Incidents Around the House: By Josh Malerman (Book Review)

“Incidents Around the House” by Josh Malerman is an intricate exploration of a family on the brink, viewed through the eyes of an eight-year-old girl named Bela. This novel, steeped in psychological horror, is both a chilling tale and an insightful commentary on the fragility of familial bonds. Malerman, known for his ability to weave terror into the mundane, delivers a story that resonates with both horror aficionados and readers looking for a deeper narrative.

The Perspective of Innocence

One of the most striking aspects of “Incidents Around the House” is its narrative perspective. The story is told entirely from Bela’s point of view, a choice that heightens the tension and eeriness. The childlike innocence with which Bela perceives the world around her contrasts sharply with the dark and twisted events unfolding within her home. This narrative style not only draws readers into Bela’s world but also amplifies the horror as her perceptions become increasingly unreliable and disturbing.

Malerman’s ability to capture the voice of a child so authentically is commendable. He manages to balance the simplicity of a child’s thoughts with the complex emotions and fears that drive the story. This juxtaposition is what makes the novel so compelling and unsettling, as the reader is constantly reminded of the innocence being corrupted by the malevolent force within the house.

The “Other Mommy” and Familial Tensions

Central to the horror in “Incidents Around the House” is the entity known as the “Other Mommy.” This spectral figure is not just a source of fear for Bela but a manifestation of the underlying tensions within her family. The “Other Mommy” represents the darker aspects of Bela’s mother, Ursula, and serves as a symbol of the cracks in the family’s seemingly perfect facade. As Bela’s interactions with the “Other Mommy” become more frequent and terrifying, the family’s internal struggles also intensify.

The novel delves deep into the psychological implications of these hauntings, blurring the lines between the supernatural and the psychological. Is the “Other Mommy” a real entity, or is she a projection of Bela’s subconscious fears? Malerman leaves much of this to the reader’s interpretation, which adds to the novel’s unsettling atmosphere.

A Slow-Burning Horror

“Incidents Around the House” is not a novel of jump scares or overt gore; rather, it is a slow-burning horror that creeps under your skin. The tension builds gradually, with small incidents escalating into a full-blown nightmare. This pacing may not appeal to all readers, particularly those who prefer fast-paced horror, but it is perfectly suited to the story Malerman is telling.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to maintain a sense of dread throughout. The mundane becomes terrifying, and everyday objects and occurrences take on sinister connotations. This subtle approach to horror is reminiscent of Malerman’s earlier works, like “Bird Box,” where the true terror lies in what is unseen and unspoken.

Conclusion

“Incidents Around the House” is a masterful blend of horror and family drama. Malerman expertly crafts a story that is both terrifying and emotionally resonant. The novel’s exploration of childhood fears, family secrets, and the supernatural is both thought-provoking and genuinely chilling. While it may not be for everyone, particularly those who prefer more traditional horror, it is a must-read for fans of psychological horror and those who appreciate a well-told, deeply unsettling story.

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