meowstina
Written on Oct 5, 2014
I’m not familiar with the Poe story that is the inspiration for this novel, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment or involvement of this new retelling. Madeline’s first person perspective successfully portrays an eerie and haunted story that is full of both paranormal and personal fears.
The chapters alternate between Madeline’s perspective at various ages, telling the story of the potentially alive Usher house and the curse it bestows on its residents. Madeline reveals all she has found out about the house, her family, and past residents, and when she reaches adolescence she yearns to find a way out. The house won’t let her go so easily, though.
The pacing of the story is what really kept me hooked. Most of the chapters are very short, flitting between past and present, but always revealing new insight into the Usher house and its curse. It’s both creepy and intriguing, and always left me wanting to read more. There’s not a lot of suspense, it’s more curiosity that keeps the pages turning. There are a few problems with how conclusions are reached and a few minor mysteries left unsolved, but overall I enjoyed reading this book. It’s a dark and interesting read.