Haggard House (by Elisabeth Rhoads)
One aspect of having a book blog that I’ve come to appreciate is the opportunity to discover some truly remarkable books that might have otherwise eluded me. Haggard House by Elisabeth Rhoads is an exceptional novel that I’m grateful to have received an advance review copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Haggard House is set in 1859 Michigan. Adam Bolton, raised by his devoutly religious mother, Sarai, and carpenter father, Peter, is mostly confined to the isolation of Haggard House. At the tender age of 11, he is finally allowed to attend the local schoolhouse, but he is strictly prohibited from playing with the other children. Considering the other children are intimidated by Haggard House, they are uninterested in befriending Adam. The only exception is a bright and curious girl named Penny. Adam is forced to channel his creativity as he navigates the challenges of this forbidden friendship.
As Adam transitions into adulthood, he impulsively decides to embark on a journey westward in pursuit of employment. Amidst the demanding labor, he succumbs to the allure of the world, grappling with the weight of his choices. Two years later, he finds himself compelled to return home, where significant changes have taken place, some of which have undoubtedly for the worse. Driven by his desire to find love, Adam ventures back into his hometown, only to discover that his mother’s influence has grown stronger than ever, casting a shadow over his quest for happiness.
My summary of Haggard House fails to capture the essence of this remarkable novel. It boasts numerous compelling elements, and revealing more would diminish the joy of discovering them for a fresh reader. I’m particularly drawn to the book’s unique structure, where each chapter presents the narrative from a different character’s perspective. It was an intriguing experience to unravel the story from their unique viewpoints. I can only imagine the immense challenge Elisabeth must have faced in crafting such a captivating narrative.
Elisabeth’s meticulous research in 1859 Michigan is evident in the language used in the book. It perfectly captures the way people spoke during that era. My reading experience was seamless, as I effortlessly immersed myself in the writing style and time period of the story.
I’ve read numerous horror novels, yet I rarely experience fear while reading. However, Haggard House genuinely unsettled me! The narrative took a chilling turn as it progressed. The house itself exuded a sinister aura, and the actions of an enigmatic character were both disgusting and intimidating. Moreover, the unpredictable behavior of its most despicable characters had me internally yearning for the likable characters to flee and seek safety immediately! This book boasts some truly evil characters that made the storyline incredibly captivating.
Haggard House, a captivating blend of genres, including history, horror, suspense, and a coming-of-age story with forbidden love, left me with a profound emotional impact. Upon completing the book, I experienced a mix of sadness and relief. While I was pleased with the story’s ending, I simultaneously yearned for a different outcome. Adam and Penny, the characters I had grown to love, will remain etched in my memory for a long time. The completion of the book left me feeling bittersweet. I already find myself yearning to revisit the world of Haggard House and relive the journey of Adam and Penny.
As I had mentioned earlier, I was kindly provided with an ARC of Haggard House by the author, Elisabeth Rhoads, in exchange for an honest review. The book is scheduled to be published on July 15, 2025.
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