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Post by wireman on Jan 13, 2021 13:17:27 GMT
Today we will discuss Blue Rose by Peter Straub from the collection, Interior Darkness
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Post by wireman on Jan 13, 2021 15:24:12 GMT
That was one of the most disturbing stories I've ever read. A story of a young sociopath and none of the dreary unlikable characters around him seems to know what he is. Despite being disturbing with no likeable characters, this is an engrossing and fascinating read.
Has anyone read the Koko books?
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Post by edwardjohn on Jan 13, 2021 15:28:07 GMT
Today we will discuss Blue Rose by Peter Straub from the collection, Interior Darkness
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Post by edwardjohn on Jan 13, 2021 15:32:48 GMT
That was one of the most disturbing stories I've ever read. A story of a young sociopath and none of the dreary unlikable characters around him seems to know what he is. Despite being disturbing with no likeable characters, this is an engrossing and fascinating read.
Has anyone read the Koko books?
Yes, this novel was incredibly bleak, but also excellently written. The next story is, believe it or not, even bleaker than this. This story has numerous themes, but I think one of the most obvious is parenthood and beginnings in life. Henry has a terrible childhood/parents, not that that is an excuse for what he does, but its a question of monsters are made not born, the nature vs nurture debate. On numerous occasions the parents talk about how they are fearful of Eddie, but they don't do anything about it, its their incompetency, as well as their mistreatment of Henry, which leads to his demise. Straub's prose is excellent. I think I speak from all when I say we did not expect this from the author of The Talisman and Blackhouse. But that is a sign of a great writer, someone who can emulate many styles and stories. Excellent author. |
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Post by wireman on Jan 13, 2021 15:48:41 GMT
That was one of the most disturbing stories I've ever read. A story of a young sociopath and none of the dreary unlikable characters around him seems to know what he is. Despite being disturbing with no likeable characters, this is an engrossing and fascinating read.
Has anyone read the Koko books?
They have so many problems of their own, it's hard to notice the ones their children have.
It's the story of a young sociopath but also of the family breakdown around him that allows his demons to grow.
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Post by edwardjohn on Jan 13, 2021 15:50:17 GMT
On numerous occasions the parents talk about how they are fearful of Eddie, but they don't do anything about it, its their incompetency, as well as their mistreatment of Henry, which leads to his demise. They have so many problems of their own, it's hard to notice the ones their children have.
It's the story of a young sociopath but also of the family breakdown around him that allows his demons to grow.
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Post by wireman on Jan 13, 2021 15:55:21 GMT
They have so many problems of their own, it's hard to notice the ones their children have.
It's the story of a young sociopath but also of the family breakdown around him that allows his demons to grow.
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Post by edwardjohn on Jan 13, 2021 15:59:55 GMT
Do you notice how all the children leave for the military? As a way of getting away from his family. |
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Post by spideyman on Jan 13, 2021 17:40:13 GMT
What a start to a new year of reading........ truly disturbing, yet captivating. A study of a psychopath/sociopath/ cruel parents and siblings. The story brought about a rush of feelings. I would say Straub thought up some reprehensible characters and spun a story to remember.
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Post by cat on Jan 14, 2021 1:16:13 GMT
Wow, this was a very disturbing story!! I highlighted a passage towards the beginning, about the story taking place in what we call simpler times. It just struck me with all that is going on, has been going on and does not seem likely to get better any time soon. (Without getting into hot topics)
Harry is a little jerk. But they all were little jerks, with the exception of Eddie, and he would have grown into a jerk, too. From being mistreated by his brothers and ignored by his parents. Interesting nature vs nurture...you could argue Harry was that way due to nature, but also nurture. The kids just "were", they weren't loved or talked to, just left to exist. So I can see both arguments.
Great start to the book. I have only read The Talisman and Black House of course,, and Ghost Story by Straub alone so I am looking forward to these stories.
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Post by edwardjohn on Jan 14, 2021 1:50:50 GMT
That was one of the most disturbing stories I've ever read. A story of a young sociopath and none of the dreary unlikable characters around him seems to know what he is. Despite being disturbing with no likeable characters, this is an engrossing and fascinating read.
Has anyone read the Koko books?
Yes, this novel was incredibly bleak, but also excellently written. The next story is, believe it or not, even bleaker than this. This story has numerous themes, but I think one of the most obvious is parenthood and beginnings in life. Henry has a terrible childhood/parents, not that that is an excuse for what he does, but its a question of monsters are made not born, the nature vs nurture debate. On numerous occasions the parents talk about how they are fearful of Eddie, but they don't do anything about it, its their incompetency, as well as their mistreatment of Henry, which leads to his demise. Straub's prose is excellent. I think I speak from all when I say we did not expect this from the author of The Talisman and Blackhouse. But that is a sign of a great writer, someone who can emulate many styles and stories. Excellent author. |
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Post by edwardjohn on Jan 14, 2021 1:53:37 GMT
Wow, this was a very disturbing story!! I highlighted a passage towards the beginning, about the story taking place in what we call simpler times. It just struck me with all that is going on, has been going on and does not seem likely to get better any time soon. (Without getting into hot topics) Harry is a little jerk. But they all were little jerks, with the exception of Eddie, and he would have grown into a jerk, too. From being mistreated by his brothers and ignored by his parents. Interesting nature vs nurture...you could argue Harry was that way due to nature, but also nurture. The kids just "were", they weren't loved or talked to, just left to exist. So I can see both arguments. Great start to the book. I have only read The Talisman and Black House of course,, and Ghost Story by Straub alone so I am looking forward to these stories. |
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Post by spideyman on Jan 14, 2021 20:07:44 GMT
Any suggestions for next week's group read??
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Post by wireman on Jan 14, 2021 21:55:13 GMT
Any suggestions for next week's group read?? I think we will do a public domain story to alternate with the Straub book.
edwardjohn , do you want to pick one of the Blackwood stories you are reading?
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Post by edwardjohn on Jan 14, 2021 22:50:33 GMT
Any suggestions for next week's group read?? I think we will do a public domain story to alternate with the Straub book.
edwardjohn , do you want to pick one of the Blackwood stories you are reading?
A choice for you:
A surprisingly touching Blackwood story or a REALLY scary one? |
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Post by wireman on Jan 14, 2021 23:28:02 GMT
I think we will do a public domain story to alternate with the Straub book.
edwardjohn , do you want to pick one of the Blackwood stories you are reading?
A choice for you:
A surprisingly touching Blackwood story or a REALLY scary one? |
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Post by edwardjohn on Jan 14, 2021 23:32:46 GMT
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Post by wireman on Jan 14, 2021 23:34:42 GMT
Sounds good
Next Wednesday we will discuss The Woman's Ghost Story by Algernon Blackwood
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Post by spideyman on Jan 15, 2021 0:24:04 GMT
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Post by edwardjohn on Jan 16, 2021 17:24:53 GMT
No problem. Its actually one of my favourite short stories.
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