The School [Mass Market Paperback]

T. M. Wright (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1996

Working together to transform an abandoned old public school into a bed-and-breakfast, Frank and Allison Hitchcock soon feel the ghosts of the hallways, including the vengeful spirit of a teacher. Reprint. K. LJ.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Wright's 11th book of horror is set in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, where middle-aged Frank and Allison Hitchcock move after the accidental death of their son Joey. They buy an old school that they plan to refurbish, but discover upon moving in that the building is haunted by strange presences--four children and a teacher who died of ostensible food poisoning. This static, improbable and nearly plotless novel consists of the Hitchcocks' flashbacks to Joey, existential conversations as the two recall their own school days, and descriptions of the school and surrounding countryside. Interspersed throughout are snippets of Allison's surreal novel "The Insiders," about people haunted by ghosts of their former selves. Mysterious happenings in the school (broken windows, vandalism, cracked foundations) and sightings of ghostly strangers (particularly by Allison when she is sexually aroused) lead to a tense but unfulfilling conclusion. Wright's ( The Place ) latest is, at least, bafflingly atmospheric.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Frank and Allison Hitchcock buy an abandoned 1950s-era school, subconsciously chosen to evoke memories of their school days and of their dead child. A tragic accident had occurred in the school, and when Frank tells one victim's mother that he, too, has lost a son, she warns "You miss him terribly . . . . But don't miss him too much. Especially there." But Frank and Allison do miss him, and soon the school's past emerges. Voices and presences come closer, until the past and present mix. Two kinds of ghosts emerge: those of the physically deceased; but also ghostly child-spirits of people who have lived to adulthood have returned, too. What might these spirit children do to the still-alive mortals in their midst? As in his previous novels, Wright convinces the reader that such surreal suppositions are natural and the results inevitable. This eerie novel maintains a mood as ominous as a low rumble of thunder. Highly recommended.
- A.M.B. Amantia, Population Crisis Committee Lib., Washington,
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812513355
• ISBN-13: 978-0812513356
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,207,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Subtle Horror at its Best!, May 14, 2000

By 

Mary Donovan-Wright (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The School (Mass Market Paperback)

TM Wright is known for subtle, quiet horror and The School shows us why. It's more a story about loss and relationships than a horror story, and that is to the good, because the Hitchcocks--our main characters--live and breathe, laugh and love and make us happy we are able to get to know them, and their grief over the death of their son.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spooky, Real, Awesome Read, October 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The School (Tor Horror) (Hardcover)

When I picked this book up I thought it was a bit wierd but once I got started on it, it was great. I have since become an avid fan of t. m. wright. I love the realness his character have. If you like his work, and havent read this one yet, your missing out on his best story.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creepy, Moving, March 31, 2002

By 

Derek Lavertu (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The School (Tor Horror) (Hardcover)

I agree with Mary. I'm a big fan of Wright and this is one of my favorites. A vivid, creepy, moving story well told. Trippy in classic T.M. Wright style.