Finally, the choices for RIP III reading are made! I debated this one many times over, and read some of the marvelous pools that other participants were posting over at Stainless Steel Droppings. Should I go modern or Victorian, mystery or horror, new author or familiar friend?
I've decided to stick with my leanings toward the Gothic genre and toward literary discoveries that span the centuries.
1. M.R. James, Casting the Runes and other Ghost Stories. This author is considered a master of the ghostly Gothic tale, and I've never read him. So cheers to things that traditionally go bump in the night!
2. Davis Grubb, The Night of the Hunter. First published in 1932, this novel is best-known for being adapted into a creepy Noir film starring Robert Mitchum. It's about a psychopath preacher who stalks two orphaned children. Quintessential American Gothic. Let's see if this thriller is worth reviving.
3. Kingsley Amis, The Green Man. The idea of this book intrigues me: an English country pub run by an alcoholic philanderer is haunted by a Faustian ghost. Plus, I've never read Kingsley Amis. Plus, this book is apparently out of print. This is still in the supernatural realm, a la the M.R. James, book, but I'm skating on the fact that this is a contemporary novel versus a Victorian selection of short stories to amend the categorization that Peril the II requires. I hope Carl V. approves.
Happy reading everyone.
13 comments:
I always enjoy reading people's reviews from this challenge. I'll be interested to know what you make of the Kingsley Amis!
I'm a little curious to find Kingsley Amis on this reading list actually. Tell us how it goes.
Good choices-I plan on reading some MR James short stories as well. I had no idea that's what the Amis book was about--it sounds good. Glad you're joining in and hope you'll post about your books!
I've never heard of these stories but they sound very good. Enjoy your books and it's great to see you joining in the challenge!
Dennis might read that last book. Thanks for posting about it.
The Night of the Hunter sounds frightening! Great list.
What a great list, LK. Every year I swear I am going to participate but then I never do so this year I am trying to do so sort of below the radar and see what happens...
Very interesting selections you've made! I think I might have to nab one of yours to add to my list, specifically M.R. James' "Casting the Runes and other Ghost Stories". That one looks so fascinating.
I only recently made my selections as well, or rather, I listed some potential books I might be reading. I expect I'll be reading many more.
Best of luck in the challenge and happy reading!
Quite a few people seem to be using this challenge to discover M R James. Good thing!
I'm running a little late on this challenge. Where the h...eck is my list?
Glad your back in action, LitKit. Now I'm playing RIP III -- glad I popped into your blog and read up on it.
http://lisaalber.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/rip-iii-spooky-reading/
LK-
Drop me a line at Peter AT Flashlightworthy DOT com?
I want to ask you a question but don't see a way to reach you anywhere on your blog. :-/
-Peter
hey, have been missing you for a while! If you get a chance drop a line to everythinginbetween77 AT yahoo. Your blog, your presence - greatly missed! Hope you are having a nice long weekend.
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