Helpful Score: 5
3.0 out of 5 stars We all might have demons that drive us...,
First, let me say that I have read all of Chris Bohjalian's previous novels and some I have liked more than others. I should have known when someone compared this to The Double Bind (Vintage Contemporaries) that it would be one of those that I liked less.
This was a good story IF you like paranormal (ghosts) and books that tend toward the horror side of the spectrum. I don't tend to like that type of fiction, but I did want to give this novel a chance.
What I liked: the details about the pilot, Chip Linton, suffering PTSD in the aftermath of his plane crash and its relevance to current events and present day airline activity. Reading about Chip's attempts to come to terms with the tragedy was interesting to me. I also liked the details about the plants and tinctures which I assume that the author researched thoroughly.
What I did not like: the fact that the mother seemed clueless and naive, and I could never generate any empathy for her. The twins seemed like stereotypes and the "bad guys" were so obvious that I couldn't believe they weren't all run out of town! The foreboding and ominous feeling that I hope to get from the narrative when reading a thriller was lacking, and events were predictable. I also didn't care for the second person voice of Chip throughout the book.
Ultimately, I liked The Night Strangers: A Novel well enough, but it won't be one I'll urge others to read as I have with his past books. It might just be me -- I'm not a paranormal, supernatural, ghost and haunted house person. I don't care to read about covens and witchcraft, spells or potions used for harm. When I read the book was a "ghost story", I was just expecting something a little different.
If you want to check out other Bohjalian books, I urge you to consider the titles I liked better: Midwives (Oprah's Book Club), Skeletons at the Feast: A Novel, Trans-Sister Radio or even Secrets of Eden: A Novel.
First, let me say that I have read all of Chris Bohjalian's previous novels and some I have liked more than others. I should have known when someone compared this to The Double Bind (Vintage Contemporaries) that it would be one of those that I liked less.
This was a good story IF you like paranormal (ghosts) and books that tend toward the horror side of the spectrum. I don't tend to like that type of fiction, but I did want to give this novel a chance.
What I liked: the details about the pilot, Chip Linton, suffering PTSD in the aftermath of his plane crash and its relevance to current events and present day airline activity. Reading about Chip's attempts to come to terms with the tragedy was interesting to me. I also liked the details about the plants and tinctures which I assume that the author researched thoroughly.
What I did not like: the fact that the mother seemed clueless and naive, and I could never generate any empathy for her. The twins seemed like stereotypes and the "bad guys" were so obvious that I couldn't believe they weren't all run out of town! The foreboding and ominous feeling that I hope to get from the narrative when reading a thriller was lacking, and events were predictable. I also didn't care for the second person voice of Chip throughout the book.
Ultimately, I liked The Night Strangers: A Novel well enough, but it won't be one I'll urge others to read as I have with his past books. It might just be me -- I'm not a paranormal, supernatural, ghost and haunted house person. I don't care to read about covens and witchcraft, spells or potions used for harm. When I read the book was a "ghost story", I was just expecting something a little different.
If you want to check out other Bohjalian books, I urge you to consider the titles I liked better: Midwives (Oprah's Book Club), Skeletons at the Feast: A Novel, Trans-Sister Radio or even Secrets of Eden: A Novel.
Helpful Score: 4
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/night-strangers.html
The Night Strangers is the story of the Linton family - Chip, Emily, and their twin daughters, Hallie and Garnet. Chip is an airline pilot whose life changed when the plane he is flying crashes, killing 39 people. To rebuild their lives, the family moves from Pennsylvania to a small town in New Hampshire. They buy a house with a past, not the least of which is the door in the basement with 39 bolts. The book deals with recovering from the trauma of the crash and the strange happenings they find in their new home town - from the "herbalists" to the history of the house to the other townspeople with a fear of the herbalists.
The book is part ghost story, part psychological thriller, party mystery, and part family story. Both Chris Bohjalian books I have read were very unpredictable. The endings made me want to re-read the books to see if I saw it coming. This book does have hints throughout as to what is coming and the reason behind the actions of certain characters. Or perhaps, these signs are more visible now that the ending is clear. I won't say more for fear of a spoiler.
Two-fold reaction to this book. The resolution of the story was not one I expected and not one that made me happy. For that reason, the book was unsatisfying. The story did keep me completely engrossed, waiting to see what happened. I left tasks undone and stayed up late to finish it. Certainly, the signs of a satisfying reading experience.
The Night Strangers is the story of the Linton family - Chip, Emily, and their twin daughters, Hallie and Garnet. Chip is an airline pilot whose life changed when the plane he is flying crashes, killing 39 people. To rebuild their lives, the family moves from Pennsylvania to a small town in New Hampshire. They buy a house with a past, not the least of which is the door in the basement with 39 bolts. The book deals with recovering from the trauma of the crash and the strange happenings they find in their new home town - from the "herbalists" to the history of the house to the other townspeople with a fear of the herbalists.
The book is part ghost story, part psychological thriller, party mystery, and part family story. Both Chris Bohjalian books I have read were very unpredictable. The endings made me want to re-read the books to see if I saw it coming. This book does have hints throughout as to what is coming and the reason behind the actions of certain characters. Or perhaps, these signs are more visible now that the ending is clear. I won't say more for fear of a spoiler.
Two-fold reaction to this book. The resolution of the story was not one I expected and not one that made me happy. For that reason, the book was unsatisfying. The story did keep me completely engrossed, waiting to see what happened. I left tasks undone and stayed up late to finish it. Certainly, the signs of a satisfying reading experience.
Helpful Score: 2
I found most of the book fairly interesting. It was a fun and suspenseful concept. I however found myself skipping over large portions that were "Chips's" view of the situation. I would say a good 70% of this view was remembering things about the plane and flying. Now, I totally agree some of it was needed. Most of it was not. It was boring and a few times I almost stopped reading the book because of it, but opted instead to skip the portions that were "reminiscing." Also, the beginning starts a little slow in my opinion, but I am glad that I stuck with it. It ended up being a decent read.
Helpful Score: 2
Not my favorite Chris Bohjalian book. Although the story moves along and keeps you reading, it was farfetched in my opinion and the characters were not well drawn in the sense that you weren't rooting for them.
Helpful Score: 1
Was not my FAVORITE of Bohjalian's books but good enough to hold my interest to the end....so I gave it a "3" rating.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first Bohjalian book I've read and is not the genre I usually enjoy, so I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it. Reminiscent of Rosemary's Baby, The Stepford Wives and Amittyville Horror, the only thing I wasn't crazy about was the ending.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book I have read of this author. His other books came highly praised,but this book was his first try with a ghost story. It moved very slowly and the chapter-jumps from different perspectives were annoying. The chapters from the mentally damaged father's perspective nearly ruined the book. Every time I would turn to his chapters of "crazy voices in my head" I was about driven to toss the book. But the story of the twins kept me hoping the story would improve. The Ending was a flop.
I enjoy Bohjalian books as they're usually different, and this was VERY different! Altho intriguing, and an easy one-day read, I was disappointed by the ending. Don't want to spoil it for other readers, but think I would have enjoyed a more 'in your face, we're not putting up with this' ending. It's not on par with Double Bind in terms of being a thriller. And certainly not written with the flourish and prose of Sandcastle Girls. But a good ghost story.
Honestly, I found this book a bit disappointing. I'm a big fan of Chris Bohjalian, but this was not my favorite. It was interesting but not "edge of my seat scary" like the reviews promised! Still definitely worth a read though.
I can't say I loved this book, and frankly it was not up to par with The Double Blind which is one of my all time favorite books, but it was an OK "ghost" story. For me the creepier, scarier parts of the story line centered more on the descriptions of the house, Chip's descent into PTSD, and the herbalists.
Creepy...veeeery creepy! Loved it!
Bohjalian never disappoints. His books are thought provoking and hard to put down. I have enjoyed everything I've read of his...Midwives, Trans Sister Radio and several others. Try him, you won't be sorry.
This is not my favorite Bohjalian novel. It has had mixed reviews and I understand why. The beginning was quite captivating. The family moves to New Hampshire in an attempt to start over after the plane accident. The house they buy is haunted and some local witches won't leave them alone. Then it moves into a classic horror story. I guess this is just not my genre. But for those folks who like to read psychological thrillers, it was a gripping.
Interesting ghost story about a pilot haunted after a crash. Didn't find local witchcraft angle too logical/believable.
Started out really good-dragged a bit in the middle. The ending, while a bit of a surprise, dragged on some.....
OH,Yes,Chris does it again! I really enjoyed reading this book,I was not disappointed at all.
This is the first Chris Bohjalian book I read and I really enjoyed it, however, I hated the surprise ending, and it sort of ruined it for me.
