Spending the summer in Upstate New York at a private cottage on the shores of Lake Ontario sounds like a dream. But for Sam Payne, whose idyllic childhood summers spent at the family cabin complex were marred by a disturbing murder, returning there is her worst nightmare. And that’s before she learns that the family legend of a headless horseman haunting those shores is true. Kelly Armstrong delivers thrilling folk horror that somehow manages to be a perfect read for both summer and Halloween season with The Haunting of Paynes Hollow, which came out last fall. Continue reading Review of The Haunting of Paynes Hollow—Lakeside Horror
Tag: friendship
Female Friendships in Gothic Literature
With Valentine’s Day coming up, it feels like we’re getting constantly hit in the face with commercialized images of heteronormative romantic love. It’s enough to make anyone feel a little disenchanted, but I’ve always loved the holiday. For me, Valentine’s Day is about more than just purchasing materialistic expressions of affection for your significant other. It’s about celebrating love in all its forms. And, personally, some of the most important relationships in my life are my friendships with other women. Growing up, my female friends and I always took this time of year as an opportunity to send each other flowers, give out chocolate, and be extra vocal with our love and support. That’s why this Valentine’s Day, I want to take a moment to celebrate some of my favorite female friendships in Gothic literature. Continue reading Female Friendships in Gothic Literature