A dark and twisting horror that takes place in Louisiana during the great depression. I loved that, not only was this a ghost story, it was also a crime thriller featuring a Bonnie and Clyde like partnership. Johnny Walker is the leader, full of mystery and appeal. Eugene is captivated by him, by his look, by his ease of living and not seeming to care what others think. Eugene is his opposite, he hides himself away from the world, quiet about who he truly is. Eugene is therefore taken by surprise when Johnny takes an interest in him, going so far as to take him hostage.
The concurrent story is of Eugene as a child with his friend Mary Beth. You learn they were church friends, and that both of them can see a strange man who sits in the courtyard and watches them. No one else sees him, but Mary Beth assures Eugene he is a friend and means no harm and not to reveal him. Eugene is not so sure and wishes to tell their priest, a man who seems extra keen on protecting Mary Beth's soul. This novella touched on so many topics in such a short length. I was enthralled by the setting, which I could imagine so easily. The stagnant water, the twisted roots, the hidden depths, and the lurking danger. The heat sitting on your shoulders like a second skin, body soaked by the end of a long, hot day. The bayou setting was atmospheric, the perfect place for a ghost story. Especially one so focused on imprints and revenge. But, there is also something fantastical about this novel, especially when all is revealed. Eugene is a character that you begin by feeling pity for and emotional empathy. There is an easy connection with him. But as the story progresses you begin to see that he is tormented by something in his past that he regrets. The truth is horrific, both in terms of his inaction and also that he was a child and his inaction is understandable. My mind could not figure out whether to be sympathetic to this man or to be angry with him, but in truth is it not the community that is at fault. But then again, not all of the community would know, who truly should be held accountable for a heinous crime? Who is culpable in the death of a child? I will be reading more of Powell's work and highly recommend reading it if you enjoy claustrophobic horror that makes you think and question whether some revenge is justified when justice has been withheld.
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