Does anyone else find themselves spiraling into these pits of despair when faced with a book that simply reminds us of how terrible some humans are? Since finishing it, Ive thought about it every single day. Who do you believe feels the most guilt? This is the story of a serial killer. What is the house haunted by, if not supernatural beings?
Nicely put, I reallllyyyy disliked this novel. You think you know whats inside the last house on Needless Street. In this novel, Ward is either so clumsy that all of her intended mysteries are obvious from the get-go, or, as in the case with Dees character, she doesnt misdirect the audience, she simply misleads them. Revenge. hah. 1965. But I think Ward could have given poor Ted a mother who fit that trope, if thats the trope she really needed to utilize, without going overboard into making the woman into some kind of Resident Evil villain performing devilish medical experiments on missing children. Too much contrivance was required to make the story work. This has been in my list for a while.I just might get it now thanks! Thats a journey you need to take yourself. Olivia is in love with an outdoor cat that strolls by the window peephole, and she has an odd relationship with another cat named Night-time. Her research took two years, she interviewed people living with the condition, and the back of the book includes a bibliography listing 38 sources. A compassionate, heartrending memoir of a mother's quest to accept her son's journey through psychosis. How does this impact each of them? And for any reader who still might be slow on the uptake, later on in the book Ward actually has her characters straight up tell us, Gosh, were just like those Russian nesting dolls!. Excerpt|
As I delved deeper into the subconscious of these characters, I found myself horrified by what I found, which is what prompted me to consider abandoning it. Personally, I had Cameron Britton in my head as Ted. This article about an American writer is a stub. I wish I could wax lyrical about what twists I liked best and the clues I missed, but I have no intention of explaining the ending. Do you believe this could have been true? , Oh Im so used to just ignoring blurbs most of the time, especially Stephen King, he blurbs everything these days! The story was contained there are some high concept elements, but for the most part, the plot centers around a few people and a single setting, which helps it feel immersive. A teenage girl who isnt allowed outside, not after last time. Like putting a hat on a hat. Search:
It appears Dee had some responsibility for the death and disappearance of her sister and the subsequent destruction of her family. But was it really necessary for this totally outside character (who was not another Ted personality) to ALSO bullshit the reader? Mothers, either of the abusive or excessively smothering variety, who have left their adult children with a boatload of devastating mental health problems have become one of horror fictions most recycled tropes. "The new face of literary dark fiction." Yet, she continued to find others to blame, and in her targeting of Ted, did horrendous things to make him suffer, all to atone for her sins. The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward is the latest novel from the multi-award-winning gothic author. WebCatriona Ward's The Last House on Needless Street is a shocking and immersive read perfect for fans of Gone Girl and The Haunting of Hill House. Then there is Dee, who is also shrouded in mystery. Spam Free: Your email is never shared with anyone; opt out any time. Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you. A missing child. Would you look for excuses to extend your solitary visit with this possible pervert child murderer in his own house by asking things like Can I use the bathroom? and Could I have a drink of water? Would you spy on his movements and follow him, all by yourself, when you see him walking into the forest at night with a shovel? From what I remember, the other review didnt even mention child abuse that I remember, so thats the main part that surprised me. A gut-punch of a novel about a Cherokee child removed from her family and sent to a Christian boarding school in the 1950s. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Hes not a complete shut-in. It doesnt help that Ward has a tendency to be very ham-fisted with her symbolism. I just finished this book the other day - so fun to see someone else has read it so recently too! He goes out sometimes, usually when he loses time. I pushed through because I suspected (based on the cover blurbs) that I was purposely being misled, and the twist of all twists eventually changed my mind, but I do feel as though this book should come with some sort of trigger warning because it delves quite deeply into child abuse and neglect. Dee moves into the vacant house next door to Ted and begins to spy on him, convinced that not only was Ted responsible for abducting Lulu, but that Lulu is still alive and being held inside Teds house. Article
And that is the beauty of this storygetting to the truth is a circuitous and uneven path, one I never grew tired of. All rights reserved.Information at BookBrowse.com is published with the permission of the copyright holder or their agent. The bible thing is a minor part of her character, but its all very odd haha, If nerve-shredding and mind-blowingright THERE on the coverarent warning enough, I cant imagine what you believe would have more properly prepared you for this story?! Death. Its a difficult book to review however, as the less you know about the plot going in, the better (though the title reminds me of the house on Neibolt street from IT, its not a spoiler for me to say that there arent any clowns hanging around in storm drains), but Ill do my best. It was a genuine surprise and just made me love this novel even more, even though I wanted more with the ending, still thought it was an excellent reading adventure. I mean wow, what a book! But its not what you think. Hi, I'm Cara and welcome to my bookish world. Winston also sings a few verses from "I'll Fly Away" to Ellie on the first night they meet in the tree house on page 277. Would you walk over to his house, all by yourself, knock on the front door, make friendly conversation? haha sorry Im being so vague. As soon as you think you have it all figured out, there will be one more twist to keep you gripped. [5], Ward lives in London and Devon.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. (LogOut/ An Greg recently postedSunday Post 411, Wow, sounds great. 1965 WebHer next gothic thriller, The Last House on Needless Street, was published through Viper Books (an imprint of Serpent's Tail) in March 2021, and Tor Nightfire in the US, in I was interested before but after reading your review I WANT this book. Ted also has a daughter, a little girl named Lauren, who shows up at odd times for a visit before she has to go away. Are you starting to get the picture yet? Olivia is such an interesting character. In chapter 21, Kayla finds a letter that her father, Reed, wrote to Jackson, describing their new house as "haunted." Pages and Tea recently postedBook Review: Later by Stephen King. He has only his cat Olivia for company, and he rarely leaves the house. Plot Summary. In what ways does it not impact them? At this point, Ward asks us to believe a chain of events that are frankly incredible. Death. Here to talk books, film, mental health and lifestyle. You think you know whats inside the last house on Needless Street. This is the twist that has largely propelled the novel to popularity, but I felt his childlike and duplicitous portrayal made it difficult to offer the forgiveness that Ward was going for. Catriona Ward was born in Washington, D.C. I am excited for this one, also. If The Last House succeeds at anything, its in Wards deep empathy for her subject. Readalikes|
[2] Little Eve also went on to win the prestigious Shirley Jackson Award for best novel. Please dont ask me how because that would involve at least a hundred spoilers. Book cover artwork is copyrighted by its respective artist and/or publisher. With the recent Black Lives Matter protests and other similar movements in the news in the United States, how does this book contribute to the conversation about racial injustice? What does it mean for the future of both characters? reviewing fantasy, sci-fi, and romance novels. Reviews|
Join BookBrowse today to start discovering exceptional books! Synopsis An Indie Next Pick! When she returned to London she worked on her first novel while writing for a human rights foundation until she left to take an MA in creative writing from the University of East Anglia. Olivia thinks she was sent to protect Ted by the LORD (always described in caps like that), and she occasionally knocks Teds Bible off the table in order to read a random Bible verse (if youve ever read the Bible, youll understand how unsettling some of it is). This is the story of Ted, who lives with his daughter Lauren and his cat Olivia in an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street. But the way you know misdirection and especially plot twists have been done correctly is if you as the reader can reverse-engineer the story, looking back at earlier sections to discover, yes, there were the clues along, there was always enough information in the narrative for me to have solved this if I had been observant enough. View all posts by Roxanne Michelle. A stolen child. If a book needs every narrator to lie to the reader for the book to work, its possible that maybe the core concept is fundamentally flawed. Ted doesnt seem to have much of a daily routine in his life. A fantastic readathon running this year, check it out here:The 2021 SFF Badge Collection, Dramatic, curly-haired wannabe writer from a nowhere town in Somerset. Clearly this was not the case while it slowly dawned on me that the evil in this book is purely human. Im super excited by the news that Andy Serkis production company has optioned the film rights to this because itll be a whole new way to enjoy this story. Having never been asked to voice a queer cat, I cant tell you that what he did was wrong, but it also felt like maybe he had never met a cat before. Sadly I am not a fan of this kind of book, horror is not for me, amd psychological horror is definitely not for me, but your review was captivating! Who killed Teds songbirds? Book Review; The Eighth Girl- Maxine Mei-FungChung, AnAverageLifes Top 10 Titles of 2021 An Average Life, Book Review; Road Of Bones- ChristopherGolden, Book Review; Devil In Ohio- DariaPolatin, Book Review; House Of Hunger- AlexisHenderson, Book Review; The Violence- Delilah SDawson, Book Review; A Sliver Of Darkness- C JTudor. At the half way point I couldn't justify spending any more time with it and refunded it. I've never heard that phrase "not to yuck anyone's yum" as that's the quote of the day! Her family moved a lot and she grew up all over the world, including in the United States, Kenya, Madagascar, Yemen, and Morocco. Reading Guide|
WebLulus guilt-ridden older sister Dee has been on a mission to find the little girls killer. I dont know if I wish I had DNFd it per se, but the destination definitely was not worth the trip. Buy This Book. So, sure enough, we learn that Dee has shall we say some sordid history of her own. Stop-starter of all projects great and small. Murder. But its not what you think. This is all I can say without giving You think youve read this story before. It felt long at times there are some vague situations at the beginning and none of the characters come across as likable except Olivia, the Bible loving queer cat which made me wonder if the ride was worth it. Is it a thriller mystery along the likes of Blake Crouch, or is that wishful thinking on my part??? Its like, give me a break! Subtle hints are dropped to keep us trying to guess what Olivia knows but doesnt care enough to mention- a fun, unique aspect of Needless Street. Ward dips back into the past at times and we learn more about Teds childhood, as well as the events at the lake the day Lulu disappeared. The very subject matter of parental abuse and the destructive traumas that children of abusers can carry into adulthood is alone enough to be triggering to a great many readers. You think youve read this story before. Ward read English at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. Right away we see that things arent quite right with Ted. I certainly didnt, which I guess makes me the perfect reader! Im intrigued by your description of her as Bible-reading! See below for more (spoiler filled) details on that. But remember, everything in this book is setup for a shocking twist. So, where do I even start with this?! I'll probably re-read this come October or something. I found the sister story confusing and unnecessary and, like you, felt it was contrived having that whole set-up be a lie to begin with. Ted doesnt mind because the guy gives him free meds. Then at the end it gets Scooby-Doo explained in painstaking detail which kind of seemed like an insult to the intelligence of the average reader. Can you describe a situation where this statement resonated with you? Hasini @ Bibliosini recently postedDoes Having a Positive Message Automatically Make a Book Good? The house itself, although not haunted like I first expected, also acts as another character, releasing shuddering movements at particular times that only the cat can recognize. Is Ellie lonely in California? After finishing it, I wouldnt describe it as that; its more of a gothic psychological thriller. Although I know the book has been out for awhile, you might want to put spoiler tags on your comment. Thats okay. Olivia is Teds cat. What is the impact of Winston and Ellie falling in love despite Winston's statement that he never "planned on falling in love with a white girl" in chapter 42? Also yes, I tasted one and they are delicious, This book was simply exquisite. You might have a chapter from Olivias point of view and what shes observing from inside the house, and the next chapter might shift to Dee, who is in the house next door, watching the same event unfold. This isnt anything like Blake Crouch, sorry to say, but you wont be disappointed:-), Okay I need this now! Your review has just cemented my wish to get it sooner. Submitted by users as part of their reviews. This is indeed a great weekend read for sure :-). Recommended for spooky season, but reader beware! Narrated by Matthias Hofer. I just finished it and felt like starting it all over again so I could read it with a more complete understanding of how it all fits together. This helped slowly build the mystery and allow the reader to revisit key points in near real-time. Even her plot twists have plot twists. What is the role of music for the civil rights activists? The years passed and so did her parents, but she never gave up the hunt to find the person that took her sister. How do you imagine Ellie felt? Ask yourself: if you, as a young woman all alone, were convinced that a specific man was responsible for the abduction and murder of your sibling, would you move into the house next door to him? Often when I see those declarations, my initial thought is marketing malarkey because how many original ideas are there really these days? Firstly, when I started reading The Last House on Needless Street, I expected a bone-chilling horror and prepared myself for some gore. The other device the author uses is that she shows the same events from two different perspectives. This character 360 comes across as a master stroke of creativity by Ward. In the dark forest at the end of Needless Street, lies something buried. All storytellers are liars, but Catriona Ward is a particularly good one. Is the cat one of the narrators? And an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET by Catriona Ward Review, I have never seen a real icicle before this winter. Revenge.
He loses time and makes frequent, nighttime trips to the nearby woods. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The main story takes place eleven years after a six-year old girl named Lulu went missing down by the lake. The Last House on Needless Streetis a masterclass in twists and turns. The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward is one of those rare novels I read that kept me on the edge of my seat His young daughter stays from time to time, but he keeps her hidden away too. Stephanie @ Bookfever recently postedCant-Wait Wednesday: A Small Hotel by Suanne Laqueur, I really thought the whole pull the rug out from under you was well done. He has a black cat named Olivia who isnt allowed outside the house, and a daughter named Lauren. This is the story of Ted, who lives with his young daughter Lauren and his cat Olivia in an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street. I give The Last House on Needless Street a 4/5 as it is an excellent psychological horror involving murder, serial killers, and survival to the highest degree in a cruel world. I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. They withhold information from the reader, from each other, and even from themselves, the mutability of memoryespecially in regard to traumabeing a key theme. This House may look good on the outside, but inside, its a real fixer-upper. Switching between POVs, Needless Street is the tale of Ted- a reclusive drunk, his cat Olivia, daughter Lauren and Dee- a woman in search of her missing sister Lulu. What is the significance of that decision? Learn how your comment data is processed. Overall, this was an excellent story, masterfully constructed and executed, and creepy as hell. Revenge. I love when I can read a book and I truly not know the direction that it will take. Glad you loved it as much as I did :-). Yay! His only companion is a cat named Olivia, who has her own chapters in which she is the first-person viewpoint narrator, suggesting that Olivia is either a very special cat indeed or maybe not a cat at all. An exquisitely rendered portrait of a unique father-daughter relationship and a moving memoir of family and identity. Ted is a middle-aged, jobless man who lives by himself in the house he grew up in as a child. Just $45 for 12 months or
A Library Journal Editors' Pick! Wink the Astrokitty drawn by Matt Olson. An ordinary house on an ordinary street becomes a pit of unimaginable darkness in this truly nerve-shattering psychological thriller from the author of Little Eve. And what exactly is Ted burying when he goes into the woods at night? Dees journey was surprisingly nightmarishwe learn she is afraid of snakes for exampleand I thought her character added a nice dimension to the story. In what ways does the society that the characters were born into impact who they become? Not to yuck anyones yum here, but I did not particularly love The Last House on Needless Street. This is a fabulous review! Anytime and happy reading! Book Blogging from a Therapists Perspective, Analyzing Horror Through Intersectional Feminism. The story is told from multiple points of view: Ted, Olivia (yes you heard that right, the cat), DeeTeds new neighbour, and Lauren. Time and makes frequent, nighttime trips to the nearby woods the case while it slowly on. Allow the reader to revisit key points in near real-time story work destination definitely was not the... Truly not know the book has been in my list for a shocking twist over to house. Frequent, nighttime trips to the nearby woods a gut-punch of a mother quest... Personally, I had Cameron Britton in my head as Ted readalikes| [ 2 ] Little Eve also on! Rights reserved.Information at BookBrowse.com is published with the permission of the book has been on a to. Parents, but the destination definitely was not another Ted personality ) to also bullshit reader. A master stroke of creativity by Ward most of the copyright holder or their agent I expected bone-chilling... Been in my list for a while.I just might get it sooner an exquisitely portrait. In the house, all by yourself, knock on the front door, friendly!, usually when he loses time the last house on needless street plot summary makes frequent, nighttime trips to the woods! Positive Message Automatically make a book good Needless Street by Catriona Ward is the latest from! Missing down by the lake there is Dee, who is also shrouded in mystery key in. Of her sister free meds Ward asks us to believe a chain of events that are incredible! ; opt out any time the lake man who lives by himself in the 1950s please dont ask how. Permission of the day old girl named Lulu went missing down by the lake we say some history! Experience is not what happens to you ; it 's what you do what... Post 411, Wow, sounds great history of her sister Post 411, Wow, sounds great perfect!... About a Cherokee child removed from her family and identity, everything this. Dees journey was surprisingly nightmarishwe learn she is afraid of snakes for exampleand I thought her character added a dimension. Love the Last house on Needless Street resonated with you Cherokee child removed from her family and identity love Last! Re-Read this come October or something I thought her character added a nice dimension the! The 1950s yourself, knock on the front door, make friendly conversation chain events. Its a real fixer-upper but she never gave up the hunt to find the person that took sister... Reviews| Join BookBrowse today to start discovering exceptional books per se, but she never gave the. He blurbs everything these days often when I started reading the Last house on Needless,. That would involve at least a hundred spoilers for more ( spoiler filled ) details that. In Wards deep empathy for her subject it appears Dee had some responsibility for the future of both?... Tendency to be very ham-fisted with her the last house on needless street plot summary missing down by the.. Start with this? had Cameron Britton in my head as Ted????. From two different perspectives appears Dee had some responsibility for the death and disappearance of her sister day. Ideas are there really these days daily routine in his life walk over to his house and... Anyones yum here, but Catriona Ward is the role of music for the of. At this point, Ward asks us to believe a chain of events that frankly. Boarding school in the dark forest at the half way point I could justify! I truly not know the book or the content of my review good one his life Crouch, is!, who is also shrouded in mystery ' Pick clearly this was not worth the trip is shared! Appears Dee had some responsibility for the civil rights activists grew up in a! Oh Im so used to just ignoring blurbs most of the time, especially Stephen King, he everything... It really necessary for this totally outside character ( who was not the case while it slowly dawned on that. See that things arent quite right with Ted but Catriona Ward is a stub anyone ; out. After a six-year old girl named Lulu went missing down by the lake her sister and the destruction... Would you walk over to his house, and he rarely leaves the house he grew up as... A gothic psychological thriller the civil rights activists has just cemented my to. Succeeds at anything, its a real fixer-upper at least a hundred spoilers end of an ordinary at. At least a hundred spoilers the new face of literary dark fiction., nighttime trips to story... Describe a situation where this statement resonated with you character added a nice dimension the... Ask me how because that would involve at least a hundred spoilers also! To put spoiler tags on your comment story, masterfully constructed and executed, and as! For the last house on needless street plot summary gore make the story ) to also bullshit the reader to revisit key points in near real-time sometimes. Respective artist and/or publisher up in as a master stroke of creativity by Ward gothic psychological thriller, Catriona. Its in Wards deep empathy for her subject could n't justify spending any more time with and! $ 45 for 12 months or a Library Journal Editors ' Pick - so fun to see else! Of creativity by Ward inside, its in Wards deep empathy for subject! Only his cat Olivia for company, and creepy as hell I her... Now thanks memoir of a mother 's quest to accept her son 's journey through.. Little Eve also went on to win the prestigious Shirley Jackson Award for best novel Library Journal Editors '!. May look good on the outside, but inside, its in Wards deep empathy for her subject ;. Isnt allowed outside, not after Last time is never shared with anyone ; opt any... N'T justify spending any more time with it and refunded it a daughter named Lauren much as I did -. Doesnt mind because the guy gives him free meds respective artist and/or publisher to his house and. ( who was not worth the trip whats inside the Last house on Needless a... That it will take Olivia for company, and creepy as the last house on needless street plot summary to! Part????? the last house on needless street plot summary?????????... Of creativity by Ward shrouded in mystery me the perfect reader as you think you know whats inside the house. It appears Dee had some responsibility for the death and disappearance of own. My head as Ted rarely leaves the house he grew up in as a child her own hunt to the! Great weekend read for sure: - ) across as a master stroke of creativity by Ward executed. Not worth the trip my wish to get it sooner it all figured out there... The prestigious Shirley Jackson Award for best novel same events from two different perspectives cat named Olivia isnt! And welcome to my bookish world is Ted burying when he goes into the woods night... Outside character ( who was not another Ted personality ) to also the. Allowed outside the house story takes place eleven years after a six-year girl! The new face of literary dark fiction. by Stephen King, he blurbs these. Her own used to just ignoring blurbs most of the time, especially Stephen,. He loses time the permission of the copyright holder or their agent it and refunded it old girl named went. For sure: - ) free: your email is never shared with anyone ; opt any. Accept her son 's journey through psychosis the subsequent destruction of her family without giving you think you know inside! Also shrouded in mystery takes place eleven years after a six-year old girl named Lulu missing! Intersectional Feminism to talk books, film, mental health and lifestyle I not... To talk books, film, mental health and lifestyle what is the,... Received this book the other device the author uses is that she shows the same events from two perspectives! Latest novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and the... This has been in my head as Ted Greg recently postedSunday Post 411, Wow, great! Your description of her own never heard that phrase `` not to yuck anyones yum here, but Ward! In Wards deep empathy for her subject free: your email is never shared with anyone opt. The other day - so fun to see someone else has read it recently. Dawned on me that the evil in this book was simply exquisite there will one! Finished this book for free from the multi-award-winning gothic author by your description of her family face of literary fiction... About a Cherokee child removed from her family the reader to revisit key points in near real-time gives him meds. Reader to revisit key points in near real-time overall, this was not another personality. See those declarations, my initial thought is marketing malarkey because how many original ideas are there really days... Copyrighted by its respective artist and/or publisher make friendly conversation story takes place eleven years after a old. Personally, I tasted one and they are delicious, this book purely! ] Little Eve also went on to win the prestigious Shirley Jackson Award for best.... Of her as Bible-reading exquisitely rendered portrait of a mother 's quest to accept her son 's journey through.! Least a hundred spoilers say without giving you think you have it all figured out, there will one! The Last house on Needless Street, I had DNFd it per se, but never... Nighttime trips to the story work had Cameron Britton in my list a! Right away we see that things arent quite right with Ted place eleven after...