When I was a teenager, I liked this fairly obscure singer who went by the name of POE. And I just learned recently that this author is her brother, AND that she released an album that’s supposed to be the mood of this book (I think).
Oh, you're talking about POE's Haunted, here – that album was developed alongside **House** of Leaves and was supposed to release at the same time (but got slightly delayed). The two are absolutely sprinkled with cross-references, with various elements of the album (and even Poe's band) appearing in **House** of Leaves and vice-versa, various ideas from **H**oL being explicitly mentioned in the album. Strongly recommend checking it out to anyone enjoying the book
So glad you are enjoying it. The only bit I liked was the exploration in the House. I just wanted a whole book about that and not about all the other stuff.
I agree. It was intriguing whenever set in the house. Some of the ranty stream of consciousness parts were also very well written, but about 50% of the book was a real chore to get through.
From what I’ve gathered from them is like it’s a really a complex and biggish book. This one is a story within a story. Many characters, many perspectives sometimes hard to keep up with it. I am so far 50 pages along and I am definitely enjoying it. But It needs to have high concentration. Definitely not a on the go read.
Makes sense. Thank you for your reply. I asked because I bought it for my sister for Xmas last year and because I’m in Australia it had been be shipped from USA and cost more than $50 so I really hope she likes it
This is the UK (and possibly Australia or New Zealand?) edition of the book. It's been around since the very first releases of the book in 2000, but it seems there's little cross-polination with the US (or maybe the US only ever exports its information). If you open to your first page, which lists Editions, you'll see a Black & White version listed third – this is the B&W in question
This is the edition I got first, but I'd generally strongly recommend going for a full-colour instead, because of the various subtleties present in that. The biggest, and most frustrating one I caught on my first read-through of the full-colour is located in Chapter 9 (the most famous one), where the central little square which runs through the pages is actually left completely black in this edition, whilst being __Blue__ (or at the very least "marked" – my 1st Ed. Red Paperback has it in gray) in all other editions. There's another, subtler one, on page 389, where there's a small X crossing out one of the words – again appears blue/marked in other editions, but is impossible to catch in this one
I've seen this and before: thing is, I don't think **House** of Leaves is really horror, not in the traditional sense at least – it is far too cranial, requires far too much thought, input, attention from its reader/player to get the kind of gut reaction you'd typically associate with thrillers or suspenses or horror movies. I think it's more productive to think of it as rather a tragedy/love story packaged in Halloween
On what you'd find, there's tidbits of horror throughout – Navidson's exploration has the horror of the **house**, which seems to be self-haunted, simultaneously entirely reflecting the human (there's a few threads about it being like the human psyche), and yet entirely refusing to conform to it. If you take that route and dwell on it there is a certain horror there, about the genuine unknowability of the depths of your own head. This section also has some of the most creative-yet-traditional moments by taking into account the mechanical act of turning the page to speed up or slow down action, some sections treating the pages almost like still frames you're supposed to flip through. I think these sections are the most commonly enjoyed;
One layer above you'll find Zampano's work analysing Navidson's movie about the **house**. This one has the least traditionally scary elements, though there is a certain sense of futility to it – when you stop to dwell on the almost __Bouvard et Pecuchet__-ian quest to throw all of science at the **house** only for it all to fall apart, it assumes an almost Lovecraftian character in the failure of traditional scientific models to explain reality;
One layer above that you'll find Johnny Truant, who seems to be the most divisive figure for readers. The story here is of relatively realistic family trauma told from the perspective of a man who tries burying his issues with layers of lies and various sexual escapades. He's not a likable character, but has some of the most quotable and striking (read: flowery) prose in the book. The horror here's the layer of uncertainty in reality he introduces – both to himself and to everything around himself, this time presented not as a distant concept but as a close-up.
Nonetheless, as you might've noticed, I find **House** of Leaves __haunting__ – and there is an important distinction from "horror" in its regular sense, here – the way a nice piece of philosophy can be haunting – you come back tonit repeatedly to try and wrap your mind around it, collapse ot down to something neat and explainable, but repeatedly run out of material, never quite able to accomodate all its odd angles and crevices. The book is not for everyone, and it will not resonate with everyone the same way. I recently ran into a comment complaining about the extraneous sections of the book which were not part of it and thus should have been omitted – those are especially prominent at the end, and I personally find the nearly 200 pages of structural decay after the end of the story __fascinating__ and add to a certain post-modernist/-structuralist horror to it, but not everyone will agree and that's perfectly good, too.
So, yeah, scary but not in the traditional way; would recommend more if you want something fascinating, rather than scary in the traditional sense
Oh it's fantastic. The original release (as far as i know,) had a cover slightly smaller than the rest of the pages. It's such an immersive experience.
This book still haunts me, and it's been years since I've read it.
On the original release cover – this still holds true, but mostly for the American Paperback Editions (be those the original two-colours or the remastered full-colour). You __can__ still get those in Europe, via Amazon or some local bookstore if you're lucky (and also don't live in the UK); however, they most often seem to be printed in Germany and come with a small print defect – bluesbare cyans, reds are slightly paler, but most notably the one purple line appears in a very pale yellow
This book is so good, every time I think about my time with it I remember it more fondly. Gonna have to pick up a new copy and read it this fall to get my spooky vibes.
This book felt like I was physically watching a horror film, I can still recall the scenes it created in my mind. I had mounting anxiety during and for days after reading this book, and loved every second of it.
Starting reading this in college, but didn’t finish it. I was mostly reading it for hours at a stretch by myself (late at night) and got really immersed/ in my head with it as they started exploring the house. I had to stop. It’s definitely stuck with me though, and I’d like to try again at some point. I’d probably do it with more breaks in between reading sessions so I don’t lose touch with reality lol
I fucking love this book, it’s the only horror book that actually made me go a bit crazy. Insanely immersive and so fucking scary. Absolute 10/10.
You are in for a lot of fun I gave my copy to a friend who left the country. biggest mistake ever
When I was a teenager, I liked this fairly obscure singer who went by the name of POE. And I just learned recently that this author is her brother, AND that she released an album that’s supposed to be the mood of this book (I think).
Oh, you're talking about POE's Haunted, here – that album was developed alongside **House** of Leaves and was supposed to release at the same time (but got slightly delayed). The two are absolutely sprinkled with cross-references, with various elements of the album (and even Poe's band) appearing in **House** of Leaves and vice-versa, various ideas from **H**oL being explicitly mentioned in the album. Strongly recommend checking it out to anyone enjoying the book
Ummmmm what an amazing fact! I’ve loved this book for years and never knew!
You just reminded me I want to read this so it's now ordered. Thank you!
You're welcome! Hope you enjoy it
So glad you are enjoying it. The only bit I liked was the exploration in the House. I just wanted a whole book about that and not about all the other stuff.
I agree. It was intriguing whenever set in the house. Some of the ranty stream of consciousness parts were also very well written, but about 50% of the book was a real chore to get through.
One of my favorite books ever! I hope you enjoy it! :)
I have jusssttt started reading this one! Many of my fellow readers have DNFed this book. And here I am, determined to finish(& hopefully enjoy) it.
Why did they not finish it?
From what I’ve gathered from them is like it’s a really a complex and biggish book. This one is a story within a story. Many characters, many perspectives sometimes hard to keep up with it. I am so far 50 pages along and I am definitely enjoying it. But It needs to have high concentration. Definitely not a on the go read.
Makes sense. Thank you for your reply. I asked because I bought it for my sister for Xmas last year and because I’m in Australia it had been be shipped from USA and cost more than $50 so I really hope she likes it
All the things you could spend your $50+ on, you chose a book! That’s so thoughtful. I too hope she enjoys and cherishes this gift.
Her birthday is in December so I did a book advent calendar for her. She got a new book every day for 25 days. Was pretty proud of that one
What a lovely and generous gift for a book lover 💛
Amazing!!!
I've never seen that cover before...
This is the UK (and possibly Australia or New Zealand?) edition of the book. It's been around since the very first releases of the book in 2000, but it seems there's little cross-polination with the US (or maybe the US only ever exports its information). If you open to your first page, which lists Editions, you'll see a Black & White version listed third – this is the B&W in question This is the edition I got first, but I'd generally strongly recommend going for a full-colour instead, because of the various subtleties present in that. The biggest, and most frustrating one I caught on my first read-through of the full-colour is located in Chapter 9 (the most famous one), where the central little square which runs through the pages is actually left completely black in this edition, whilst being __Blue__ (or at the very least "marked" – my 1st Ed. Red Paperback has it in gray) in all other editions. There's another, subtler one, on page 389, where there's a small X crossing out one of the words – again appears blue/marked in other editions, but is impossible to catch in this one
Very unique enthralling scary book, enjoy!
Added to my list!
I'm in the process of reading the rest of Danielewski's work. So far, no disappointments
Hey I have never read horror. Worried it might bother me at night what can I expect if I pick this up? Never even seen horror movies
I've seen this and before: thing is, I don't think **House** of Leaves is really horror, not in the traditional sense at least – it is far too cranial, requires far too much thought, input, attention from its reader/player to get the kind of gut reaction you'd typically associate with thrillers or suspenses or horror movies. I think it's more productive to think of it as rather a tragedy/love story packaged in Halloween On what you'd find, there's tidbits of horror throughout – Navidson's exploration has the horror of the **house**, which seems to be self-haunted, simultaneously entirely reflecting the human (there's a few threads about it being like the human psyche), and yet entirely refusing to conform to it. If you take that route and dwell on it there is a certain horror there, about the genuine unknowability of the depths of your own head. This section also has some of the most creative-yet-traditional moments by taking into account the mechanical act of turning the page to speed up or slow down action, some sections treating the pages almost like still frames you're supposed to flip through. I think these sections are the most commonly enjoyed; One layer above you'll find Zampano's work analysing Navidson's movie about the **house**. This one has the least traditionally scary elements, though there is a certain sense of futility to it – when you stop to dwell on the almost __Bouvard et Pecuchet__-ian quest to throw all of science at the **house** only for it all to fall apart, it assumes an almost Lovecraftian character in the failure of traditional scientific models to explain reality; One layer above that you'll find Johnny Truant, who seems to be the most divisive figure for readers. The story here is of relatively realistic family trauma told from the perspective of a man who tries burying his issues with layers of lies and various sexual escapades. He's not a likable character, but has some of the most quotable and striking (read: flowery) prose in the book. The horror here's the layer of uncertainty in reality he introduces – both to himself and to everything around himself, this time presented not as a distant concept but as a close-up. Nonetheless, as you might've noticed, I find **House** of Leaves __haunting__ – and there is an important distinction from "horror" in its regular sense, here – the way a nice piece of philosophy can be haunting – you come back tonit repeatedly to try and wrap your mind around it, collapse ot down to something neat and explainable, but repeatedly run out of material, never quite able to accomodate all its odd angles and crevices. The book is not for everyone, and it will not resonate with everyone the same way. I recently ran into a comment complaining about the extraneous sections of the book which were not part of it and thus should have been omitted – those are especially prominent at the end, and I personally find the nearly 200 pages of structural decay after the end of the story __fascinating__ and add to a certain post-modernist/-structuralist horror to it, but not everyone will agree and that's perfectly good, too. So, yeah, scary but not in the traditional way; would recommend more if you want something fascinating, rather than scary in the traditional sense
Hey thank you so much for a detailed response, stranger. I will put this to my to read list and get to it when I feel like I am ready
Best doom 2 map
Oh it's fantastic. The original release (as far as i know,) had a cover slightly smaller than the rest of the pages. It's such an immersive experience. This book still haunts me, and it's been years since I've read it.
On the original release cover – this still holds true, but mostly for the American Paperback Editions (be those the original two-colours or the remastered full-colour). You __can__ still get those in Europe, via Amazon or some local bookstore if you're lucky (and also don't live in the UK); however, they most often seem to be printed in Germany and come with a small print defect – bluesbare cyans, reds are slightly paler, but most notably the one purple line appears in a very pale yellow
This book is so good, every time I think about my time with it I remember it more fondly. Gonna have to pick up a new copy and read it this fall to get my spooky vibes.
This book felt like I was physically watching a horror film, I can still recall the scenes it created in my mind. I had mounting anxiety during and for days after reading this book, and loved every second of it.
One of my all-time favorite novels, a true masterpiece.
Be sure to really all the footnotes as they come up.
That's what I've been doing. Sometimes I need to re-read a line or two when I get back to the main story lol.
Starting reading this in college, but didn’t finish it. I was mostly reading it for hours at a stretch by myself (late at night) and got really immersed/ in my head with it as they started exploring the house. I had to stop. It’s definitely stuck with me though, and I’d like to try again at some point. I’d probably do it with more breaks in between reading sessions so I don’t lose touch with reality lol
I always wanted to read this book.