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The Thing From the Lake
To get away from city life periodically, New Yorker Roger Locke purchases an abandoned farm house in rural Connecticut, and with the assistance of his cousin Phillida and her beau Ethan Vere, he sets about fixing up the place.
Immediately however, an unseen mysterious woman begins giving him warnings during nocturnal visits to leave the house at once. Soon he begins hearing strange ominous sounds emanating from the tiny lake at the back of the house coupled with a permeation of sickly odors. An evil presence then begins to visit him during the witching hours of the late night, challenging him to a battle of wits from which there can be only one victor.
Is his mysterious female visitor there to help and encourage him to flee from the house, or is she working in tandem with The Thing From the Lake?
A gripping, occasionally frightening tale, Ms. Ingram wastes no time in grabbing the reader into the story and manages to weave a tale that will leave the reader guessing at every turn of events. (Summary by Roger Melin)(from Librivox)
Immediately however, an unseen mysterious woman begins giving him warnings during nocturnal visits to leave the house at once. Soon he begins hearing strange ominous sounds emanating from the tiny lake at the back of the house coupled with a permeation of sickly odors. An evil presence then begins to visit him during the witching hours of the late night, challenging him to a battle of wits from which there can be only one victor.
Is his mysterious female visitor there to help and encourage him to flee from the house, or is she working in tandem with The Thing From the Lake?
A gripping, occasionally frightening tale, Ms. Ingram wastes no time in grabbing the reader into the story and manages to weave a tale that will leave the reader guessing at every turn of events. (Summary by Roger Melin)(from Librivox)
315 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1921
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221 people want to read
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May 21, 2023
I have to admit to a frugality when it comes to most books. Don't get me wrong, just as any / every bibliophile has a number of first edition, leatherbound, signed books, I have my share. However, I have an admitted addiction to read as much as I can before I leave this good, God's green Earth. So consequently, I buy most of my books on the cheap and there's nothing cheaper than free.
Sometimes things come into my possession by mere circumstance, or kismet. The Thing from the Lake was sent to me as a suggested read from one of the many online apps that beg me to buy more books. I mean, what's a man to do? I had never heard of Eleanor Ingram. (She died in 1921, in relative obscurity at 35, the year that this novel was published.) There's not a lot I could find out about her, although she did have other published books and stories. One of the fun things about this book is that it is really big on setting, mood, and tone. Clearly, Ingram had a way of telling a creepy story.
The main character buys a house in Connecticut and has his newly married cousin move into the house to take care of it for him with her spouse on the condition that he will have a guest room in the home so that he can occasionally leave the city behind to compose new music in a rustic milieu. The thing is that there appears to be a malevolent spirit that wants to haunt the house and our main character is falling in love with another mysterious presence that visits at night. This is a wonderfully, horrific tale with some fascinating themes.
I loved the Lovecraftian way the story is told, and clearly is reminiscent of Poe, Blackwood, Machen, and Hodgson. The book is out of print so a hard copy will cost over 25 bucks, but is available for free over various platforms including Gutenberg. I am pleasantly surprised and I will classify this novel as a classic, because it satisfies my three criteria of paradigm creating, exceptionalism, and longevity. This book is more than 100 years old and it reads like a modern "haunted house that doesn't know it's haunted," narrative.
Sometimes things come into my possession by mere circumstance, or kismet. The Thing from the Lake was sent to me as a suggested read from one of the many online apps that beg me to buy more books. I mean, what's a man to do? I had never heard of Eleanor Ingram. (She died in 1921, in relative obscurity at 35, the year that this novel was published.) There's not a lot I could find out about her, although she did have other published books and stories. One of the fun things about this book is that it is really big on setting, mood, and tone. Clearly, Ingram had a way of telling a creepy story.
The main character buys a house in Connecticut and has his newly married cousin move into the house to take care of it for him with her spouse on the condition that he will have a guest room in the home so that he can occasionally leave the city behind to compose new music in a rustic milieu. The thing is that there appears to be a malevolent spirit that wants to haunt the house and our main character is falling in love with another mysterious presence that visits at night. This is a wonderfully, horrific tale with some fascinating themes.
I loved the Lovecraftian way the story is told, and clearly is reminiscent of Poe, Blackwood, Machen, and Hodgson. The book is out of print so a hard copy will cost over 25 bucks, but is available for free over various platforms including Gutenberg. I am pleasantly surprised and I will classify this novel as a classic, because it satisfies my three criteria of paradigm creating, exceptionalism, and longevity. This book is more than 100 years old and it reads like a modern "haunted house that doesn't know it's haunted," narrative.
September 4, 2021
The title of this 1921 publication told me, “supernatural/horror”. The actual content is still atmospheric but it’s also “romance” + “East Coast gothic” + “science fiction”. But if I had to describe it quickly, I would say it’s about a haunted house with a wacked-out history. And atmosphere. This is a book with lots of atmosphere.
The lead character is a composer of popular music who doesn’t seem to have a specific goal in life. Relatively well-off, he has a good heart and tends to help others financially. His art requires time away from the city so he purchases a home in rural Connecticut. It’s a home that was probably built around the time of the first Puritan settlers in the area, so it no doubt has a history. Boy, does it have a history.
Let me at once set down that this is not the story of a haunted house. It is, or was, a beleaguered house; strangely besieged as was Prague in the old legend, when a midnight army of spectres unfurled pale banners and encamped around the city walls.
When he first espies the home, he states, The house cried out to me for help. For him, the house is almost romantic, for it wooed me like a determined woman. He learns there is a marsh and a small dam nearby, where he can hear water throughout the day; perfect for writing that next musical opus. But when he decides to spend a night there, unannounced, he discovers there is a presence. Actually there’s more than one presence and that extra “being” is not there to be his friend. This is where the cold chills start hitting the reader.
As the key slid in place, I heard the waterfall over the dam abruptly change the sound of its flow, swelling and accelerating as when a gust of wind hurries a greater volume of water over the brink. But there was no wind. Immediately followed that sound from the lake which I can liken to nothing better than the smack of huge lips unclosing, or the suck of a thick body drawing itself from a bed of mud.
There are also two other supporting characters, as his young cousin surprises the family by returning from school with a husband. Hoping to give them a step-up in their newlywed bliss, he offers the house to them for living quarters, unaware they will both have greater fortitude and resolve than even he himself. Events plow on and it quickly becomes clear that our heroes and heroines are going to be up against something far scarier than a typical ghost.
It was difficult to stop reading this book. Since I couldn’t find a print copy, I would read it at night (why I read scary books at night is beyond me) on Project Gutenberg and it became an addiction. This is mostly due to Eleanor Ingram’s writing. She builds atmosphere without making it appear this is happening. It’s almost a languid pace until the momentum starts to gather. The house itself is not haunted, per se, but it seems to know it is being attacked, almost being held hostage. Also, the book was published more than 100 years ago, yet it feels relevant. There are cars and telephones and fast-paced city life, so that if I hadn’t known the date of publication, I would have assumed the storyline took place more recently. It’s also one of those lost and forgotten books that go out-of-print when their authors depart this world. Ingram died the same year the book was published, so any follow-up work or publicity was non-existent. Plus, I love stories about abandoned houses, always wondering who lived there, why they left, and what they left behind. Those Puritans.
Book Season = Autumn (venom of malevolence)
The lead character is a composer of popular music who doesn’t seem to have a specific goal in life. Relatively well-off, he has a good heart and tends to help others financially. His art requires time away from the city so he purchases a home in rural Connecticut. It’s a home that was probably built around the time of the first Puritan settlers in the area, so it no doubt has a history. Boy, does it have a history.
Let me at once set down that this is not the story of a haunted house. It is, or was, a beleaguered house; strangely besieged as was Prague in the old legend, when a midnight army of spectres unfurled pale banners and encamped around the city walls.
When he first espies the home, he states, The house cried out to me for help. For him, the house is almost romantic, for it wooed me like a determined woman. He learns there is a marsh and a small dam nearby, where he can hear water throughout the day; perfect for writing that next musical opus. But when he decides to spend a night there, unannounced, he discovers there is a presence. Actually there’s more than one presence and that extra “being” is not there to be his friend. This is where the cold chills start hitting the reader.
As the key slid in place, I heard the waterfall over the dam abruptly change the sound of its flow, swelling and accelerating as when a gust of wind hurries a greater volume of water over the brink. But there was no wind. Immediately followed that sound from the lake which I can liken to nothing better than the smack of huge lips unclosing, or the suck of a thick body drawing itself from a bed of mud.
There are also two other supporting characters, as his young cousin surprises the family by returning from school with a husband. Hoping to give them a step-up in their newlywed bliss, he offers the house to them for living quarters, unaware they will both have greater fortitude and resolve than even he himself. Events plow on and it quickly becomes clear that our heroes and heroines are going to be up against something far scarier than a typical ghost.
It was difficult to stop reading this book. Since I couldn’t find a print copy, I would read it at night (why I read scary books at night is beyond me) on Project Gutenberg and it became an addiction. This is mostly due to Eleanor Ingram’s writing. She builds atmosphere without making it appear this is happening. It’s almost a languid pace until the momentum starts to gather. The house itself is not haunted, per se, but it seems to know it is being attacked, almost being held hostage. Also, the book was published more than 100 years ago, yet it feels relevant. There are cars and telephones and fast-paced city life, so that if I hadn’t known the date of publication, I would have assumed the storyline took place more recently. It’s also one of those lost and forgotten books that go out-of-print when their authors depart this world. Ingram died the same year the book was published, so any follow-up work or publicity was non-existent. Plus, I love stories about abandoned houses, always wondering who lived there, why they left, and what they left behind. Those Puritans.
Book Season = Autumn (venom of malevolence)
July 13, 2018
lost gem, enjoyed this story very much, the only supernatural story by the author, back to the 20s...
May 26, 2015
The Thing From The Lake, by Eleanor Marie Ingram, Read by Roger Melin.
This will necessarily include the Amazon free ebook edition of The Thing From The Lake, by Eleanor Marie Ingram, but also the free Librovox recording brilliantly read by Roger Melin. I enjoy walking, reading, and listening simultaneously. Multitasking, right?
Straight away lets say 5 stars. I'm so inconsistent about handing out 5 stars… this one however, I loved and recommend. Not only is it a wonderful book by Ms. Ingram, the reading by Roger Melin is quite poetic. I mean that literally. Listening to him read the story it feels like a wonderful story told in the form of a poem. That is not actually the case, and maybe “just reading it" a person wouldn't get that impression. I did, listening and reading along. I loved Roger, the character, and the reader of the book.
You can gain more than I might tell by reading the blurb on Goodreads. I don't think the blurb by the amazing reader, Roger Melin, is entirely accurate. Roger Locke, our primary protagonist doesn't actually do any 'fixing up' of his newly acquired country home. The fixing up gets done, but you read about it. Or listen… or both.
Most of the story I felt I knew just slightly more than Roger Locke knows as the protagonist and primary point of view character. I knew enough to want him to leave when the mysterious woman in the dark warns him to leave. And there is your 5 stars. I was wanting the characters to do things the way I wanted them to do things. So Eleanor had me totally involved in HER story.
Generally, Roger Locke, from the early 1900s, is a composer of popular music, which had the “grown up” respect of rock and roll of the 50s. It makes him good money. He buys a house on a 'swamp-lake' “in the country”. It is broken down and unkept for more than a decade. On the night of his purchase he decides to stay in the broken down place, planning to have contractors come and make all the improvements he will want in the immediate future.
Something happens that night. A ghost like encounter with 'the girl' in the complete darkness. And later, as foretold by the pleasant 'girl' in the dark something evil comes to visit. There begins the adventure of Roger Locke. Never in any of the visits by the pleasant girl or the evil thing, is there any light. The girl even extracts a promise he will never try to turn on the light when she visits.
I read some reviews that say it is comparable to a Stephen King story. First, the author finishes the story, so it isn't like King in that respect, but remember I listened as well as read and the reader was downright poetic and that doesn't promote a great sense of dread one might get engrossed in in a Stephen King story.
The climax and conclusion were unexpected, or a surprising twist that I may or may not have expected but was pleased with how the story turned in any case. Like books of the age, like Sherlock Holmes stories, there is a visit from Phillida's father, a scientific type who hearing all of what has gone on trys to put a nice scientific coat around it. That's fun too.
This will necessarily include the Amazon free ebook edition of The Thing From The Lake, by Eleanor Marie Ingram, but also the free Librovox recording brilliantly read by Roger Melin. I enjoy walking, reading, and listening simultaneously. Multitasking, right?
Straight away lets say 5 stars. I'm so inconsistent about handing out 5 stars… this one however, I loved and recommend. Not only is it a wonderful book by Ms. Ingram, the reading by Roger Melin is quite poetic. I mean that literally. Listening to him read the story it feels like a wonderful story told in the form of a poem. That is not actually the case, and maybe “just reading it" a person wouldn't get that impression. I did, listening and reading along. I loved Roger, the character, and the reader of the book.
You can gain more than I might tell by reading the blurb on Goodreads. I don't think the blurb by the amazing reader, Roger Melin, is entirely accurate. Roger Locke, our primary protagonist doesn't actually do any 'fixing up' of his newly acquired country home. The fixing up gets done, but you read about it. Or listen… or both.
Most of the story I felt I knew just slightly more than Roger Locke knows as the protagonist and primary point of view character. I knew enough to want him to leave when the mysterious woman in the dark warns him to leave. And there is your 5 stars. I was wanting the characters to do things the way I wanted them to do things. So Eleanor had me totally involved in HER story.
Generally, Roger Locke, from the early 1900s, is a composer of popular music, which had the “grown up” respect of rock and roll of the 50s. It makes him good money. He buys a house on a 'swamp-lake' “in the country”. It is broken down and unkept for more than a decade. On the night of his purchase he decides to stay in the broken down place, planning to have contractors come and make all the improvements he will want in the immediate future.
Something happens that night. A ghost like encounter with 'the girl' in the complete darkness. And later, as foretold by the pleasant 'girl' in the dark something evil comes to visit. There begins the adventure of Roger Locke. Never in any of the visits by the pleasant girl or the evil thing, is there any light. The girl even extracts a promise he will never try to turn on the light when she visits.
I read some reviews that say it is comparable to a Stephen King story. First, the author finishes the story, so it isn't like King in that respect, but remember I listened as well as read and the reader was downright poetic and that doesn't promote a great sense of dread one might get engrossed in in a Stephen King story.
The climax and conclusion were unexpected, or a surprising twist that I may or may not have expected but was pleased with how the story turned in any case. Like books of the age, like Sherlock Holmes stories, there is a visit from Phillida's father, a scientific type who hearing all of what has gone on trys to put a nice scientific coat around it. That's fun too.
December 27, 2019
Recensione originale: https://sonnenbarke.wordpress.com/201...
«La casa gridava affinché la aiutassi.» Con queste parole inizia il romanzo misconosciuto dell'altrettanto misconosciuta Eleanor M. Ingram.
Non sono riuscita a trovare informazioni sull'autrice, se non la nazionalità (americana) e le date di nascita e di morte (1886-1921). A quanto pare ha scritto degli altri libri, di cui però non so niente. Non ricordo nemmeno come sono venuta a conoscenza di questo libro, che giaceva nel mio Kindle da diversi anni. Molto probabilmente per puro caso.
È un grosso peccato che questo libro sia sconosciuto (ovviamente mai tradotto in italiano, dato che è sconosciuto anche in patria). A me è piaciuto moltissimo, e proverò a parlarvene brevemente, avvisandovi però che trovo difficile parlarne senza svelare parti importanti della trama.
Un musicista newyorkese di discreta fama decide di comprare una casa nella campagna del Connecticut. La casa è abbandonata da molto tempo e non in buono stato, ma a Roger Locke piace e non ci pensa troppo. Come dicevo, il musicista-narratore inizia subito il suo racconto dicendoci che la casa lo chiamava, gridando, per chiedere il suo aiuto. Già nella seconda frase ci dice che non si tratta però di una casa infestata, quanto piuttosto di una casa "assediata". Ciò che la minaccia infatti non vive all'interno della casa stessa ma, come dice il titolo, nel lago che si trova proprio nei pressi, sul terreno della fattoria.
Già dalla prima notte che Roger dorme nella casa si trova di fronte a una misteriosa presenza femminile che non riesce a vedere, ma di cui riesce solo a toccare una sontuosa treccia di capelli.
Poi c'è uno stacco, e seguiamo Roger a New York, dove deve andare a prendere sua cugina Phillida alla stazione. Phillida, o Phil come la chiama lui, è una ragazza diciannovenne che studia all'università per seguire il volere dei genitori, entrambi accademici di fama, ma che odia studiare. Si scoprirà prestissimo che la ragazza si è sposata in segreto, alcuni mesi addietro, con un pattinatore/ballerino che lavora in un cabaret di New York. Sdegno da parte dei genitori, ovviamente, e perfino da parte di Roger, che pure è un artista, ma si ritiene di un livello superiore rispetto a un ballerino di cabaret. Tuttavia, Roger offre ai due di prendersi cura della sua casa nel Connecticut appena acquistata, dove in seguito andrà a trovarli e si ritroverà al cospetto di due misteriose presenze avvertite soltanto da lui.
Il romanzo intreccia dunque una vicenda mondana con una storia di fantasmi e stregoneria, e dal mio punto di vista amalgama molto bene le due storie facendole intrecciare in maniera estremamente interessante. È forte il contrasto fra l'esperienza orrorifica di Roger nella casa che Ethan Vere e Phillida hanno reso così accogliente e gradevole. E proprio questo contrasto così palese rende tanto più intriganti gli incontri "soprannaturali" di Roger.
Ho trovato la storia ben costruita, interessante, appassionante. Il climax finale : forse è la parte meno riuscita del romanzo, ma è comunque abbastanza adeguata alla storia, anche se non del tutto. Il finale vero e proprio, quello della soluzione del mistero, è invece interessante.
A mio parere un romanzo molto interessante e molto piacevole da leggere, che sarebbe opportuno riscoprire.
«La casa gridava affinché la aiutassi.» Con queste parole inizia il romanzo misconosciuto dell'altrettanto misconosciuta Eleanor M. Ingram.
Non sono riuscita a trovare informazioni sull'autrice, se non la nazionalità (americana) e le date di nascita e di morte (1886-1921). A quanto pare ha scritto degli altri libri, di cui però non so niente. Non ricordo nemmeno come sono venuta a conoscenza di questo libro, che giaceva nel mio Kindle da diversi anni. Molto probabilmente per puro caso.
È un grosso peccato che questo libro sia sconosciuto (ovviamente mai tradotto in italiano, dato che è sconosciuto anche in patria). A me è piaciuto moltissimo, e proverò a parlarvene brevemente, avvisandovi però che trovo difficile parlarne senza svelare parti importanti della trama.
Un musicista newyorkese di discreta fama decide di comprare una casa nella campagna del Connecticut. La casa è abbandonata da molto tempo e non in buono stato, ma a Roger Locke piace e non ci pensa troppo. Come dicevo, il musicista-narratore inizia subito il suo racconto dicendoci che la casa lo chiamava, gridando, per chiedere il suo aiuto. Già nella seconda frase ci dice che non si tratta però di una casa infestata, quanto piuttosto di una casa "assediata". Ciò che la minaccia infatti non vive all'interno della casa stessa ma, come dice il titolo, nel lago che si trova proprio nei pressi, sul terreno della fattoria.
Già dalla prima notte che Roger dorme nella casa si trova di fronte a una misteriosa presenza femminile che non riesce a vedere, ma di cui riesce solo a toccare una sontuosa treccia di capelli.
Poi c'è uno stacco, e seguiamo Roger a New York, dove deve andare a prendere sua cugina Phillida alla stazione. Phillida, o Phil come la chiama lui, è una ragazza diciannovenne che studia all'università per seguire il volere dei genitori, entrambi accademici di fama, ma che odia studiare. Si scoprirà prestissimo che la ragazza si è sposata in segreto, alcuni mesi addietro, con un pattinatore/ballerino che lavora in un cabaret di New York. Sdegno da parte dei genitori, ovviamente, e perfino da parte di Roger, che pure è un artista, ma si ritiene di un livello superiore rispetto a un ballerino di cabaret. Tuttavia, Roger offre ai due di prendersi cura della sua casa nel Connecticut appena acquistata, dove in seguito andrà a trovarli e si ritroverà al cospetto di due misteriose presenze avvertite soltanto da lui.
Il romanzo intreccia dunque una vicenda mondana con una storia di fantasmi e stregoneria, e dal mio punto di vista amalgama molto bene le due storie facendole intrecciare in maniera estremamente interessante. È forte il contrasto fra l'esperienza orrorifica di Roger nella casa che Ethan Vere e Phillida hanno reso così accogliente e gradevole. E proprio questo contrasto così palese rende tanto più intriganti gli incontri "soprannaturali" di Roger.
Ho trovato la storia ben costruita, interessante, appassionante. Il climax finale : forse è la parte meno riuscita del romanzo, ma è comunque abbastanza adeguata alla storia, anche se non del tutto. Il finale vero e proprio, quello della soluzione del mistero, è invece interessante.
A mio parere un romanzo molto interessante e molto piacevole da leggere, che sarebbe opportuno riscoprire.
August 29, 2019
This little gem of a short novel combines weird fiction, radium age scifi, mystery, and romance into a very strange jambalaya that somehow works.
It is not very grand in scale. A pop music writer wants to help his young cousin, who just eloped with a man whom the family does not approve. He allows them to stay in his old farmhouse by a lake that he bought as a retreat to do his composing in exchange for the newlyweds helping with the upkeep of the property. But his generosity isn't completely selfless--you see, he could use the company, because he gets a few odd visitors in the middle of the night.
Most of the novel is just a very sweet and touching family drama that would play well as a BBC television period piece. The new husband of the cousin, for example, turns out to be a real noble and gentle soul, not the gold-digging heart-breaker he is assumed to be by the main protagonist. It is rewarding to read about the progression of the odd trio's relationship as they grow closer while living on the farmhouse.
In the meantime, sometimes the story dives into Lovecraft country. There is a scene which I won't spoil involving a ponytail that sent serious shivers up my spine as well as any creepy work by M.R. James. There's also witchcraft and an interdimensional being that is very reminiscent of, but long predates, Stephen King's "It." The author even seems to imply that the titular "Thing" occupies the same universe as William Hope Hodgson's "Borderland." Fun stuff for fans of weird fiction.
The end gets wrapped up a bit too nicely and is inconsistent with the tone of the rest of the novel, feeling more like the conclusion of a Scooby Doo episode. But despite the inconsistencies and weird mishmash of genres, this was an enjoyable read, and deserves 4 stars to hopefully encourage more readers to check out this quaint classic.
It is not very grand in scale. A pop music writer wants to help his young cousin, who just eloped with a man whom the family does not approve. He allows them to stay in his old farmhouse by a lake that he bought as a retreat to do his composing in exchange for the newlyweds helping with the upkeep of the property. But his generosity isn't completely selfless--you see, he could use the company, because he gets a few odd visitors in the middle of the night.
Most of the novel is just a very sweet and touching family drama that would play well as a BBC television period piece. The new husband of the cousin, for example, turns out to be a real noble and gentle soul, not the gold-digging heart-breaker he is assumed to be by the main protagonist. It is rewarding to read about the progression of the odd trio's relationship as they grow closer while living on the farmhouse.
In the meantime, sometimes the story dives into Lovecraft country. There is a scene which I won't spoil involving a ponytail that sent serious shivers up my spine as well as any creepy work by M.R. James. There's also witchcraft and an interdimensional being that is very reminiscent of, but long predates, Stephen King's "It." The author even seems to imply that the titular "Thing" occupies the same universe as William Hope Hodgson's "Borderland." Fun stuff for fans of weird fiction.
The end gets wrapped up a bit too nicely and is inconsistent with the tone of the rest of the novel, feeling more like the conclusion of a Scooby Doo episode. But despite the inconsistencies and weird mishmash of genres, this was an enjoyable read, and deserves 4 stars to hopefully encourage more readers to check out this quaint classic.
March 18, 2010
I tried liking this book for some time, and it never gelled. In fact, after the plot stops being about "The thing from the lake" (5 pages in) and is more about how this one lonely dude has a really big hard on for this long haired woman that visits him in the night...and how awesome that is...and how...you know...like, don't sacrifice yourself for me because I love you...and might be allegory about nocturnal emissions as much as anything and the euphoria versus guilt of having them...for the majority of the book: I started going off. There are about three scenes that are worth reading, but the conclusion really is par for the course. Seeing as this is one of those books out in the public domain which doesn't seem to have a real in-print edition, it might be neat to see what kind of books didn't become popular. Outside of that, the biggest thing going for the book is that it's a very early example of the dark romance genre, technically.
May 20, 2016
Hmmm. Well, let's see. Ah - err. It was gooooooood? No wait, it was interesting... Yes, it was very interesting. It came across to me as if Emily Post's Etiquette was written as a ghost/water demon story. I think. Ah. I'm really not sure how to feel about this one. It was weird, but interesting (and dated).
January 4, 2024
Comprar una casa de veraneo es buena idea hasta que se complica por la familia, las apariciones y los fenómenos paranormales.
Oscura, intrigante e interesante. Me ha gustado mucho, es un libro que ha envejecido muy bien y no me extraña que Lovecraft procurarse omitirlo.
Oscura, intrigante e interesante. Me ha gustado mucho, es un libro que ha envejecido muy bien y no me extraña que Lovecraft procurarse omitirlo.
January 1, 2025
Reformas en el lago.
Esta editorial recupera una obra de 1921 de una autora que en su momento era conocida, pero que ahora está bastante olvidada. Según nos cuentan en el prólogo, era una escritora de novela romántica cuya última obra da un giro hacia el terror y es publicada de manera póstuma.
La novela nos cuenta la historia de Roger Locke, un compositor newyorkino que se compra una casa vieja al lado de un lago para tener un lugar que le sirva para escapar de la bulliciosa ciudad. Y bueno... Allí empiezan a pasar cosas.
La obra posee elementos que evidencian los más de cien años que nos separan con la fecha en la que fue escrita, pero por otro lado aporta muchas cosas interesantes.
Lo primero que hay que decir es que es una novela de terror y romance en el que las remiscencias al mito de Eros y Psique están muy presentes, tanto en la forma en la que se relacionan, como en los elementos que definen a ambos personajes.
Belleza, misterio y posibilidad de peligro Eros/Ella.
Pensamiento, dudas e imaginación Psique/El.
En la página 93 define algo fundamental del Horror Cósmico: el deconocimiento del ser humano respecto a otras realidades. Esta muy bien explicado con el colofón de la página 95 en una frase que habla sobre la guerra contra lo desconocido.
Me ha dejado patitieso que hagan referencia a un tal Cotton Mather Michell igual que el reverendo instigador de la caza de brujas, muy presente en la historia de Nueva Inglaterra. En este caso, se habla de alguien que se llama igual pero que se fue a tierras lejanas y murió allí veinte años antes de que empezara la narración.
Es un elemento que me llamó la atención por la presencia ominosa de esa figura en varias obras de H.P. Lovecraft (coetáneo de Ingram).
Hay algunas frases que me gustaría recalcar porque me han gusta bastante:
«Caminamos sobre sombras de colinas, por un camino nivelado, y resoplamos cual escaladores»
«Y, Roger, si percibir por la vista de otro es hipnotismo, entonces cualquier hombre que escriba un libro o cuente un buen relato es un hipnotista; todo historiador que nos haga ver el pasado es un nigromante».
«He especulado en ocasiones sobre cómo discurrirían los días del hombre civilizado sin organizarse en tres segmentos por mediación de las comidas recurrentes. Esas comidas resultan ser signos de puntuación entre la mente y el cuerpo».
Las tres darían para estar reflexionando sobre ellas un largo rato. Ejemplos como estos muestran que la autora tenía mucho que contar y reflexionar. Es una pena que muriera tan joven y que haya quedado tan apartada.
A nivel más personal, el libro me ha gustado bastante; especialmente hacia la mitad, luego la cosa me parece que se desinfla un poco. Aunque perfectamente podría ser que me hubiera estado montado unos castillos en el aire demasiado góticos.
El trabajo realizado por la editorial es maravilloso. El formato es cómodo, las imágenes que acompañan al texto me encantan y los cajones que han hecho para la numeración, inicios de capítulo y capitulares nos retrotraen a una impresión antigua, cuidada.
Me parece una buena compra para aquellas personas que disfrutan de la romántica de género, el horror cósmico y las obras de las primeras décadas del siglo XX.
Esta editorial recupera una obra de 1921 de una autora que en su momento era conocida, pero que ahora está bastante olvidada. Según nos cuentan en el prólogo, era una escritora de novela romántica cuya última obra da un giro hacia el terror y es publicada de manera póstuma.
La novela nos cuenta la historia de Roger Locke, un compositor newyorkino que se compra una casa vieja al lado de un lago para tener un lugar que le sirva para escapar de la bulliciosa ciudad. Y bueno... Allí empiezan a pasar cosas.
La obra posee elementos que evidencian los más de cien años que nos separan con la fecha en la que fue escrita, pero por otro lado aporta muchas cosas interesantes.
Lo primero que hay que decir es que es una novela de terror y romance en el que las remiscencias al mito de Eros y Psique están muy presentes, tanto en la forma en la que se relacionan, como en los elementos que definen a ambos personajes.
Belleza, misterio y posibilidad de peligro Eros/Ella.
Pensamiento, dudas e imaginación Psique/El.
En la página 93 define algo fundamental del Horror Cósmico: el deconocimiento del ser humano respecto a otras realidades. Esta muy bien explicado con el colofón de la página 95 en una frase que habla sobre la guerra contra lo desconocido.
Me ha dejado patitieso que hagan referencia a un tal Cotton Mather Michell igual que el reverendo instigador de la caza de brujas, muy presente en la historia de Nueva Inglaterra. En este caso, se habla de alguien que se llama igual pero que se fue a tierras lejanas y murió allí veinte años antes de que empezara la narración.
Es un elemento que me llamó la atención por la presencia ominosa de esa figura en varias obras de H.P. Lovecraft (coetáneo de Ingram).
Hay algunas frases que me gustaría recalcar porque me han gusta bastante:
«Caminamos sobre sombras de colinas, por un camino nivelado, y resoplamos cual escaladores»
«Y, Roger, si percibir por la vista de otro es hipnotismo, entonces cualquier hombre que escriba un libro o cuente un buen relato es un hipnotista; todo historiador que nos haga ver el pasado es un nigromante».
«He especulado en ocasiones sobre cómo discurrirían los días del hombre civilizado sin organizarse en tres segmentos por mediación de las comidas recurrentes. Esas comidas resultan ser signos de puntuación entre la mente y el cuerpo».
Las tres darían para estar reflexionando sobre ellas un largo rato. Ejemplos como estos muestran que la autora tenía mucho que contar y reflexionar. Es una pena que muriera tan joven y que haya quedado tan apartada.
A nivel más personal, el libro me ha gustado bastante; especialmente hacia la mitad, luego la cosa me parece que se desinfla un poco. Aunque perfectamente podría ser que me hubiera estado montado unos castillos en el aire demasiado góticos.
El trabajo realizado por la editorial es maravilloso. El formato es cómodo, las imágenes que acompañan al texto me encantan y los cajones que han hecho para la numeración, inicios de capítulo y capitulares nos retrotraen a una impresión antigua, cuidada.
Me parece una buena compra para aquellas personas que disfrutan de la romántica de género, el horror cósmico y las obras de las primeras décadas del siglo XX.
November 4, 2023
Reseña en ConsuLeo:
https://consuleoluegoexisto.com/2023/...
https://consuleoluegoexisto.com/2023/...
March 24, 2025
This book bored me to tears. I tried to finish it but gave up at 67%.
October 2, 2020
This one was very interesting, but it did not live up to my expectations. The mystery itself was intriguing, but some parts were confusing.
December 21, 2014
Roger Locke is a successful New York composer of stage musicals and popular sings who decides to buy himself a farm as an investment. The house is decrepit and stands beside a stagnant lake. He decides to spend the night in his new home but awakens to find a woman in his bed beside him who holds a knife to him in the darkness while he in turn grips a braid of her hair. She warns him to leave the house and he realises that she has used the knife to cut off the braid of hair he was holding, and has disappeared.
Meanwhile, his young cousin, (who has overbearing parents with impossibly high standards) has married Verne, a young cabaret entertainer. Roger is initially appalled but decides to reserve judgment. As Verne is originally from a farming family he offers the couple the chance to run his farm for him and supervise the renovation of the house while he is in New York.
When he returns to the farm a collapsed dam has been rebuilt and the lake has widened and deepened. However, from then on he is visited by both the mysterious woman and an evil presence who claims that the woman belongs to him and vows that Locke will be destroyed.
It’s a very readable book with some engaging and interesting characters. Ingram certainly manages to produce an atmosphere of dread and unearthly unease when the thing (from another dimension, it appears) manifests itself, while at the same time establishing a growing bond between Locke and his mysterious – possibly immaterial – female visitor, slotting this novel into the tradition of supernatural romances. Indeed, there is much in this that echoes with Anne Rice’s novels of Lasher and the Mayfair Witches.
It’s also an interesting window on the subject of class distinction in the US at the time. Locke’s family appear to be well-to-do, if not fabulously wealthy. Locke himself is described as being the wealthiest in his family, although his money is self made.
Locke’s reaction to his cousin marrying a vaudeville entertainer might seem a little puzzling today but it’s clear that entertainers, particularly those that perform in bars or clubs were thought to be disreputable folk. Maybe Ingram was making a conscious effort to disabuse her public of that notion.
Her unconscious may well have been doing other things, since at the denouement, the main characters aim to flee the house in a car and escape the malign creature’s reach. No provision appears to have been made for evacuation of the domestic staff who would presumably have been left to their fate.
Meanwhile, his young cousin, (who has overbearing parents with impossibly high standards) has married Verne, a young cabaret entertainer. Roger is initially appalled but decides to reserve judgment. As Verne is originally from a farming family he offers the couple the chance to run his farm for him and supervise the renovation of the house while he is in New York.
When he returns to the farm a collapsed dam has been rebuilt and the lake has widened and deepened. However, from then on he is visited by both the mysterious woman and an evil presence who claims that the woman belongs to him and vows that Locke will be destroyed.
It’s a very readable book with some engaging and interesting characters. Ingram certainly manages to produce an atmosphere of dread and unearthly unease when the thing (from another dimension, it appears) manifests itself, while at the same time establishing a growing bond between Locke and his mysterious – possibly immaterial – female visitor, slotting this novel into the tradition of supernatural romances. Indeed, there is much in this that echoes with Anne Rice’s novels of Lasher and the Mayfair Witches.
It’s also an interesting window on the subject of class distinction in the US at the time. Locke’s family appear to be well-to-do, if not fabulously wealthy. Locke himself is described as being the wealthiest in his family, although his money is self made.
Locke’s reaction to his cousin marrying a vaudeville entertainer might seem a little puzzling today but it’s clear that entertainers, particularly those that perform in bars or clubs were thought to be disreputable folk. Maybe Ingram was making a conscious effort to disabuse her public of that notion.
Her unconscious may well have been doing other things, since at the denouement, the main characters aim to flee the house in a car and escape the malign creature’s reach. No provision appears to have been made for evacuation of the domestic staff who would presumably have been left to their fate.
August 29, 2019
This little gem of a short novel combines weird fiction, radium age scifi, mystery, and romance into a very strange jambalaya that somehow works.
It is not very grand in scale. A pop music writer wants to help his young cousin, who just eloped with a man whom the family does not approve. He allows them to stay in his old farmhouse by a lake that he bought as a retreat to do his composing in exchange for the newlyweds helping with the upkeep of the property. But his generosity isn't completely selfless--you see, he could use the company, because he gets a few odd visitors in the middle of the night.
Most of the novel is just a very sweet and touching family drama that would play well as a BBC television period piece. The new husband of the cousin, for example, turns out to be a real noble and gentle soul, not the gold-digging heart-breaker he is assumed to be by the main protagonist. It is rewarding to read about the progression of the odd trio's relationship as they grow closer while living on the farmhouse.
In the meantime, sometimes the story dives into Lovecraft country. There is a scene which I won't spoil involving a ponytail that sent serious shivers up my spine as well as any creepy work by M.R. James. There's also witchcraft and an interdimensional being that is very reminiscent of, but long predates, Stephen King's "It." The author even seems to imply that the titular "Thing" occupies the same universe as William Hope Hodgson's "Borderland." Fun stuff for fans of weird fiction.
The end gets wrapped up a bit too nicely and is inconsistent with the tone of the rest of the novel, feeling more like the conclusion of a Scooby Doo episode. But despite the inconsistencies and weird mishmash of genres, this was an enjoyable read, and deserves 4 stars to hopefully encourage more readers to check out this quaint classic.
It is not very grand in scale. A pop music writer wants to help his young cousin, who just eloped with a man whom the family does not approve. He allows them to stay in his old farmhouse by a lake that he bought as a retreat to do his composing in exchange for the newlyweds helping with the upkeep of the property. But his generosity isn't completely selfless--you see, he could use the company, because he gets a few odd visitors in the middle of the night.
Most of the novel is just a very sweet and touching family drama that would play well as a BBC television period piece. The new husband of the cousin, for example, turns out to be a real noble and gentle soul, not the gold-digging heart-breaker he is assumed to be by the main protagonist. It is rewarding to read about the progression of the odd trio's relationship as they grow closer while living on the farmhouse.
In the meantime, sometimes the story dives into Lovecraft country. There is a scene which I won't spoil involving a ponytail that sent serious shivers up my spine as well as any creepy work by M.R. James. There's also witchcraft and an interdimensional being that is very reminiscent of, but long predates, Stephen King's "It." The author even seems to imply that the titular "Thing" occupies the same universe as William Hope Hodgson's "Borderland." Fun stuff for fans of weird fiction.
The end gets wrapped up a bit too nicely and is inconsistent with the tone of the rest of the novel, feeling more like the conclusion of a Scooby Doo episode. But despite the inconsistencies and weird mishmash of genres, this was an enjoyable read, and deserves 4 stars to hopefully encourage more readers to check out this quaint classic.
June 21, 2013
Roger Melin's narration was excellent - clear and engaging with appropriate, understated character voices.
The story itself was fun. Creepy and strange, with well developed main characters that I got very attached to. It is slow to start but I was enjoying learning about the people so it kept my interest. I kept with it all the way to the end to find out what was going on and the reveal did not disappoint.
There are some old fashioned attitudes towards gender, disability and sex, but these were not pervasive enough to spoil the story for me, although I did find myself rolling my eyes at times.
The story itself was fun. Creepy and strange, with well developed main characters that I got very attached to. It is slow to start but I was enjoying learning about the people so it kept my interest. I kept with it all the way to the end to find out what was going on and the reveal did not disappoint.
There are some old fashioned attitudes towards gender, disability and sex, but these were not pervasive enough to spoil the story for me, although I did find myself rolling my eyes at times.
February 13, 2017
I loved the twist in this story! The book just drew me in. Here i thought the girl was a spirit trapped in the human realm and had fallen for a man whom she continue to visit at nights, just to find out she was an actual human who had been sneaking in and out of the man's house. It really proved how strong prayer is. It got rid of the that evil spirit who had latched himself unto that young girl and the main character. I like the fact that he held is ground and didn't allow it to drive him out. This is definitely one of my favorite books so far this year.
September 6, 2012
A strangely sweet little ghost story with likeable characters- I listened to this on audio, a chapter a night, and found myself always looking forward to the next installment which is always a good sign.
December 10, 2025
As vapor rises from some unseen source and forms in vague growing mass within the curdled air, so blackening dark the hideous bulk reared Itself in the night and stared in upon me. As so many times, I felt the Eyes I could not see; the pressure of a colossal hate loomed over me, poised to crush, yet withheld by a force greater than either of us. The venom of Its malevolence flowed into the atmosphere about me, fouling the breath I drew. My lungs labored.
I did not expect to enjoy this book this much!
I believe that most of my enjoyment might be due to the protagonist, Roger Locke, who is such a good egg. Indeed, he might be the Best Egg. He is that kind friend who will help you when no one else will. He has such a good disposition - I think his easy friendship with the living is what makes him both able to befriend the uncanny, and to stand his ground when he must.
The other reason this is so enjoyable is that the prose and style are so neat and evocative. The author has a gift for juxtaposing Lovecraftian horror to the warmth and comfort of a household full of love.
In the darkness Time crept along like a crippled thing, slow-moving, hideous. Outside fell the monotonous drip, drip from trees and bushes, likened by Phillida to a horrid clock. The fog was a sounding-board for furtive noises that grew up like fungi in the moist atmosphere. The thought of Phillida and Vere down in the pleasant living room tempted me almost beyond resistance.
Also, if you're like me, you'll be happy to know that there is a cat, and his name is Bagheera. He is a good cat, and nothing happens to him.
July 26, 2017
When I first picked up this title, I did it only because the title sounded interesting and unusual for books from the 1920s. I have a personal like for the older literature as it gives you an interesting look into our past.
The Thing From the Lake was a book that caught me off guard. I found the story to be very intriguing once you have gotten to the 20s style of flowery words and digressions in thought that would typically be cut out of books today.
I found that this book read to me like one of the first types of supernatural/science fiction type stories where what you would expect doesn't turn out the way you thought. I was completely caught off by the (good) ending.
The book has some things that could be considered issues nowadays. As it was written in the 1920s, the opinion and way women are portrayed my strike a wrong chord with the modern reader. Though Ms. Ingram does well of giving her female leads personality, they do conform more of the cute, need-to-be-rescued type damsels though they do have action of their own and aren't "sexy lamps" that could be easily replaced.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to rereading it one day.
The Thing From the Lake was a book that caught me off guard. I found the story to be very intriguing once you have gotten to the 20s style of flowery words and digressions in thought that would typically be cut out of books today.
I found that this book read to me like one of the first types of supernatural/science fiction type stories where what you would expect doesn't turn out the way you thought. I was completely caught off by the (good) ending.
The book has some things that could be considered issues nowadays. As it was written in the 1920s, the opinion and way women are portrayed my strike a wrong chord with the modern reader. Though Ms. Ingram does well of giving her female leads personality, they do conform more of the cute, need-to-be-rescued type damsels though they do have action of their own and aren't "sexy lamps" that could be easily replaced.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to rereading it one day.
October 11, 2020
I didn't realize this book was first published in 1921, but that is probably due to the translation. It seems modern at first but you quickly realize that's not the case. There are a lot of old fashioned views present in this short novel which are especially evident in the main character, Roger.
The premise is interesting, and at first the story is too but then it starts to steer from that to a more romantic storyline (if you can actually call it that. . .). The protagonist Roger becomes infatuated by a braid of hair (yeah, hair), and by the woman who it belongs to. Not only does he not know her, he doesn't know what she looks like or if she's even real and not some weird hallucination. That basically fuels the plot together with what seems to be an actual supernatural being and Roger's mission to discover what kind of being is threatening him and his mysterious lady.
The ending itself is so so underwhelming it's sad. Overall, the story was fine, a bit boring at parts, but it was ok. It is more of a romance with supernatural elements.
The premise is interesting, and at first the story is too but then it starts to steer from that to a more romantic storyline (if you can actually call it that. . .). The protagonist Roger becomes infatuated by a braid of hair (yeah, hair), and by the woman who it belongs to. Not only does he not know her, he doesn't know what she looks like or if she's even real and not some weird hallucination. That basically fuels the plot together with what seems to be an actual supernatural being and Roger's mission to discover what kind of being is threatening him and his mysterious lady.
The ending itself is so so underwhelming it's sad. Overall, the story was fine, a bit boring at parts, but it was ok. It is more of a romance with supernatural elements.
September 19, 2025
This beautifully written and simple love story combines elements of magical realism, horror, and ghostly themes, creating a gripping thriller that is truly captivating. The characters are well-developed and embody inspiring human traits that are worth emulating.
Gothic elements are interwoven with pastoral themes. Beneath the menacing presence of evil, there lies a solid foundation of peace, serenity, safety, and the most powerful force in the story: love.
Despite its minor imperfections, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Gothic elements are interwoven with pastoral themes. Beneath the menacing presence of evil, there lies a solid foundation of peace, serenity, safety, and the most powerful force in the story: love.
Despite its minor imperfections, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
March 12, 2019
Swamp Gas
Yes! Swamp gas my friend. NEVER MIND THE NOISES AND DISTURBANCES!
The cement damn and the loneliness overwhelming oppression were the reason for your unease.
I don't know? I did not hate the book. I did not love it. It was not over the top supernatural. I do wish there was a this from the lake. Not a culmination of the supernatural.
I read along with librivox Roger Melin. His reading was done well. I would have left out all of the special effects.
Yes! Swamp gas my friend. NEVER MIND THE NOISES AND DISTURBANCES!
The cement damn and the loneliness overwhelming oppression were the reason for your unease.
I don't know? I did not hate the book. I did not love it. It was not over the top supernatural. I do wish there was a this from the lake. Not a culmination of the supernatural.
I read along with librivox Roger Melin. His reading was done well. I would have left out all of the special effects.
July 23, 2020
Me when it turns out to be a demon: Maybe they should try praying.
Me 10 pages later when they're reading the diary and about to try magic: Maybe they should try praying.
Me when the demon throws the book into the fire: TRY PRAYING.
Me when the demon is defeated by a prayer: Finally. (Also, they never would've tried praying in a book nowadays, and I would've hit my head against the wall in frustration.)
Me 10 pages later when they're reading the diary and about to try magic: Maybe they should try praying.
Me when the demon throws the book into the fire: TRY PRAYING.
Me when the demon is defeated by a prayer: Finally. (Also, they never would've tried praying in a book nowadays, and I would've hit my head against the wall in frustration.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2023
Como editor del libro, qué voy a decir :)
Lo cierto es que la novela ha envejecido muy bien y la trama romántica hace destacar todavía más el aspecto de horror cósmico y pagano. A destacar la enorme labor del traductor, Sergio Mars, y la espectacular maquetación interior de Papenfuss.
La cubierta es un cuadro maravilloso a cargo de Carlos Cuesta.
Lo cierto es que la novela ha envejecido muy bien y la trama romántica hace destacar todavía más el aspecto de horror cósmico y pagano. A destacar la enorme labor del traductor, Sergio Mars, y la espectacular maquetación interior de Papenfuss.
La cubierta es un cuadro maravilloso a cargo de Carlos Cuesta.
October 5, 2018
I'm glad I didn't put this book down. The English was too stiff for me, but after a while I didn't notice it...much. Anyway, Eleanor does a great job making the reader feel like they're in that old house and surrounded by fog.
October 20, 2018
A Classic that needs to be read by all. Scary and brilliant, ghosts, witches and demons perhaps on their way. I loved it
October 7, 2019
Some of the writing was kinda pretty. Old English is nice.Not so scary tho
July 27, 2021
The audiobook was perfectly narrated, it felt almost like a long poem at times.
3 star story, the plot is wonky at times, and a extra star for the audiobook versión because its just that good
3 star story, the plot is wonky at times, and a extra star for the audiobook versión because its just that good
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