Author: Louise Douglas
Genre: Gothic Thriller, Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 388
Publisher: Kindle Edition
About the Book
A child who does not know her name…
In 1903 fishermen find a wrecked boat containing a woman, who has been badly beaten, and a young girl. An ambulance is sent for, and the two survivors are taken to All Hallows, the imposing asylum, hidden deep on Dartmoor. The woman remains in a coma, but the little girl, who the staff name Harriet, awakens and is taken to an attic room, far away from the noise of the asylum, and is put in the care of Nurse Emma Everdeen.
Two motherless boys banished to boarding school…
In 1993, All Hallows is now a boarding school. Following his mother’s death and his father’s hasty remarriage, Lewis Tyler is banished to Dartmoor, stripped of his fashionable clothes, shorn of his long hair, and left feeling more alone than ever. There he meets Isak, another lost soul, and whilst refurbishment of the dormitories is taking place, the boys are marooned up in the attic, in an old wing of the school.
Cries and calls from the past that can no longer be ignored…
All Hallows is a building full of memories, whispers, cries from the past. As Lewis and Isak learn more about the fate of Harriet, and Nurse Emma’s desperate fight to keep the little girl safe, it soon becomes clear there are ghosts who are still restless.
Are they ghosts the boys hear at night in the room above, are they the unquiet souls from the asylum still caught between the walls? And can Lewis and Isak bring peace to All Hallows before the past breaks them first…
The Review
What a fantastic discovery this book was! Falls right in league with Maurier’s Rebecca or Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale when it comes to writing, setting, and the goth factor.
“The Room in the Attic” by Louise Douglas takes readers on an enchanting and suspenseful journey through time, blending elements of gothic mystery and historical fiction. With its atmospheric setting, well-drawn characters, and a storyline that seamlessly weaves together the past and present, this novel is a delightfully engrossing read. At the heart of the book is a Lewis Tyler and nurse Emma Everdeen, both belonging to different time periods, and what ties them is this intricate tale of suspense about a young girl and his mother found aboard an abandoned ship. The elements of gothic horror, psychological distress, science-fiction, and the supernatural, make this book every bit worth a reader’s time and you’ll see why.
Douglas expertly crafts the atmospheric chill, transporting readers to the picturesque settings and immersing them in its rich history. The vivid descriptions evoke a strong sense of charm for the haunting backdrop of the unfolding tale; eerie albeit inviting, all at once. The characters in “The Room in the Attic” are compelling and multi-dimensional. Lewis, in particular, is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. As he delves deeper into the secrets of the boarding school called ‘All Hallows’, he is confronted with his own personal struggles and emotional baggage. His growth as a character throughout the novel is beautifully portrayed, and readers will find themselves rooting for him at every turn. The rest of the characters are quite brilliant and lovable too.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its seamless blend of two distinct timelines. As Lewis uncovers the school’s secrets, its history, and the stories of the residents of the institution, the narrative seamlessly shifts back and forth, revealing mind-boggling twists and turns. The parallel narratives help build the suspense and maintain a gripping pace throughout. The historical aspect of the book is well-researched and adds depth to the overall narrative. The portrayal of Victorian England, the society, the mindset, and overall mood of that period is well-depicted through nurse Everdeen and her sacrifices and challenges showcase the resilience of the human spirit even in the darkest of times.
The last time I was this blown as a reader was when I first read Rebecca and while I thought there is no beating the gothic stature of that novel. With ‘The Room in the Attic’, Douglas gets pretty close.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, “The Room in the Attic” is a stunning novel that seamlessly combines mystery and historical fiction to give readers a masterpiece. Here’s a mesmerizing tale where past is more alive than present itself. With its well-drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and a narrative that effortlessly spans decades, this book will leave readers turning pages through midnight. Fans of historical fiction, here’s a gem for you!
Buy your copy now. Click here.
Have you read ‘The Room in the Attic’? Do share your thoughts below.
