Customer Reviews

Crawlspace

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Crawlspace is a book that my friend Chuck had been recommending to me for years as it was his favorite book of all time. I finally got around to reading this and must say I really enjoyed it. It is the story of a lonely, childless couple who befriend a young drifter only to have him move into their house, or more specifically, under the house. Over time, they come to trust Richard Atlee enough to even invite him to live with them. But, eventually, all good things must end. Crawlspace is scary at times and sad at times but one thing for sure, you won't forget young Richard Atlee any time soon. This was written in the early 70's and may be difficult to find but if you do, you'll be glad you did.

I read this book one night when I was home bored and had nothing better to do. I picked it up, started turning the pages and the images and story that unfolded have stayed with me ever since. It still sends chills down my spine when I think about the main character and how the sequence of events unfolds and takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Very good read. Very very good.

My copy of this book was published in 1971. Reading it, I felt an uncomfortable fascination, as though I were witnessing the author pandering to the white man's fascination with the "wild indian." In other words, one of the characters of the tale happened to be half Cherokee, which apparently explained the macabre little fetishes, his ability to hunt small animals and eat them raw, and his love of living in holes in his own filth. Stereotyping? I could just imagine what someone from AIM would say about it. I think if something like this were released today, there would be quite an outcry.

Apart from that it's a fun diversion and a quick read - a little guilty pleasure on a summer afternoon. An illustration in how child neglect and abandonment can affect all of us.

I might recommend it to others, but not without warning them that they might find it a little offensive. Or illuminating.

I read this book about 30 years ago and it remains one of the most memmorable. The last paragraph touched me and remains one of the most poignant "literary moments" of my life. Maybe I need to get out more, or maybe it strikes a common cord within us all.

I read this book as a teenager and remembered it as scary. On this reading, however, the book is merely inane.

The flaw with this book is that the two 'adoptees' of the psychopath living in their basement do not behave within any boundaries of normalcy whatsoever. The novel is touted as one of "growing menace and terror" but is instead one of growing ridiculousness and boredom.

It was an excellent read! I really emphasized with both the parties in this book. The elderly couple, and their heartwarming kindness, and the straggler, whose obvious lonesomeless lead me to tears. At an apex, they came together, and reached a somewhat obscure understanding.
I loved it!!!