I love it when a story is told within a story, especially when it’s raining within the current timeline of the book. It gives me a cosy feeling like being told ghost stories on a rainy night. It’s a trope I always look for and rarely find so I was thrilled when I realised it was about to happen.
I’ve just finished this and I am dying for a book / more from that world below. There is so much lore there that’s teased and I would devour a book exploring that. A great book all in all.
I am so glad that I pushed past the slow(ish) start to this book. It’s genuinely one of my favorites in a long time, his writing really captivates you and engrosses you in his world. Looking forward to his next novel
The middle third is actually still Abe narrating. He is recounting the tale the diner guy is telling him and Dan, and when he mentions it’s amazing that he remembers things so clearly, he’s saying he’s remembering things the guy never even told him. Great review!
I loved this book and how it dealt with grief. I wound up reading this, and Victor Lavalle's The Changeling back to back maybe five or six years ago and have been chasing that high since.
I just finished the audiobook, and this review is spot on. My issue with the middle part is that I kept thinking,"Dang, are these two guys really listening to an old man ramble about how a river got its name for like 5 hours?" 😂
Haha exactly! I really wish I knew why he chose to present the story that way. It's a cool part of the story just told in a way that's difficult to get invested in.
Sounds like an extra interesting story to me, especially if it mixes horror and grief. I'm writing a story largely based on those two concepts, but in a sci-fi/fantasy setting.
I loved the story, but the middle with the story of the old settlers was like eating through the dry crust of a sandwich. I only read it to find out what happened with Abe and Dan.
I know people have different tastes so I’m not trying to say you’re wrong but personally, the middle third was actually my favorite part of the book, I was a bit disappointed when we went back to Abe and I remembered that the story was really about him
The middle part was my favorite, just not the way it was written. It was written like a guy telling a story he had no part in. I think I know why Langan did that. Lovecraft's storytelling is very much from the POV of a survivor or someone who knew a survivor, but here it was written in such a way that felt off to me because generally when someone is telling you a story who wasn't there, it's shorter form, because you have less investment since that person wasn't there. I would have liked it far more if the "voice" blended into either a first person account or third person POV, which is cleaner in long form storytelling.
I just finished this book. I only read about 10 - 16 books a year and this I’ve read nothing, actually I’ve been in a slump with damn near a year since finishing my last book.so this book broke me out of a slump. I enjoyed the start of the book and really related to Abe and felt for his loss and the trauma he was experiencing. I have never read Lovecraft so I didn’t know there was that angle taking place on the supernatural side of the story. I liked the mid story as you say about the origin of the creek and Lottie’s family. I found that to almost be the most interesting. The book lost me when it cut back to Abe and Dan at the end and their trip to visit the fisherman. I thought it could have been more interesting, I would have liked to understand that world more, the fisherman more and for it to build on what we learned from Rainer and his journey. So unfortunately I thought it was rushed and not very engaging overall and then the last 15 or so pages once Abe had escaped, I was totally disinterested. I was thinking about what book I wanted to read next and was skimming the pages until the last 3 where Dan returned to face Abe and I loved the last page and Abe seeing all those people in the water puddle. Those elements of the supernatural were engrossing to me. I wished we lingered in those ideas more. Once of my favourite parts was when Lottie was forced to interact with Helen the dead list and she has the experience of hearing the absolute worst intrusive thoughts we have as humans, the worst parts of ourselves. She hears those thoughts of herself and her family. It also shows thousands of people in the water al speaking these disgusting thoughts. So ya, the trauma of Abe and Dan which lead into the origin story and this supernatural world was compelling to me but I just felt the ball was dropped in the final 1/3rd which was unfortunate. I did enjoy the book overall and it did break my slump and I’m going to read another book. Ive decided to read The Deep by Nick Cutter . I don’t know if you have read it or if you have any recent for me , I would be interested to her them. I always enjoy going on TH-cam after I read a book or watch a movie and seeing what others thought. I enjoyed your review and look forward to watching more of your stuff 👊
Thanks for your in depth review! There is a lot of great stuff about this book, I just wish that middle portion would have been told in a different way to get me more invested. I love how he brought in real character trauma and coupled it with cosmic horror. You don't see that very often. It's usually just about the horror. I haven't read that one so let me know if it's any good. Langan mostly does short stories. I have a review and read along series for his collection called The Wide Carnivorous Sky and Other Monstrous Geographies. I liked that one too. I plan to read more of him soon.
I'll have to check this one out. I read his Wide Carnivorous Sky anthology a while back and thought it was pretty good. Would you say this is similar at all to Annihilation, or not so much?
I would say this isn't like Annihilation at all. This one doesn't necessarily immerse you into an alien landscape. But it can be quiet and introspective often, as Annihilation. I'd say I like Annihilation far more, but then again, it's one of my favorite novels of all time, so I'm a bit biased. The biggest obstacle for you will be the structure, I think. I think the way he wrote the middle section of the book is a love/hate thing for most people. Very divisive. I love the story of it, just not the way it was told. That's what kills me the most: I know there's something good there.
I saw a reddit post reccomending this book started listening to the audiobook and I am currently 25% I'm and I like it so far. A slow burn into a world of terrifying water monsters
This book had a great idea, but man, it was so underused that it actually made me angry. It showed you a huge cake but only gives you a couple of delicious spoon fulls.
Haha good analogy. I waited so long to read this book, and I'm still glad I did, but I'm also surprised at how many people love it so much. It's flaws seem pretty obvious.
Ah, The Fisherman. I've long debated reading this book. I've heard such mixed things about it. Some people really seem to love it, while others appear to have real qualms with the way it's told. Glad to hear your take on it; I may give it a go eventually. :)
Yeah, it's a tough one to recommend to everyone. The structure is what kills me the most. I see a great story in there, it's just told in a way where it feels like you're reading a history book, not a novel. If you're a person who doesn't mind that kind of thing, you might like it. It's just so hard for me to get into writing like that. I can't get immersed in it.
While I thoroughly enjoyed your review, I must disagree. I feel all sections of the novel serve to drive home the themes of existential dread and human helplessness. While the first and third sections make the feelings of grief and hopelessness personal and show us what it's like for individuals to feel them (thus making it the perfect anchor for the narrative), the middle section demonstrates this grief and hopelessness on a larger scale - emphasizing that the cosmic horrors we glimpse dwarf not only individual experiences, but the entirety of human history; and this makes it entirely appropriate that it moves from the intensely personal to a more distant delivery. I think Langan draws on his experience as a short story writer, rather than being hampered by it. I would term this true literary horror, not just something that flirts with it - it's far superior to anything someone like Stephen King or Dean Koontz could write. I would give it 10/10.
Thanks for the context. I can definitely see that from the 30,000 foot view. Structurally, it definitely reinforces those ideas. I guess that decision just made it difficult for me to immerse myself in the story. That said, he's one of my favorite horror writers, and it genuinely doing things few other writers are doing, which is why I keep coming back to him. I also agree that he is far better than King or Koontz. Langan is trying to say something with his writing, or at the very least exploring more personal stories instead of relying on simple frights and gore. I just picked up his latest anthology and am looking forward to digging into it.
@@JasonFuhrman Yeah, after watching your review, I bookmarked a bibliography and am thinking I'd like to read more of his work soon. So far, The Fisherman is the only thing I've read.
@@ingvenning4993 oh really? I've also read The Wide Carnivorous Sky and enjoyed it. I have a full read along series going over every story and a review.
@@JasonFuhrman That's actually the main one I was considering next. I have to finish a few things I'm currently reading, or which are on my upcoming reading list (Thomas Ligotti stories, Octavia Butler's Patternmaster series, some books about mental illness), but I do think I'll read it within the next few months. I've got your channel bookmarked, and I'll watch those when I do. Thanks!
I've been start to listening an The Fisherman audiobook. I'm somewhere at the end of that part, where the coffee shop owner tell the story of the Dutch man, and I can't force myself to finish it. I'm a Polish, and all that " (someone) said", at the end of every dialog line it's very exhausting for me to listen. I'm not sure is that something normal in American novels with that kind of narration, or The Fisherman is an exception?
This is definitely not common and is my biggest criticism of this novel. Telling a story that way is the quickest way to ruin a reader's immersion. If he would have told it more traditionally (allowing us to visualize the story), I would have enjoyed it much more.
@@JasonFuhrman ok, thanks. That Dutchmen story should be the most interesting part of the whole novel, but I enjoyed more the modern/drama part of the book. Anyway, after listening your review, I want to give the book another chance, and definitely check the Langan's short stories. Now I'm noticed, his way of Dutchman narration, it will fit well in a movie, but in a book it's an oddly choice.
Jason - Loved this review. Just finished this book last week. First time I've read a book over a single weekend in years, and reignited my desire to read overall. I've scourged the internet for "books like The Fisherman" and I'm worried none of the suggestions I can find will scratch the itch. Any opinions/suggestions are welcome.
glad you enjoyed it! John Langan is a unique author in that he brings back classic horror with his own voice. This book is heavily inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's work, so if you haven't read any of his stuff, I'd check it out. The Shadow Over Innsmouth is a great place to start since it has a similar vibe to The Fisherman, plus it's told like a traditional story, which Lovecraft hardly ever did. Most of his stories are someone recounting their experience after the fact, in first person. I'd also recommend checking out other Langan short story collections. I read The Wide Carnivorous Sky and Other Monstrous Geographies and enjoyed it. I plan on reading more of his work soon. Another author who is similar in tone is Robert Ligotti. I've only read a couple of his short stories, but they have that "weirdness" that is present in both Langan and Lovecraft.
@@JasonFuhrman while I certainly know what the works of Lovecraft entail, I have no problem admitting I've never sat down and actually read through any portion of them. I enjoyed the "modernization" of his work so-to-speak, and can't say how thankful I am for you recommending more authors within this realm. I've got The Croning and Wide Carnivorous Sky in the cart. Currently going through The Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All. Again, thanks for replying/recommending some things. As a token of gratitude I've smashed Subscribe button. Looking forward to more videos! Cheers!
Thanks! Let me know what you think of the books. Lovecraft is all public domain too, so it's easy to read for free if you ever want to check him out. Most of his writing is pretty archaic but the subject matter really stuck with me. Langan captures his vibe nicely.
I heard about this book on a random video I watched and decided to give it go. Before this I’ve never read horror fiction or too much fiction. That said I loved this book. Something in it really resonated with me and personally the way it was written was fantastic. However having not read any horror before I can see how my perception could be skewed a little bit. Anyway loved it will probably read it again. Also if there’s any recommendations for similar novels or stories I’m all ears!
This is a great book (and author) to start. He writes mostly short stories, so if you liked his style you could pick up The Wide Carnivorous Sky and Other Monstrous Geographies. I enjoyed it over all. I have a read along series and a review on this channel if you want to get an idea of what the stories are like. I really need to get around to reading more of his work. He's one of my favorites in the genre. I don't think I've read anyone quite like him either, so it's tough to recommend something similar, although HP Lovecraft was a heavy influence on this book, although his writing can be a bit dense and hard to read.
I just finished the book. I enjoyed it for the most part. Some parts were definitely very creepy. I personally felt like the ending dragged on a little long for my liking. And I guess I didn't fully understand what Abe saw or how it played into the rest of the story as I understood it. But all in all, it was a good read. Definitely very Lovecraftian. To that respect, Ioved that the storyteller at the diner was even named Howard.😅
Haha man how did I not pick that detail up. Howard. Well, glad you liked it overall. John Langan is a writer I need to read more of. At the very least he tells me a story that doesn't feel familiar.
Totally agree with not really connecting with the story within the story. I was far more interested in Dan and Abe and I struggled through the middle, I felt it dragged on a little too long. Still enjoyed the other parts.
Bro, cool video! This is one of the best books i've ever read of this genre, very good and crazy, also dark like Lovecraft. Anyone who likes the author should pick up this one to read.
thank you! Glad you enjoyed it too. I hope Langan writes more novels like this. I know he usually sticks to short stories, which are great too if you haven't read any of his.
Yeah I've heard this book is really divisive because it tells one story, then it goes and tells another story which takes a good chunk of the story. I can see how that might break the story. I, for one, am curious to see how I will take to this novel.
Yep, divisive is the word. I'd really like to know what he was thinking taking that approach. As I mentioned in the video, he is known for narrative experimentation, structurally and with prose. I feel like this is a bit of a failed experiment, unfortunately, but it's a book I can respect for a lot of other reasons.
I totally understand the tedium comment. The story within the story would have been much more effective if told in a different way. Part of me wonders if Langan was trying to write it like Lovecraft might have, since his brand of storytelling was very expository.
i'm a little disappointed how long its taking the book to get to the point. 20-30 pages to explain how 2 widowers go fishing together. Is the whole book this padded or does it pick up?
Sorry, this book just didn’t do it for me. Maybe I am dense but I don’t understand the Lovecraft connection. The whole fantasy sequence was too extreme. I certainly don’t understand the hype surrounding this novel.
I love it when a story is told within a story, especially when it’s raining within the current timeline of the book. It gives me a cosy feeling like being told ghost stories on a rainy night. It’s a trope I always look for and rarely find so I was thrilled when I realised it was about to happen.
I agree. This book is heavy with atmosphere.
I’ve just finished this and I am dying for a book / more from that world below. There is so much lore there that’s teased and I would devour a book exploring that. A great book all in all.
I'd recommend checking out his short story collections. They aren't all Lovecraft inspired but many are to different degrees.
@@JasonFuhrman thanks for the recommendation, I’ll check it out!
what about railse by melville
I am so glad that I pushed past the slow(ish) start to this book. It’s genuinely one of my favorites in a long time, his writing really captivates you and engrosses you in his world. Looking forward to his next novel
Glad you enjoyed it! He tends to stick to short story collections, but I'd love another novel from him.
The middle third is actually still Abe narrating. He is recounting the tale the diner guy is telling him and Dan, and when he mentions it’s amazing that he remembers things so clearly, he’s saying he’s remembering things the guy never even told him. Great review!
Thanks! I guess he's recounting a recounting of a story.
And it’s this lack of reading comprehension that renders his whole review useless.
I loved this book and how it dealt with grief. I wound up reading this, and Victor Lavalle's The Changeling back to back maybe five or six years ago and have been chasing that high since.
I've heard good things about The Changeling. I'll have to check it out.
I just finished the audiobook, and this review is spot on. My issue with the middle part is that I kept thinking,"Dang, are these two guys really listening to an old man ramble about how a river got its name for like 5 hours?" 😂
Haha exactly! I really wish I knew why he chose to present the story that way. It's a cool part of the story just told in a way that's difficult to get invested in.
Yes, exactly how I felt when I read this book. Great review. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sounds like an extra interesting story to me, especially if it mixes horror and grief. I'm writing a story largely based on those two concepts, but in a sci-fi/fantasy setting.
You might like it then. I love it when stories are deeper than a plot or setting.
I loved The Wide Carnivorous novel he has. Currently reading/listening to the Fisherman.
Awesome! I enjoyed that one too. I did an entire series on it.
I loved the story, but the middle with the story of the old settlers was like eating through the dry crust of a sandwich. I only read it to find out what happened with Abe and Dan.
Yeah the middle part was rough in terms of how it was told. I loved the content though.
I know people have different tastes so I’m not trying to say you’re wrong but personally, the middle third was actually my favorite part of the book, I was a bit disappointed when we went back to Abe and I remembered that the story was really about him
The middle part was my favorite, just not the way it was written. It was written like a guy telling a story he had no part in. I think I know why Langan did that. Lovecraft's storytelling is very much from the POV of a survivor or someone who knew a survivor, but here it was written in such a way that felt off to me because generally when someone is telling you a story who wasn't there, it's shorter form, because you have less investment since that person wasn't there. I would have liked it far more if the "voice" blended into either a first person account or third person POV, which is cleaner in long form storytelling.
I just finished this book. I only read about 10 - 16 books a year and this I’ve read nothing, actually I’ve been in a slump with damn near a year since finishing my last book.so this book broke me out of a slump. I enjoyed the start of the book and really related to Abe and felt for his loss and the trauma he was experiencing. I have never read Lovecraft so I didn’t know there was that angle taking place on the supernatural side of the story. I liked the mid story as you say about the origin of the creek and Lottie’s family. I found that to almost be the most interesting. The book lost me when it cut back to Abe and Dan at the end and their trip to visit the fisherman. I thought it could have been more interesting, I would have liked to understand that world more, the fisherman more and for it to build on what we learned from Rainer and his journey. So unfortunately I thought it was rushed and not very engaging overall and then the last 15 or so pages once Abe had escaped, I was totally disinterested. I was thinking about what book I wanted to read next and was skimming the pages until the last 3 where Dan returned to face Abe and I loved the last page and Abe seeing all those people in the water puddle. Those elements of the supernatural were engrossing to me. I wished we lingered in those ideas more. Once of my favourite parts was when Lottie was forced to interact with Helen the dead list and she has the experience of hearing the absolute worst intrusive thoughts we have as humans, the worst parts of ourselves. She hears those thoughts of herself and her family. It also shows thousands of people in the water al speaking these disgusting thoughts.
So ya, the trauma of Abe and Dan which lead into the origin story and this supernatural world was compelling to me but I just felt the ball was dropped in the final 1/3rd which was unfortunate. I did enjoy the book overall and it did break my slump and I’m going to read another book. Ive decided to read The Deep by Nick Cutter . I don’t know if you have read it or if you have any recent for me , I would be interested to her them. I always enjoy going on TH-cam after I read a book or watch a movie and seeing what others thought. I enjoyed your review and look forward to watching more of your stuff 👊
Thanks for your in depth review! There is a lot of great stuff about this book, I just wish that middle portion would have been told in a different way to get me more invested. I love how he brought in real character trauma and coupled it with cosmic horror. You don't see that very often. It's usually just about the horror.
I haven't read that one so let me know if it's any good. Langan mostly does short stories. I have a review and read along series for his collection called The Wide Carnivorous Sky and Other Monstrous Geographies. I liked that one too. I plan to read more of him soon.
I'll have to check this one out. I read his Wide Carnivorous Sky anthology a while back and thought it was pretty good. Would you say this is similar at all to Annihilation, or not so much?
I would say this isn't like Annihilation at all. This one doesn't necessarily immerse you into an alien landscape. But it can be quiet and introspective often, as Annihilation. I'd say I like Annihilation far more, but then again, it's one of my favorite novels of all time, so I'm a bit biased.
The biggest obstacle for you will be the structure, I think. I think the way he wrote the middle section of the book is a love/hate thing for most people. Very divisive. I love the story of it, just not the way it was told. That's what kills me the most: I know there's something good there.
I saw a reddit post reccomending this book started listening to the audiobook and I am currently 25% I'm and I like it so far. A slow burn into a world of terrifying water monsters
Just be wary of the middle. A fantastic story within a story, just told in the wrong voice.
@JasonFuhrman I was actually thinking that, I'm at that part and was confused a bit.
@ALexi-2002 yep, I was too haha. It was harder for me to get into because of the way it was told
This book had a great idea, but man, it was so underused that it actually made me angry. It showed you a huge cake but only gives you a couple of delicious spoon fulls.
Haha good analogy. I waited so long to read this book, and I'm still glad I did, but I'm also surprised at how many people love it so much. It's flaws seem pretty obvious.
Ah, The Fisherman. I've long debated reading this book. I've heard such mixed things about it. Some people really seem to love it, while others appear to have real qualms with the way it's told. Glad to hear your take on it; I may give it a go eventually. :)
Yeah, it's a tough one to recommend to everyone. The structure is what kills me the most. I see a great story in there, it's just told in a way where it feels like you're reading a history book, not a novel. If you're a person who doesn't mind that kind of thing, you might like it. It's just so hard for me to get into writing like that. I can't get immersed in it.
@@JasonFuhrmanbro has qualms about prose what a dimwit
While I thoroughly enjoyed your review, I must disagree. I feel all sections of the novel serve to drive home the themes of existential dread and human helplessness. While the first and third sections make the feelings of grief and hopelessness personal and show us what it's like for individuals to feel them (thus making it the perfect anchor for the narrative), the middle section demonstrates this grief and hopelessness on a larger scale - emphasizing that the cosmic horrors we glimpse dwarf not only individual experiences, but the entirety of human history; and this makes it entirely appropriate that it moves from the intensely personal to a more distant delivery. I think Langan draws on his experience as a short story writer, rather than being hampered by it. I would term this true literary horror, not just something that flirts with it - it's far superior to anything someone like Stephen King or Dean Koontz could write. I would give it 10/10.
Thanks for the context. I can definitely see that from the 30,000 foot view. Structurally, it definitely reinforces those ideas. I guess that decision just made it difficult for me to immerse myself in the story. That said, he's one of my favorite horror writers, and it genuinely doing things few other writers are doing, which is why I keep coming back to him.
I also agree that he is far better than King or Koontz. Langan is trying to say something with his writing, or at the very least exploring more personal stories instead of relying on simple frights and gore. I just picked up his latest anthology and am looking forward to digging into it.
@@JasonFuhrman Yeah, after watching your review, I bookmarked a bibliography and am thinking I'd like to read more of his work soon. So far, The Fisherman is the only thing I've read.
@@ingvenning4993 oh really? I've also read The Wide Carnivorous Sky and enjoyed it. I have a full read along series going over every story and a review.
@@JasonFuhrman That's actually the main one I was considering next. I have to finish a few things I'm currently reading, or which are on my upcoming reading list (Thomas Ligotti stories, Octavia Butler's Patternmaster series, some books about mental illness), but I do think I'll read it within the next few months. I've got your channel bookmarked, and I'll watch those when I do. Thanks!
Nice! Let me know what you think when you get there. I have a Ligotti collection in the queue as well.
I've been start to listening an The Fisherman audiobook. I'm somewhere at the end of that part, where the coffee shop owner tell the story of the Dutch man, and I can't force myself to finish it. I'm a Polish, and all that " (someone) said", at the end of every dialog line it's very exhausting for me to listen. I'm not sure is that something normal in American novels with that kind of narration, or The Fisherman is an exception?
This is definitely not common and is my biggest criticism of this novel. Telling a story that way is the quickest way to ruin a reader's immersion.
If he would have told it more traditionally (allowing us to visualize the story), I would have enjoyed it much more.
@@JasonFuhrman ok, thanks. That Dutchmen story should be the most interesting part of the whole novel, but I enjoyed more the modern/drama part of the book. Anyway, after listening your review, I want to give the book another chance, and definitely check the Langan's short stories. Now I'm noticed, his way of Dutchman narration, it will fit well in a movie, but in a book it's an oddly choice.
Jason - Loved this review. Just finished this book last week. First time I've read a book over a single weekend in years, and reignited my desire to read overall.
I've scourged the internet for "books like The Fisherman" and I'm worried none of the suggestions I can find will scratch the itch.
Any opinions/suggestions are welcome.
glad you enjoyed it!
John Langan is a unique author in that he brings back classic horror with his own voice. This book is heavily inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's work, so if you haven't read any of his stuff, I'd check it out. The Shadow Over Innsmouth is a great place to start since it has a similar vibe to The Fisherman, plus it's told like a traditional story, which Lovecraft hardly ever did. Most of his stories are someone recounting their experience after the fact, in first person.
I'd also recommend checking out other Langan short story collections. I read The Wide Carnivorous Sky and Other Monstrous Geographies and enjoyed it. I plan on reading more of his work soon.
Another author who is similar in tone is Robert Ligotti. I've only read a couple of his short stories, but they have that "weirdness" that is present in both Langan and Lovecraft.
@@JasonFuhrman while I certainly know what the works of Lovecraft entail, I have no problem admitting I've never sat down and actually read through any portion of them. I enjoyed the "modernization" of his work so-to-speak, and can't say how thankful I am for you recommending more authors within this realm. I've got The Croning and Wide Carnivorous Sky in the cart. Currently going through The Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All.
Again, thanks for replying/recommending some things. As a token of gratitude I've smashed Subscribe button. Looking forward to more videos! Cheers!
Thanks! Let me know what you think of the books. Lovecraft is all public domain too, so it's easy to read for free if you ever want to check him out. Most of his writing is pretty archaic but the subject matter really stuck with me. Langan captures his vibe nicely.
I heard about this book on a random video I watched and decided to give it go. Before this I’ve never read horror fiction or too much fiction. That said I loved this book. Something in it really resonated with me and personally the way it was written was fantastic. However having not read any horror before I can see how my perception could be skewed a little bit. Anyway loved it will probably read it again.
Also if there’s any recommendations for similar novels or stories I’m all ears!
This is a great book (and author) to start. He writes mostly short stories, so if you liked his style you could pick up The Wide Carnivorous Sky and Other Monstrous Geographies. I enjoyed it over all. I have a read along series and a review on this channel if you want to get an idea of what the stories are like. I really need to get around to reading more of his work. He's one of my favorites in the genre.
I don't think I've read anyone quite like him either, so it's tough to recommend something similar, although HP Lovecraft was a heavy influence on this book, although his writing can be a bit dense and hard to read.
I just finished the book. I enjoyed it for the most part. Some parts were definitely very creepy. I personally felt like the ending dragged on a little long for my liking. And I guess I didn't fully understand what Abe saw or how it played into the rest of the story as I understood it. But all in all, it was a good read. Definitely very Lovecraftian. To that respect, Ioved that the storyteller at the diner was even named Howard.😅
Haha man how did I not pick that detail up. Howard. Well, glad you liked it overall. John Langan is a writer I need to read more of. At the very least he tells me a story that doesn't feel familiar.
Totally agree with not really connecting with the story within the story. I was far more interested in Dan and Abe and I struggled through the middle, I felt it dragged on a little too long. Still enjoyed the other parts.
Yeah overall I enjoyed it, I just think the way it was told could have been better.
Bro, cool video! This is one of the best books i've ever read of this genre, very good and crazy, also dark like Lovecraft. Anyone who likes the author should pick up this one to read.
thank you! Glad you enjoyed it too. I hope Langan writes more novels like this. I know he usually sticks to short stories, which are great too if you haven't read any of his.
Yeah I've heard this book is really divisive because it tells one story, then it goes and tells another story which takes a good chunk of the story. I can see how that might break the story. I, for one, am curious to see how I will take to this novel.
Yep, divisive is the word. I'd really like to know what he was thinking taking that approach. As I mentioned in the video, he is known for narrative experimentation, structurally and with prose. I feel like this is a bit of a failed experiment, unfortunately, but it's a book I can respect for a lot of other reasons.
@@JasonFuhrman I know you've read some of Langan's books. Where should I start first?
@@someokiedude9549 I've only read one collection: The Wide Carnivorous Sky and Other Monstrous Geographies.
I think Ill check this author out! interesting review, I like the Lovecraft angle/comparison.
thanks! I had a lot of issues with it, but there's a lot of great things too. It does take time to get into, though.
I really wanted to love this book. So much so that I read it twice. I just couldn't get into it. I found it tedious and dull.
I totally understand the tedium comment. The story within the story would have been much more effective if told in a different way. Part of me wonders if Langan was trying to write it like Lovecraft might have, since his brand of storytelling was very expository.
i'm a little disappointed how long its taking the book to get to the point. 20-30 pages to explain how 2 widowers go fishing together. Is the whole book this padded or does it pick up?
It does pick up, but as I mention in the review, the heart of the book is told in an odd way.
Sorry, this book just didn’t do it for me. Maybe I am dense but I don’t understand the Lovecraft connection. The whole fantasy sequence was too extreme. I certainly don’t understand the hype surrounding this novel.
I like it overall though it definitely has its shortcomings. Have you read Lovecraft before?