12
Oct182010
All Hallows Eve – BOOK REVIEW: ‘The Woman in Black’ by Susan Hill
by Carolyn • Posted in 5 Star Reviews, Authors E-H, Book Reviews, Ghost, Horror, Reviews by Carolyn, Susan Hill
Title: The Woman in Black: A Ghost Story
Author: Susan Hill
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 1984 (first published 1983)
Paperback: 139 pages
Genre: Horror, Ghost
Source: Bought
Reviewed by: Carolyn
RATING: 10/10
BOOK COVER SUMMARY:
Summoned to attend Mrs Drablow’s funeral in Crythin Gifford, Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor, journeys serenely to her tall, lonely house situated on the bleached salt marsh beyond None Lives Causeway.
He did not suspect that Eel Marsh House guarded the memories of a pitiful secret, nor did he understand – until it was too late – that the mysterious black-robed woman who inhabited its shuttered rooms exacted a terrible revenge.
REVIEW:
I first read ‘The Woman in Black‘ back in 1990 – I loved it then and I still love it now. I re-read it especially for my ‘All Hallows Eve’ event and I’m so pleased I revisited this amazing book.
The eeriness of the story is combined with delicious descriptive prose. This is what I love about Hills’ writing. She’s able to describe the world surrounding her characters with such detail I could actually be there, smelling the morning dew, feeling the biting wind on my skin, sensing the fear that grips Arthur Kipps that fateful day…
Her writing mesmerises me and I cannot bare to put her books down, and I’ve read many, all with their own uniqueness, but none, for me, come close to the darkly atmospheric ‘The Woman in Black‘.
The reader is pulled into the story with teasing snippets as we learn about Kipps’ ghostly past. We first meet him in old age as he sits around a roaring fire on Christmas Eve with his beloved family. But the experiences of his past still haunt him so he decides to exorcise them by writing about them in detail and this is where we, the reader, learn what those experiences were which have caused him so much anxiety and many sleepless nights.
Kipps takes us back to when he was a young junior solicitor working his way up the ladder, when one day his boss gives him the responsibility of attending the funeral of a client. Little did Kipps know that this assignment would change his life forever. He takes the trip to Crythin Gifford, a small place in the country, sparten and desolate surrounded by marches and cold November fog.
The village folk greet him well until they hear he has arrived for Mrs Drablow’s funeral and tend to her estate and he’s baffled by their reaction. But after one night in Eel Marsh House, Kipps begins to understand as he’s scared beyond all imagination. Although I knew how it ended, as this is my second reading, it’s still shocking and sad.
VERDICT:
This is one of my favourite books – it’s a brilliant old-fashioned ghost story packed with bone-chilling suspense. Everything is written in wonderful detail and you’re pulled into the story from the very first page. A fabulous read – I can’t recommend it enough!
You can find out more about the author here:
12 Comments
This is such a good book, so spooky! They're making a film with Daniel Radcliffe playing Arthur Kipps so that should be interesting.
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The Woman in Black is super spooky!
I didn't know they were remaking the movie. Have you seen the original? It's low budget and super scary! I first saw it as a teen and I had nightmares for ages afterwards!
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This does sounds very spooky! I haven't seen the film or read the book, but the stage show is fantastically chilling
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A perfect Halloween read.
xx,
E.J.
From the Shadows
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I love authors who can write like that. I might just check this out, thanks
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I haven't read the book but I agree with Laura – I've seen the stage show twice and both times I left with chills. One of the best shows I've ever seen, so would like to try the book. It's been on my wishlist for a while but I haven't got my hands ona copy for a while.
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have to get this! I'm interested in seeing the movie with Daniel Radcliffe
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Thanks for the recommendation. I love Ghost Stories… in my mind there can never be enough!!!
-Brandy
brandyzbooks@yahoo.com
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Dot – I know, I'm looking forward to the film, but I'm always so apprehensive when there's a film of one of my favourite books, I'm always worried they will change everything…we will have to wait and see
Leanna – It is spooky. I did see something a while back, maybe the original?
Laura – If you liked the play I would definitely recommend reading the book. I'm sure you would like it and it's only a short book so would only take a day to read
E. J. – It really is – have you read it?
Nikki-ann – I would definitely check this book out – it's very Victorian England too and it just has superb atmosphere, I just love it!
Mel – I hope to see the show this December – I've wanted to see it since it started but just haven't got around to it for some reason – sounds amazing
Kai (FSOM) – I'm interested in the movie too – I just hope they don't change too much. Yes, definitely get this I'm sure you will find it super creepy
Brandlwyne – I love ghost stories too and for me this is one of the best!
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This is definitely the creepiest ghost story I have read. I loved your review. So tense, and the writing style – it reads like a classic.
Love it.
Lynn
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Lynn – I'm glad you liked my review – it's one of the creepiest stories I've ever read too
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Just added the book to my read pile at goodreads. I'm still debating with myself whether to watch the movie or read the book first.
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