sharon johnson

I first read this book many years ago back in the early 80's, I was about 19 or 20 and it made my hair stand on end. I re read it on a regular basis , perhaps every couple of years, it still scares the hell out of me. More than that however, it's a skillful, multi layered novel whuch can withstand many re readings, revealung something new to love each time. I love the many facets contained in it like I love a comfortable old chair. I find myself identifying with the old men of the Chower Society more and more as I get older. Their dawning sense of the horror which has been unleashed upon them and the secrets which have returned to haunt them contrasts jarringly with their comfortable lives. The writing is skillful and evocative. The scene in the Rialto with Night of the Living Dead flickering in the background, the gradual shutting down of the town, the deadening, muffling effect of heavy snow, all work together to create a creeping sense of dread, of simmering violence and horror. Many peripheral characters combine, creating a picture of small town cohesion and rivalry, each life story adding to the creeping sense of horror, of something fundamentally wrong. The stories of Stringer and the the Dedham girls. The horror of Nettie's helplessness when, paralysed by a stroke she is unable do do anything but watch the terrifying events unfolding in front of her eyes. Read this book, then read it again and again. It's never been beaten, it's horror for the connoisseur