Review of “Old Soul”: An Exploration of Horror Literature by a Female Author

the woman never goes by the same name, she never stays in the same place too long. she never ages, she never dies,

Welcome back to the blog! I want to thank Penguin Random House, especially Penguin Books and Fig Tree, for providing an early copy of this remarkable yet unsettling book by the author @SusanBarker featured in this review, which will be published in February 2025. I appreciate a book that, despite its horrific storyline, captivates me like few others. The darkness is balanced by the author’s exquisite writing and deep characters., inviting readers into a world that is simultaneously unsettling and engrossing. The narrative explores complex themes of human nature and morality, provoking deep thoughts long after reading. This contradiction—repulsive plot combined with alluring prose—creates a challenging yet rewarding experience, reminding us that even disturbing subjects can be treated with artistry and insight.

When I first picked up the book, I felt a twinge of worry about whether I would enjoy it. It was described as a blend of horror and literary fiction, a combination that I don’t typically gravitate towards in my reading selections. However, I quickly realized that I had judged the book too harshly before giving it a proper chance. It turned out to be a remarkable work of literary fiction—exceptionally well-written and almost poetic. The unsettling quality of the book captivated me with its subtle touch of horror. I particularly appreciated how the author skillfully shifted between the characters’ points of view, managing to do so without it feeling tedious or boring at any point.

In a world of uncertainty, Jake and Mariko are strangers navigating their own complexities. Both grappling with the mysterious death of someone dear to them, they are unknowingly destined to connect through their shared grief.

At the center of this narrative is a woman whose presence seems to hold an uncanny power. She encounters an individual, capturing their essence through her photographs. However, this seemingly innocent interaction gives rise to a chilling phenomenon—those who meet her often find themselves spiraling into madness. This cycle of obsession and despair repeats itself, echoing through different times and places across the globe, each instance a reminder of the haunting effects of her influence.

As Jake and Mariko’s stories unfold, their connection deepens amidst a web of intrigue. Readers are invited to explore the layers of their experiences and the dark truths hidden beneath the surface.yty

Reading this book felt like stepping into my own dream realm, where the author served as a guide through her lyrical writing. The storyline was incredibly evocative and consuming, pulling me deeper into its world with each turn of the page. The prose was compelling and precise, capturing my attention effortlessly. There was an eerie ambiance throughout the narrative that created a beautifully creepy atmosphere. While I didn’t encounter proper jump scares, certain scenes lingered in my mind, leaving me with an unsettling feeling that was anything but unpleasant gut feeling and lets be honest we all need those reactions when we reading horror.

I absolutely adore our villain; she is truly a force to be reckoned with. Sinister and complex, this female character reminds me of the reasons I love reading stories written by women. Susan, the author, you’ve completely hooked me with your work. I can’t help but wonder what’s next. When can I expect to get my signed copy of “Old Soul”? And when is your next book coming out?

in this blog we belive this book is a solid 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟