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Suffer the Children

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 12,073 ratings · 145 reviews

One hundred years ago in Port Arbello a pretty little girl began to scream. And struggle. And die. No one heard. No one saw. Just one man whose guilty heart burst in pain as he dashed himself to death in the sea. Now something peculiar is happening in Port Arbello. The children are disappearing, one by one. An evil history is repeating itself. And one strange, terrified ch...more

Paperback, 378 pages

Published July 1st 1989 by Dell (first published 1977)

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Feb 19, 2012 Tammy Walton Grant rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: freaked-me-out-as-a-kid, 2012-february, horror-bad, horror-old, calibre, kindle-or-ebook

“I recognize terror as the finest emotion and so I will try to terrorize the reader. But if I find that I cannot terrify, I will try to horrify, and if I find that I cannot horrify, I'll go for the gross-out. I'm not proud.”
Stephen King, Danse Macabre

DON'T READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK -- I WILL COMPLETELY WRECK IT FOR YOU WITH SPOILERS. SORRY, I CAN'T HELP MYSELF.

I read a couple of John Saul books when I was around 12. I don't remember much about them other than the undertone o...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Laurel rated it 4 of 5 stars

After hearing so much about this particular novel, I chanced upon it at the local used bookstore. I finished it in two days. This is the first Saul novel I've read, and I have to say that I enjoyed it. The writing was fast-paced, the characters were tolerable, even though Elizabeth annoyed me in whatever characterization she appeared. Normally I am able to read through most disturbing scenes in novels. I'm somehow built up a tolerance to them. But whether it was because of the inclusion of child...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Felts rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

2 1/2 STARS
Back in the late 80's and early 90's I discovered John Saul's books. Unfortunately, I read all of the ones I could get my hands on one right after the other and now I don't remember which ones I read and which ones I didn't (I do know that I stopped reading his stuff after he and his publishers released "The Blackstone Chronicles" series which was published as 6 novelettes; an obvious attempt to copy the successful "Green Mile" series of Stephen King). Therefore, I have decided to sta...more

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Jan 22, 2011 Elizabeth Nesbit-comer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 10, 2012 Dani rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Horror fans. Intense Uncomfortable Situation Fans.

Few books have struck me with such ferocious intensity as Suffer the Children by John Saul. A lot of horror books tempt you with their promises of monsters so horrible they could not possibly exist in the real world. What are truly horrifying are the monsters that do exist here in our everyday lives. They may even exist inside of us.

This is the tale of a haunting. While some may have taken this book as a ghost story, I instead saw a story about generational violence and the inherited shame of in...more

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Aug 30, 2011 Brian rated it 3 of 5 stars

* According to Wikipedia, this first novel was the result of Dell Publishing asking Saul if he was interested in writing a psychological thriller. Perhaps that framework accounts for the book's disturbing themes and its more gruesome scenes. Not that Saul does much more than scratch the surface, but when the surface is child molestation and serial murder, it's possible to get away with that (in a horror novel).

* Saul gets away with quite a bit, really: characters that flip-flop so often it's a w...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Angela rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: No one

Shelves: fiction, john-saul, 2012

Obviously this was not one of the John Saul books I read as a teen, I would have remembered it. I don't know how anyone can say that this book was "scary." I've read a number of Stephen King novels that actually gave me chills and terrified me to turn the page. Sadly, I cannot say that about this novel. The story was fast paced and I was interested in the beginning and rather liked it...until the scenes in the cave. They were just way too disturbing for me and I quickly lost interest. Since I st...more

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May 13, 2008 Erik rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: folks who have run out of other horror novels to read.

I don't recall being blown away by any of John Saul's books, but this one stuck more than the others. Perhaps it's because it was my first horror novel. I don't know. There are scenes in this book that still haunt me (don't worry, no spoilers).

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Apr 18, 2012 Cathy rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: thriller

I read this book many years ago - the plot moves along at a good clip, it's interesting, etc. However, this is such a horrible book - not in the writer's skill, etc. but in the content and scenes drawn for us. The characters are not likable, other than perhaps the youngest daughter who doesn't speak and is terrorized throughout the book. This book is so disturbing - the author seems to have put no limits on his wanting to shock and horrify his readers and in that he succeeds marvelously. I read...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Lyla rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone that likes being creeped out by kids

Shelves: horror

There's nothing worse than a creepy kid...unless you're dealing with a possessed one.(view spoiler)...more There's nothing worse than a creepy kid...unless you're dealing with a possessed one.(view spoiler)[ This story revolves around two sisters and a family with a dark past. One sister, the younger, traumatized into silence. The other sister, older, being possessed by the spirit of a child ancestor.

*Ghost Child's Background*
The spirit plaguing the older sister is that of an ancestor. The child was raped, beaten, and left in a hidden cave over the ocean to die by her father. Surely, that'd be enough to keep any angry spirit behind, right? Her father then killed himself and the family tried to literally erase any trace of the child and the only thing that remained was a doll and a painting with the identity of the girl removed from the plaque. What's eerie about the painting is that the girl looks exactly like the older daughter now living in the house.

*Back to the Review*
Things seem to go well until the painting is found and brought down from the attic and hung in the family's living quarters...soon after, things you'd expect to happen in a creepy story happens.

The younger sister goes for a walk with her father and they enter the area where the ghost-child was beaten and raped. Something comes over the father and he's compelled to do the evil deeds his ancestor committed...but he manages to keep from raping his daughter. Not that it matters, the beating was enough to damage his daughter to the point where she turns into a mute.

The mother is a mess. She completely ignores the older child, worrying about the damaged one. The older child comes off compassionate and caring because she seems to be the only one able to communicate with her mute sister. The mother admires her older child, leaning on her to do what she can't. The thing is, the older one secretly resents all of the attention her younger sister gets, making it easy for the angry child-ghost to possess her and nobody suspects that it's her that's really the damaged of the two.

Children go missing, horrible acts are committed, the children are killed in the most horrifying manner, and the guilty party goes unnoticed...eventually, the blame is placed on the younger sister, who gets sent away.

I was totally sickened by the killing of the children, and I read lots of horror. It literally make me queazy, yet I couldn't stop reading.

I admit that the ending pissed me off, mainly because the culprit was never discovered and the way it was left seemed so unfair. I wanted her punished. It wasn't enough to take away from the story, though. This was my first John Saul book and it did it's job. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish, it creeped me out, horrified me, and I couldn't stop until I was done. (hide spoiler)]

It was definitely worth reading. If you enjoy being afraid of scary, psychotic children, this won't disappoint.
(less)

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Oct 21, 2011 Robert Grant rated it 2 of 5 stars

So-So, I originally read this way back in 1985 and thought it was a lot better than it actually is. Muddled plot that really isn't explained very well and the old lets have a drink scene is done in almost every chapter. I read most of Sauls early books up until The Unloved or The Unwanted-can't remember which and then I couldn't take any more-just felt like each book was a carbon copy of the last. I can't believe this book was a best seller in the late seventies.

Going to try re-reading them all...more

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May 02, 2010 Manish Meshram rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first book that I had picked up of John Saul was "The Right hand of Evil".It was very dark book and it impressed me.So I thought let's go back to from where Johhn Saul started it all.And thats how a picked up a copy of "Suffer the Children".
After reading the book it left me totally numbed. There are just no words to decribe the emotional roller coaster ride that this book took me on.
The best part of this book is the ending..it just shatters you completely and stays with you for a very long...more

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Feb 26, 2009 Dreadlocksmile rated it 3 of 5 stars

First published back in 1977, `Suffer The Children' was John Saul's first published novel, introducing the world to this now reasonably well known author within the horror scene. The novel sold very well (with the cover stating that it is now a `million copy bestseller') and started off Saul's writing career with a good solid platform from which to branch out from.

The tale starts off with an unnerving prologue that sets out the beginnings of a tense atmosphere that will encapsulate the entire n...more First published back in 1977, `Suffer The Children' was John Saul's first published novel, introducing the world to this now reasonably well known author within the horror scene. The novel sold very well (with the cover stating that it is now a `million copy bestseller') and started off Saul's writing career with a good solid platform from which to branch out from.

The tale starts off with an unnerving prologue that sets out the beginnings of a tense atmosphere that will encapsulate the entire novel. Saul plunges straight into the somewhat taboo and psychologically difficult premise for any reader to take on board, with harsh glimpses of child cruelty and violence towards these youngsters. Suggestions of incestuous rape are hinted upon, but this is never really taken on board fully.

With such a strong opening, Saul has set his readers on edge, and now lays down a well written tale of psychological suspense that builds its tension towards a slightly predictable conclusion.

The characterization within the tale is well developed and forms an intrinsic element to the storyline, with the plot focussed around the seemingly dysfunctional family of the Conger's.

The tale draws heavily upon the dark psychology of the mind, with strong elements of mental problems forming the main thrust behind the characters interaction.

Loose moments of paranormal explanations are dropped in with an increasing frequency, laying down what soon becomes a haunting tale of almost demonic possession.

The tale wraps up nicely at the end, with a predictable yet satisfying conclusion. The grand finale to the tales peaks earlier than expected, but certainly delivers in strength and sheer bloodthirsty horror.

With such a powerful and unnerving novel under his belt, it's no wonder that Saul went on to write many horror novels over the ensuing years. Yet it would certainly be difficult to top `Suffer The Children' for sheer mounting tension and such a no holds barred approach to such a tricky theme.

If you enjoyed James Herbert's novel `Shrine', Mendal Johnson's 'Let's Go Play At The Adams' or indeed David Seltzer's `The Omen' then you may well want to give this novel a read.

The novel lasts for 315 pages and does include some strong moments.(less)

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Jan 12, 2013 Trisha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2006-read, horror

Achterflap:
Honderd jaar geleden dwaalde een vrolijk, 11-jarig meisje met goudblonde lokken en grote stralende ogen door het bos. Niets vermoedend joeg zij achter een konijntje aan. Plotseling kruist een donkere schaduw haar pad. Hij verbrijzelt de schedel van het konijn en grijpt het meisje. Enkel minuten later is ze dood. Hij verbergt het kinderlijkje en keert terug naar zijn woning met het lijkje van het konijn. Uren zat hij bewegingloos in zijn stoel voordat hij een besluit nam. Hij ging naar...more

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Jul 31, 2008 Brenton rated it 3 of 5 stars

The story revolves around the Conger family and the legend/curse that has shadowed their clan for 100 years.

Jack is the editor of the local small time newspaper while his wife, Rose, is the local up-and-coming hotshot in the real estate world. They have two daughters. Elizabeth is their oldest and is a godsend. She is calm, intelligent and extremely helpful on the exterior, but there’s a simmering rage and unresolved issues not far below the surface. Sarah is their youngest.

A year ago, in a dru...more

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Mar 14, 2010 P.S. Gifford rated it 5 of 5 stars

I now Saul isn't everyone's 'cup o' tea' and I appreciate this. However this book is very dear to my heart. I read it when I was twelve back in 1977 and it kindled my desire to want to write.

Having recently re-read it i still enjoyed it. It did not impact me as much as the first few times around- but that was 30 plus years ago....And I suspect I have matured (at least a little).

I would still urge any fans of horror to at least give this book a shot if you have not already done so.

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May 27, 2009 Sandie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of twisted horror

Recommended to Sandie by: Stephanie Doherty

Shelves: horror-john-saul

This was the first book that I ever read by John Saul, I was hooked from page one. This is quite possibly for me one of his best books. I am not a huge fan of horror books and yet I can never pass up one of his books. I have read this book several times and it never fails to send chills up my spine. Saul is a master writer and this book in particular has many twists and turns that you don't see coming, absolutely one of the best for twisted horror!

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Aug 23, 2011 Lee Kyle rated it 5 of 5 stars

If there was any question as to why Saul is my favorite author of all time then this..his very first book answered and doubts i might have had on that statement alone!! Read in just under two days (when a novel usually takes me one week in duration) should say how hard it was to put this down on any given time i had it it within my sights. Saul, in my own personal opinion is without a doubt the ultimate in suspense-thriller genre type novels.

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Jan 03, 2013 Jose Luis Robles Magdaleno rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dejad a los niños es un libro único en su especie, un libro el cual nos introduce en una macabra historia en el cual, los niños son de lo que tenemos que temer. Un libro que puede marcar una parte de ti y crear ese miedo que quizá muchos aun no conozcan.

John Saul me mantuvo hasta noche leyendo, preguntando ¿Qué pasa en la siguiente pagina? Y logrando terminar el libro. Un libro totalmente recomendado.

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May 28, 2009 Jeanene rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read a lot of John Saul in my teen years, and this one I remember being the yardstick by which his other works were held. It may also have been the first one as well, which is probably why eventually stopped reading John Saul, since none really stood up.

Very disturbing, very. Considering, the fact that most of his books are of the disturbing variety, that's saying something.

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Mar 22, 2009 Kimberly Derting rated it 5 of 5 stars

First released in 1977, this is one of the first horror books I ever read (I think I was 13, although it was not 1977 when I read it). I don't recall being too afraid (mostly because I don't believe in "too afraid"), but I do remember being mesmerized by it. I loved the chills and teetering on the brink of fear. It was my gateway drug, introducing me to a world of terror...

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Dec 03, 2012 Christopher rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this novel very much, but again Mr. John Saul has yet to disappoint. Actually the reviews off Goodreads made me want to read this book. I seen reviews like Morally Offensive, Disgusting, Incest, Violence. And I was like sold. The book was really well written, and the characters felt like real people to me. And it wasn't a smut novel, for me the whole thing represented the horrors of child abuse, and also made me think about how we view the mentally ill. I would recommend to most people...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Jodi rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read this in high school and remember being so scared at one point that I had to put it away for a couple of days (I don't read 'scary' books at night anymore). I also remember really liking it. I think John Saul was partially responsible for my eventual preference for Stephen King and Dean Koontz.

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Oct 09, 2011 Rebecca Rodriguez rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book when I was in Junior High. It was my first adult horror novel and it scared the crap out of me, but I loved it and couldn't put it down. John Saul became one of my favorite authors. I've read almost all of his books and it started because of this one. I highly recommend it.

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Apr 24, 2010 A. R. rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 24, 2012 Lilli added it

What a great book! This is the first book I had the pleasure of reading of John Saul, and I have to say I got Hooked! I have never read another book that compares! If anyone knows of another writer who is along the same lines, I would Love to know! Also, read this book!

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Jan 19, 2011 Deb rated it 5 of 5 stars

As I mentioned before, I had read this book several years ago. I had forgotten how good it was. It's a truly terrifying story. I think because it doesn't deal with anything supernatural or paranormal. It's a story that takes place in a small New England town and deals with a family curse. My heart was breaking for the character Sarah; I can't imagine what it must have been like to be "trapped" as she was and not be able to communicate what was going on. Elizabeth/Beth freaked me out! The parents...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Tanya rated it 3 of 5 stars

The novel keep me interested but I was would have like to know more about the curse and the legend begin. The father beats the child almost to death, but he is never arrested. The older sister kills but the younger is ruled insane and takes the fall.

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Aug 13, 2012 Christine rated it 2 of 5 stars

I remember reading this when I was about 10 years old and falling in love with John Saul's writing. From then I went back I read everything he'd ever written, along with his new books, until I was about 14.

I decided to re-read it as an adult and thought... eh, not so much.

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Jun 10, 2013 Adal rated it 4 of 5 stars

a simple story, that may suffer if turned into a feature film. However it was amusing and I enjoyed the entire time.
I was a bit frustrated by the helplessness of some characters, but what can you expect? It won't bring any nightmares but it sure does deliver a creepy story.

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Did anyone suspect the shocking ending?	2	18	Dec 30, 2012 03:18am
The Manhattan Hun...: Suffer The Children (Group Read - October 2011)	24	21	Sep 22, 2012 05:51pm
Goodreads Librari...: ISBN#0-440-18293-X	5	23	Aug 22, 2011 07:06am

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About John Saul

John Saul was born in Pasadena, California on February 25, 1942, and grew up in Whittier where he graduated from Whittier High School in 1959. He attended several colleges—Antioch, in Ohio, Cerritos, in Norwalk, California, Montana State University and San Francisco State College, variously majoring in anthropology, liberal arts, and theater, but never obtaining a degree.
After leaving college, he...more John Saul was born in Pasadena, California on February 25, 1942, and grew up in Whittier where he graduated from Whittier High School in 1959. He attended several colleges—Antioch, in Ohio, Cerritos, in Norwalk, California, Montana State University and San Francisco State College, variously majoring in anthropology, liberal arts, and theater, but never obtaining a degree.
After leaving college, he decided the best thing for a college dropout to do was become a writer, and spent the next fifteen years working in various jobs while attempting to write a book someone would want to publish. Should anyone ever want to write a novel concerning the car-rental industry or the travails of temporary typists, John can provide excellent background material.

Those years garnered him a nice collection of unpublished manuscripts, but not a lot of money. Eventually he found an agent in New York, who spent several years sending his manuscripts around, and trying to make the rejection slips sound hopeful. Then, in 1976, one of his manuscripts reached Dell, who didn't want to buy it, but asked if he'd be interested in writing a psychological thriller. He put together an outline, and crossed his fingers.

At that point, things started getting bizarre. His agent decided the outline had all the makings of a best-seller, and so did Dell. Gambling on a first novel by an unknown author, they backed the book with television advertising (one of the first times a paperback original was promoted on television) and the gamble paid off. Within a month Suffer the Children appeared on all the best-seller lists in the country and made the #1 spot in Canada. Subsequently all 32 of his books, have made all the best-seller lists and have been published world wide. Though many of his books were published by Bantam/Doubleday/Dell his last fourteen books have been published by Ballantine/Fawcett/Columbine.

In addition to his work as novelist, John is also interested in the theater. He has acted, and as a playwright has had several one-act plays produced in Los Angeles and Seattle, and two optioned in New York. One of his novels was produced by Gerber Productions Company and M.G.M. as a C.B.S. movie and currently one of his novels is in development.

John served on the Expansion Arts Panel of the National Endowment for the Arts. He is actively involved with the development of other writers, and is a lecturer at the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference and the Maui Writers Conference and received the Life Time Achievement Award from the Northwest Writers Conference. John is also a trustee and Vice President of The Chester Woodruff Foundation (New York), a philanthropic organization.

John lives part-time in the Pacific Northwest, both in Seattle and in the San Juan Islands. He also maintains a residence on the Big Island of Hawaii. He currently enjoys motor homing, travel and golf. He is an avid reader, bridge player, golfer and loves to cook. (less)

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