Customer Reviews

The Lost And The Lurking

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

 

 

Yes, I read the other review. It's true, and it's not. Manly Wade Wellman did actually live in the Appalachians, and he knew the people he was writing about. They are Christian, but not the Christians city folks are used to. These Christians actually studied and followed the teachings of Jesus, unlike 104% of modern city self professed Christians. The stories are a combination of mountain folklore, pure fantasy and Christian principles. As such, it is well worth reading. Anything by Wellman is worth reading, but most especially the Silver John series.

A longer story than usual by this author who mostly wrote short stories. Well written and classic folk horror story.

I picked up this book because of an interest in its Appalachian setting and the folk and magical beliefs of that part of the country. I was disappointed in that, because the villains here are a standard, boring Satanic cult; little in the book escapes cliche. At the same time, the usual sex and gore found in horror books are missing, which means that it isn't even entertaining on a base level. Wellman's protagonist, John, is never really challenged or in danger. He's too much of a nice guy, too flawless, and consequently boring. Also, the constant unthinking, sentimental Christian references give the book a sickly-sweet, treacly quality. Give this one a miss.