Customer Reviews

The Hollow: A Novel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In his book The Hollow, author Todd Hayes exposes the motivating factor of the human mind - FEAR. As you follow the main character, Dr Sidney Thorn in his research of the criminal mind, you begin to question your own thoughts and behaviors.

Hayes explores the horror of murder, the supernatural and man's darkest deeds. Pulled into the intriguing web of characters, and circumstances. I read well into the night - and watched the shadows in my room with growing aprehension.

As the plot develops, author Hayes delves deep into the wealth of evil and horifing icons humans have created. Dr. Thorns's reasearch has gone awry...or has the truth of human nature simply been exposed for us to view?

You'll have to decide for yourself!

Thought I'd break this up into 3 parts. Can't wait for more from Todd Hayes.

On Todd Hayes Writing Style:

The Characters are vivid. Todd's writing style uses just a few descriptive words, but those words bring the characters to life, and make them feasible. The images are real and I was able to "see" the characters and locations. This is a fresh idea using serial killers, human genetics and fear to combine into a winning story. This was a quick read for me, but one I really wanted to last.

A Short Caution:

I guess the only caution I could mention would be a couple of sexually descriptive scenes, but they are few. The novel is sort of split into 2 voices, the first being masculine, the second feminine and the third a combination of them both, at least that was my take.

On "The Hollow" :

Is there a human gene that can cause violence? Is there a relationship between violent behavior and fear? In "The Hollow" Todd Hayes has created a world filled with psychotic criminals, but as you journey along you really wonder about some of the doctors.

Dr. Sidney Thorn's research at Cook County Jail consisted of testing for metal levels in the blood stream of violent offenders he has come to the conclusion than an elevated level of manganese in the blood was consistent in over 75% of those researched. Not only does this get him a spot on the Oprah show, the prestigious MacPhearson Grant, a lab at The Crystal Institute, but also William "The Headsman" Brandy has been transferred from prison to become the center of his research study group. His old friend Gus is one of the administrators and Sidney trusts him completely. The graveyard like Dr. Tiki and his sister Helen have big plans for The Crystal Institute and waste no time in putting Brandy into a media dog and pony show.

The other residents in the violent ward are to be at Sidney's disposal for his study. But then the young and lusty Vicky shows up on the scene. Sidney's wife Audrey is suspicious because of his late hours, but it's not an affair of the heart that is keeping Sidney away. It's much more involved than that.

Where exactly is The Crystal Institute getting enough funding to survive? Who is Vicky? Is there a "Killer Gene" that can be identified and a cure to be found? These are just a few of the questions that are answered in "The Hollow".

The one that I had on my mind after reading was `What is MY fear' ?

The Hollow starts, appropriately, in the green room of the Oprah show. From there, the book grows only more bizarre. This dark and funny novel takes the reader on a thrill ride through the twisty corridors of the heart, mind and soul, with a few stops at funhouse mirror rooms along the way. Prepare for some unexpected opportunity for self-examination, as this book takes what, at the start, seem to be rather mundane fears, and turns the amperage up full blast. Although the plot deals with creepy, seamy, ugly aspects of human nature, even the basest of characters has a recognizable, and in some cases surprisingly sympathetic, humanity. It's a wild ride. I'm ready for Todd Hayes' next book.

I happened into the world of Todd Hayes by pure chance. I was at a local shopping center where Todd was signing copies of his book and a local radio station was doing a simulcast on October 31. I just happened to answer the DJ's question correctly and won an autographed copy of "The Hollow". What better way to start Halloween than with a great horror book. I couldn't put it down! I'm a big Steven King and Ann Rice fan but Todd is now at the top of the list. Todd uncovers all of our hidden fars and combines them with the legendary tale of Sleepy Hollow. I highly recommend true horror fans buy this book, lock all the doors and settle in for a great novel. Can't wait for his next book, till then I will treasure my autographed copy! Thank You Todd

First, The Hollow is a great read, very difficult to put down, even for those with a short attention span. It is well conceived, with a solid plot and good character exposition. It does read to a degree like three novellas joined together. One is about an evil institution and a high risk doctor who discovers a monumental, but terrible, truth within its confines. The second is about becoming what you fear literally and the corresponding consequences. The third is a quest story about finding and attempting to destroy a danger to the world created by your own underground organization. Horror and fantasy dance across all three, and the transitions are very well executed. One portion of the book takes a character with reader identifibility and walks him through a descent from concern into raw, open fear. This portion is brilliantly presented; the reader can see, feel, smell, even taste, the fear and the fight against panic as the character behaves more and more bizarrely based on the fear. Very well done.

This book is so different than the thousands I've read. For several nights I dreamed I was a character, watching and feeling it all. It was frightening! It got me thinking about my own fears and how to get a handle on them. QUICK! The way Mr Hayes got my imagery going was UNREAL! This would make a TERRIFIC special effects movie! Wish his next book was out already! What a mind this man has! What an ending! I want more!

I actually did not buy this book...I got it as a gift. I found it engaging and enjoyable. A quick read with some interesting characters.

A GREAT READ. IT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT THE WHOLE TIME. AND WHAT AN ENDING

My mind raced trying to figure out the ending. When I finally reached the end it floored me! What a great first effort from Todd Hayes! I can hardly wait for his next. If you like suspense, with a little spice for good measure, this book is for you. "The Hollow" will make a great Christmas gift.

If you're one of those who reads the last pages of a book to discover the ending, The Hollow will totally confuse you. You'll jump from a Psychiatric clinic outside Chicago to Washington Irving's Sleepy Hollow, and it's a thrilling journey getting there. Although I pride myself in solving mysteries and figuring out the ending in novels, there is no way I could have predicted this one. I'm delighted we have another new author out there, way to go on your first novel Todd Hayes!