Helpful Score: 2
"Julia will make your flesh creep...is Julia Lofting's husband coldly plotting to drive her insane? Is she unbalanced by the death of her child?? Or is she truly being haunted by the ghost of an obscenely nasty little girl who happens to inhabit the Loftings fashionable London House?..........." Cosmopolitan
This book is one of my favorite reads at 255 pages. It is an hauntingly beautiful tale--and the story comes together at the end. I was never quite sure whether Julia was being haunted or driven insane, or a little of both probably.
Very good read and written by Peter Straub.
This book is one of my favorite reads at 255 pages. It is an hauntingly beautiful tale--and the story comes together at the end. I was never quite sure whether Julia was being haunted or driven insane, or a little of both probably.
Very good read and written by Peter Straub.
Helpful Score: 1
Suspenseful and Terrifying, August 18, 2000
Reviewer: "kingsransom" (Como, Italy)
The book begins with a seemingly innocent scene: Julia Lofting, an attractive American in London struggling to reclaim her independence and begin a new life away from her domineering husband, catches a glimpse of a little, blond-haired girl. What normally would be an unremarkable moment has deep meaning for Julia, as this child resembles Kate, Julia's deceased daughter. Kate's death has never ceased to haunt Julia and it is also from this memory that she wishes to flee.
Almost immediately, Julia has very strange experiences in her new home as well as with the mysterious blond child. Julia attempts to make meaning of these events and at times doubts her sanity. Her struggle to understand it made more difficult by accidentally discovering the details of a gruesome murder of the past which took place in her new home. A murder, which parallels horrifyingly close to Julia's own life. As Julia learns more, she discovers a presence of evil which is determined to destroy her.
Readers of the author's previous work will find the action in this book to be higher paced, which is suitable to the story. The plot never drags and is always interesting. The characters are strong and very real. The author has also done an excellent job of creating an eerie and, at times, surrealistic atmosphere which adds to the terror of the story.
This is by far one of the best horror novels ever published. I recommend it to anyone interested in a frightening tale.
Reviewer: "kingsransom" (Como, Italy)
The book begins with a seemingly innocent scene: Julia Lofting, an attractive American in London struggling to reclaim her independence and begin a new life away from her domineering husband, catches a glimpse of a little, blond-haired girl. What normally would be an unremarkable moment has deep meaning for Julia, as this child resembles Kate, Julia's deceased daughter. Kate's death has never ceased to haunt Julia and it is also from this memory that she wishes to flee.
Almost immediately, Julia has very strange experiences in her new home as well as with the mysterious blond child. Julia attempts to make meaning of these events and at times doubts her sanity. Her struggle to understand it made more difficult by accidentally discovering the details of a gruesome murder of the past which took place in her new home. A murder, which parallels horrifyingly close to Julia's own life. As Julia learns more, she discovers a presence of evil which is determined to destroy her.
Readers of the author's previous work will find the action in this book to be higher paced, which is suitable to the story. The plot never drags and is always interesting. The characters are strong and very real. The author has also done an excellent job of creating an eerie and, at times, surrealistic atmosphere which adds to the terror of the story.
This is by far one of the best horror novels ever published. I recommend it to anyone interested in a frightening tale.
