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Description
Norfolk, 1917. Unable to join the army due to a heart condition, Freddie lives and works with his father in the grounds of the Edenwell Hydropathic, a wellness retreat in the Norfolk brecks. Preferring the company of birds – who talk to him as one of their own – over the eccentric characters who live in the spa, bathing in its healing waters, Freddie overhears their premonitions of murder.
Eustace Moncrieff is a troublemaker, desperate to go to war and leave behind his wealthy family. Shipped to Edenwell by his mother to keep him safe from the horrors of the trenches, he strikes up a friendship with Freddie at the behest of Doctor Chalice, the American owner of the Hydropathic.
As the two friends grow closer and grapple with their demons, they discover a body, and something terrifying stalking the woods. The dark halls of the spa are breached, haunted by the woodland beast, and the boys soon realise that they may be the only things standing between this monster and the whole of Edenwell
Summary
A belated post from reads of late 2023, was The Others of Edenwell by UK author Verity M. Holloway in this unusual historically themed gothic horror.
Review
The Others of Edenwell is consummately written, great characters and a good representation of 1910s PTSD, neurodivergence and LGBTQI characters. This concept, althouh not entirely unique, examineed minutely into the dark hearts beneath.
Holloway writes with acknowledgment of past while revealing deep characters. The queer and disability community and issues represented so thoughtfully.
It’s a big book but world. There are fine examples of best gothic horror world created.
Conclusion
A recommended read. Strong narrative and complex but fascinating and individually unique characters.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 