Scan barcode
A review by sashweana
The Haar by David Sodergren
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, gripping horror novel that’s hard to put down, "The Haar" by David Sodergren might be just what you’re looking for. Set in the small Scottish fishing village of Witchaven, the story centers on Muriel McAuley, a lifelong resident who faces the destruction of her beloved home by an overseas property developer. Just when all seems lost, a mysterious fog rolls in, bringing with it unforeseen horrors.
One of the book's strongest points is its pacing. From the first chapter to the last, there's hardly a moment of downtime. Every chapter pulls you in deeper, making it difficult to stop reading. Sodergren’s prose is straightforward and easy to follow, which keeps the story accessible even when the body horror elements get intense. Speaking of which, the body horror is quite vivid and may be a bit much for some readers, though I found myself becoming desensitized after a while.
On the flip side, the plot does follow a somewhat linear and predictable path. I kept expecting a twist, especially towards the end, but it never came. This predictability didn't ruin the experience for me, but it did leave me wishing for a bit more complexity in the storyline. Still, the book's predictability doesn’t overshadow its overall enjoyment; my high expectations just weren't fully met.
What stood out to me most was how the book made me feel for Muriel. Sodergren does an excellent job of highlighting the loneliness and helplessness that many older people experience, especially when they are faced with dire situations alone. This emotional depth added a layer of poignancy to the horror, making Muriel a character worth rooting for.
I’d definitely recommend "The Haar" to fans of horror, particularly those who enjoy stories featuring otherworldly creatures and aren’t squeamish about gore. If you can handle the body horror, this book offers a thrilling and emotionally resonant ride that’s well worth your time.
One of the book's strongest points is its pacing. From the first chapter to the last, there's hardly a moment of downtime. Every chapter pulls you in deeper, making it difficult to stop reading. Sodergren’s prose is straightforward and easy to follow, which keeps the story accessible even when the body horror elements get intense. Speaking of which, the body horror is quite vivid and may be a bit much for some readers, though I found myself becoming desensitized after a while.
On the flip side, the plot does follow a somewhat linear and predictable path. I kept expecting a twist, especially towards the end, but it never came. This predictability didn't ruin the experience for me, but it did leave me wishing for a bit more complexity in the storyline. Still, the book's predictability doesn’t overshadow its overall enjoyment; my high expectations just weren't fully met.
What stood out to me most was how the book made me feel for Muriel. Sodergren does an excellent job of highlighting the loneliness and helplessness that many older people experience, especially when they are faced with dire situations alone. This emotional depth added a layer of poignancy to the horror, making Muriel a character worth rooting for.
I’d definitely recommend "The Haar" to fans of horror, particularly those who enjoy stories featuring otherworldly creatures and aren’t squeamish about gore. If you can handle the body horror, this book offers a thrilling and emotionally resonant ride that’s well worth your time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror