slow-building and tense. The claustrophobia seeps into every corner and devours you whole by the end.
The themes of guilt, anger, grief, and loneliness are hard hitting and fit into each piece of this story’s puzzle.
Subtly is what makes psychological horror work in such a beautiful way, and I would say Pyun nailed it all perfectly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Confinement, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Medical content, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment