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Johann (jobis89)'s Reviews > Lovecraft Country
Lovecraft Country
by
by
“But stories are like people, Atticus. Loving them doesn't make them perfect. You try to cherish their virtues and overlook their flaws. The flaws are still there, though.”
Lovecraft Country is a perfect example of how expectations can really dampen a reading experience. My expectation was a Lovecraftian novel that also delved into and explored Lovecraft’s despicable racism, but what I got instead was a series of loosely connected stories that didn’t tick any real Lovecraftian boxes. Lovecraft references does not a Lovecraftian book make. Perhaps this was my mistake for thinking this book was something that it’s not, but I was quite disappointed.
What makes it more disappointing was that the potential was there. The opening of the book had my attention - a black man navigating through Jim Crow America, with his guidebook for where black people could travel safely. It’s truly harrowing to read about, I ended up falling down a rabbit hole researching the Jim Crow laws. But once the book diverges off into a series of short stories, I really lost my enthusiasm.
There were little flashes where I thought “YES. This is what I was hoping for!” An example being the haunted house in a white neighbourhood - what an excellent opportunity to use a horror trope as a metaphor for racism. But it never felt fully fleshed out to me. On a positive note, there was also a little story that felt incredibly Bradbury-esque - that was a highlight!
My rating has dropped slightly as I’ve thought about my issues with the novel, but it’s still an entertaining read. I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from picking it up, it’s just a case of it not living up to my personal expectations. I honestly think Jordan Peele will deliver more of what I was looking for in the upcoming tv adaptation - fingers crossed! 2.5 stars.
Lovecraft Country is a perfect example of how expectations can really dampen a reading experience. My expectation was a Lovecraftian novel that also delved into and explored Lovecraft’s despicable racism, but what I got instead was a series of loosely connected stories that didn’t tick any real Lovecraftian boxes. Lovecraft references does not a Lovecraftian book make. Perhaps this was my mistake for thinking this book was something that it’s not, but I was quite disappointed.
What makes it more disappointing was that the potential was there. The opening of the book had my attention - a black man navigating through Jim Crow America, with his guidebook for where black people could travel safely. It’s truly harrowing to read about, I ended up falling down a rabbit hole researching the Jim Crow laws. But once the book diverges off into a series of short stories, I really lost my enthusiasm.
There were little flashes where I thought “YES. This is what I was hoping for!” An example being the haunted house in a white neighbourhood - what an excellent opportunity to use a horror trope as a metaphor for racism. But it never felt fully fleshed out to me. On a positive note, there was also a little story that felt incredibly Bradbury-esque - that was a highlight!
My rating has dropped slightly as I’ve thought about my issues with the novel, but it’s still an entertaining read. I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from picking it up, it’s just a case of it not living up to my personal expectations. I honestly think Jordan Peele will deliver more of what I was looking for in the upcoming tv adaptation - fingers crossed! 2.5 stars.
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Reading Progress
December 24, 2018
– Shelved as:
to-read
December 24, 2018
– Shelved
May 12, 2020
–
Started Reading
May 16, 2020
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-8 of 8 (8 new)
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Nathan wrote: "Spot on. My thoughts exactly, and I'm only halfway through. I'm persevering, as I generally have to finish a book otherwise I'm left feeling incomplete, but it's starting to feel like a slog.The s..."
So glad you agree! The very beginning was so strong, if it had have continued in that vein I think I would have loved it. I'm hopeful for the tv show though, I feel like Jordan Peele will give us a great adaptation of the book.
Yeah, I'm hopeful for the same reason. Jordan Peele is amazing and the trailers are encouraging.I shall continue my slog to the end...
Was the Bradbury0esque story you mentioned the Hippolyta one? Cause that was my absolute fave and I can't wait to see what they do with it in the show.
Ruxandra wrote: "Was the Bradbury0esque story you mentioned the Hippolyta one? Cause that was my absolute fave and I can't wait to see what they do with it in the show."YES! That was the one! I can't wait to see what they do with it too. The first episode was pretty solid.
Your review sums up exactly my opinion, so much better than I could have. Dashed expectations is exactly it, and why I don't feel I was able to give the book a fair shake.
Exactly how I felt. I loved the book, but I felt like it was missing something. I think it would benefit from someone like Jordan Peele. Hopefully the series improves on the good story ideas .
I understand what you’re saying but the book didn’t turn into a series of short stories, it was just switching perspectives to tell an interconnected story. For me once I got past Letitia’s arc with the Winthrop ghost, things started flowing better and I was intrigued to see how it all played out
The start was so strong, I was completely on board and excited for what was in store for Atticus and how he would navigate Jim Crow America. I had no idea the book would devolve into loosely-connected and lacklustre short stories.