I kept reading this story as an allegory...or wanting it to be an allegory. If so, an allegory for what? Propping up the status quo? The drag of tradition? What we inherit from our parents? People whose work is more important than their relationships? A deaf God? Martyrdom? Having just finished the book in one sitting, I don't think it's much of an allegory at all. Just a creepy, well-written psychological horror story that deserves four stars for making me believe it was something even more the whole way through. The latest offerings from Stephen King certainly don't inspire this much grasping at big questions. Then again, it's unfair to compare every book with a creepy storyline to poor Stephen King. Who made him the guy who has to pull all the weeds?Update: three stars sounds about right. Overall, this feels like a story from Weird Tales. From 1938. Aside from a few instances of modern background setting/props, the atmosphere of this small town horror tale, the interactions of its characters, and the contest of "the horrible unknown universe vs. humans/civilization" that lurks behind each page all feel like something dated.It may be an homage to older horror tales, which I can get behind, but the tired tropes that are the first thing you read on page one... they bored me terribly. I think every time a woman & man interact man in this book, it's either "shrewish" or matronly. And there aren't even that many characters.That said, the author does a fairly good job of keeping the reader guessing until the end if the protagonist is insane or not. But because it comes at the very end, the reveal feels rushed and sudden. Rather like an episode of some horror TV show, as many have mentioned.
What do You think about Caretaker Of Lorne Field (2010)?
This book kept me guessing until the very end, and I quite liked the characters.
—andreab
An okay read, I was hoping for something much more as I neared the end!
—alexdbi
Would have made a good short story or twilight zone script.
—vestby2202
I think NPR wasn't quite up to par on this one.
—nicoe
