William Nesdale’s Reviews > Lovecraft Country > Status Update

Montrese learns more about the Winthrop lineage & opens up about his dad.

Well, this is a rather emotionally resonant chapter isn’t it. Sure, Monstrese is no good dad, having a certain disdain for a few authors that his son Atticus reads, but we do know the struggles that he goes through, including a fatal attack on his father. In short, a pretty good chapter. Rating: 8/10

Onto “The Narrow House”, where Montrose and Atticus go to Aken, suggested by Caleb Braithwhite, and goes on a quest to find a house on Elm Street.

Here’s something interesting, while this story has a bit of realism, it soon turns into something dramatically immersive. I do like the way that the story doesn’t shy away from racial issues, and I can feel the story has a bit of drama to it.

Ruby’s enchantment wears off & Caleb Braithwhite hatches his master plan.

Ok, so a simple story about changing the outlook of oneself became a prelude to the endgame of the book, thanks to Caleb’s monologue and Ruby’s investigative power. Caleb’s plan may be convoluted, but it looks like the pieces are coming together, from the beginning story about the Braithwhite manor, to now, this book sure is cooking.

Onto our next story: “Jekyll in Hyde Park”, where Ruby experiences a change.

Ok, I get that one of our characters, connected to Atticus, George, and/or Letitia, would come near one of the Beiathwhites and strike up an uneasy friendship with them, but this story take a look at and African-American woman’s life in another woman’s shoes, or race in this case. I’m pretty sure it has elements of Jekyll and Hyde

Hippolyta is given a parting gift.

Well, this story sure is more immersively moody than the previous chapters. Sure, the story is more exposition than cosmic/horror danger, but it’s a nicely written story that explores the cosmos & would make a great CGI set with Lucius cinematography. Anyway, we have a bit of rivalry between the two shady white families now. Hipolyta’s story rating: 7/10

Hippolyta’s trip to the observatory takes an otherworldly turn.

Well, I’m halfway through the book, which means I will keep my synopsis to a minimum. Anyway, this is a very interesting chapter as, without spoiling anything big, has an intriguing set piece, while also taking a step towards cosmic fantasy. Which makes sense, considering the name shares the last name of one of the classic sci-fi writers.

Onto our next story “Hippolyta Disturbs the Universe”, about George’s wife, Hippolyta, as she goes on a trip to a mysterious observatory in Wisconsin, which I’m sure will be a normal journey, or is it?

I like that the book has time to do a backstory on Hippolyta, detailing her love of astronomy & her quest to look up into the stars. But, as it is connected to the name “Winthrop” something bad will happen

After a task given to them by Caleb Birthwright, George, Montrose, Atticus and the gang do a heist to get the “Book of Names” from the museum, but it isn’t easy as it looks.

Looks like we have a very interesting heist, played out with actual danger and some sweet Lovecraftian/horror vibes. Looks like these short stories are heating up and building to a startling climax. Abdul’s Book Rating: 8/10

Onto Story number 3: Abdullah’s Book. George & Montrose go to retrieve Adbull’s book from the vault, but unfortunately, the book went missing, and a ransom is at hand.

Looks like we have a simple ransom plot line, where the sacred book is taken & they are forced by the enemies to make an offer. I like where the story is going, with a nice backstory on the titular book, yet there’s no strange horror to be found

Now that the Winthrop house has scared off Ruby, Letitia is all alone as she tries to fend off a haunted house & some racist neighbours.

Ok, this story may be a bit more blander than the first story, but I do feel that there is a common thread that ties the anthology together, other than the trio of Atticus, Letitia & George. Let’s see if the next story keeps up the act. Which House rating: 6/10