Ladies and gentlemen focus on your attention. Critics comments on Kelley Armstrong new standalone horror thriller “Hemlock Island” are coming in and well they are not very flattering. Kirkus the trade publication calls the book a wild and crazy amalgam of outdoor escapade, supernatural mystery, green activism, teenage discomfort, and a feminist #MeToo spin, all battling for the reader attention.
It is hard to imagine who the audience is for this hash. Ouch Publishers Weekly mentions a slightly more lenient approach but finds that supernatural disclosure goes a bit to hasty and therefore result in unsatisfactory climax. These reviews unequivocally show that I am not the lone voice that questions the artistic value of the novel. Firstly, I have both positive and negative observations but I would not give ahead of myself.
The Island of Hemlock belongs to the category of what one may call wholeheartedly trashy pleasure this kind of pleasure which results in disputes concerning the degree of its enjoyability. While the book may have fit in young adult fiction the inappropriate gore will keep even a young Stephen King from blushing.
Kirkus is indeed on the target by insinuating that the target reader was not carefully considered leading one to reflect on whether the novel was better treated as a personal jolly for the author leaving her laptop or writing platform. But such feelings might appear petty and I want to avoid it.
Laney a 30 year old lady having inherited an island from her ex-husband somewhere in the middle of Lake Superior. It is hard times and therefore she rents out on the island the house that she and her ex-husband built not infrequently becoming a victim of unpredictable tenants.
Increasingly, things take a darker turn as a diligent lessee disputes disturbing conclusions about blood dribbling down the gate which draws Laney and her teenage niece Madison to an ensuing investigation.
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While exploring the puzzles of the island, Laney is accompanied by her ex-husband Kit, her female ex-lover Jayla and an uninvited guest named Sadie with police officer Garrett. But the mood quickly becomes icy as Laney turns detective and discovers strange happenings that develop into nocturnal disturbances.
Laney and her other survivors are stranded on island, unable to move, the dead bodies discovered only intensify the omen of the situation. Wherever you look danger is there, even within their country home, the house built on the island.
First, let’s start with the note positive and discuss the strengths of this novel before I go into my criticisms. Although it is a cliché not to judge a book by its front page the cover art of this novel ought to be admired. Even though it may turn out to be a blatant stock photo it is not a perfect fit to the house described in the story.
Continuing the early chapters offer a light and easy read it would be a relaxing option for a cozy after furthermore, regardless of any criticism the conclusion impresses in a convincing conclusion in which the main antagonist is particularly well done making for a thrilling experience.
Although it takes inspiration from later Hitchcock films a bit too blatantly in some cases it may be fascinating for followers of that period. In terms of its queer protagonists another highlight of the novel is that it stands out from the mainstream horror fiction in its selection of main characters.
The representation of bisexual Laney is extremely explicit in a genre where queer representation is usually relegated to the background or unluckily the proverbial chopping block. It is a delightful and positive deviation from the typical mainstream conventions of this genre.
Moving on to defects of the novel a number of aspects deserve criticism. Firstly the narrative is undoubtedly too long calling into question whether it would have create a good novella. Various sections of the novel go through lulls and padding that have an influence on the general rhythm of the novel. However inconsistency also emerges. Despite the size of the island being described as a small five acres the characters are still able to find great large places to explore. Readers find this inconsistency confusing.
In addition the characters succumb to one dimensionality holding true to the typical monster novel form where their purpose appears to be the manner of their violent deaths. The author also struggles with the show do not tell problem frequently using meaningless dialogue to substitute for detailed explanation of different subjects. Characters discuss unnatural feelings of love toward one another which is a strange decision in the face of constant imminent danger. Also their behavior at important turning points seems inauthentic.
For instance when Laney accidentally discovers something gruesome regarding someone they care about it is made more disturbing because the character does not receive any emotional support but a sentimental need for a crime scene. In addition the novel simply does not include the practical concerns like the possibility to have cell phone coverage on the island.
Although its presence is taken for granted, the fact that there is no satellite phone in the preparedness of the rented house creates a lot of questions even more so given the fact that the terrain is often dangerous. These divergences create a feeling of disbelief that negatively affects the general reliability of the story.
Finally, “Hemlock Island” turns out to be disappointing thanks to an extended wait for its climax. The style is amateurish first draft a statement unimaginable in a bestselling author narrative. This criticism should not be construed as a personal attack but is intended to capture my disappointment with the novel. It may appear that the book was hastened into publication maybe taking advantage of the recent pandemic and the speed may have done some damage to the overall quality.
Though there is the time for trashy books, “Hemlock Island” might be made for those in need of a novel that does not force one into overthinking. Even though the book did not speak to me, it is important to remember that tastes are subjective some people may find great pleasure in its pages every book has the potential to become someone favorite.
Unfortunately, the book titled Hemlock Island is aimed at the unrefined kind of reader. However it does not aspire to be a work of high art a more rigorous editing procedure could have improved its level of quality. Therefore, I caution readers to be wary of the island unless they consciously desire a rush without having to delve deeper. It is recommended for those who require details in their reads to skip “Hemlock Island.”
On September 12, 2023 Kelley Armstrong Hemlock Island will be published by St. Martin’s Press.
