The White Horse: Book Review
Hello dear reader! I have another double trouble combo for you this week! That’s right, another review and interview!
But before that, don’t forget that I am hosting two book launch events. these events are free and will have live readings, giveaways, and more. Click on the images below and check out more information.
The Author
Rebecca Harrison sneezes like Donald Duck and her best friend is a dog who can count. She was chosen for the WoMentoring Project by Kirsty Logan, and long listed for Wigleaf’s top fifty. Her gothic novella, The White Horse, is out now through Spooky House Press. — Bio provided by Rebecca Harrison
Rebecca Harrison is a very mysterious English writer, who may or may not be a fairy, sorceress, or woodlands queen. Follow her on Twitter!
The Book
Born a peasant, raised a Lady, Charlotte does not know which she is, but she does know what she wants to be: a great composer.
Her talent is remarkable, but when she turns eighteen, her dead father's wife sells her piano and throws her out. Charlotte becomes a governess in a gothic mansion, where a handsome and mysterious widower grieves his dead wife.
The mansion looks upon the White Horse of Uffington where Charlotte had a strange vision as a child. A haunted place of folktales and fog and memories. Memories of wives who died young, generation after generation.
And a White Lady who haunts the mist. — The White Horse Amazon description
The White Horse follows the eerie adventure of Charlotte who attempts to make a living working as a governess for a mysterious widower and his bratty daughter. Things are not as they seem though — ethereal shadows on the moor, terrifying encounters, and a local legend about the White Horse of Uffington all come into play.
The Review
I have always been a fan of classic Victorian literature and folk horror, so The White Horse really pulled me in. It’s been compared to Jane Eyre and The Wicker Man and I absolutely agree. Harrison expertly weaves the mysterious, eerie tropes of classical Gothic literature with the heady, terrifying themes of folk horror for a roller coaster ride of a novella.
I also need to call out the very unique way Harrison wrote Charlotte, the main character, who lives every aspect of her life through music — she uses musical terms to describe people, emotions, and more. I really loved this unique way of building the character.
Also, despite being a huge fan of the genres this book resides in, Harrison still managed to take me by surprise by a few twists and turns! I won’t mention what as it would be such a spoiler, but I would definitely recommend this to horror fans who love a good cozy horror book ripe with Gothic and folk horror flavour.
Harrison builds the suspense slowly, through the hostility of the manor’s residents, to the strange local traditions, and strange sightings and sounds — all this leading up to a wild and satisfying end.
I would definitely recommend The White Horse for people who are looking for a cozy, suspenseful Gothic read. I really enjoyed this book and I hope Harrison continues to write more in the horror genre!
9/10
x PLM
p.s. don’t forget to check back on Thursday for my PLM Talks interview with Rebecca Harrison! We talk local legends, first writing projects, and more!
