The September House by Carissa Orlando eBook Summary

Summary

The September House by Carissa Orlando is a gripping horror novel that follows Margaret and her husband Hal as they move into a large Victorian house on Hawthorn Street, which they bought at a surprisingly reasonable price. However, they soon discover that the house is haunted. Every September, the walls drip blood, and the ghosts of former inhabitants appear, all terrified of something lurking in the basement.

Main Character

Here are the main characters in The September House by Carissa Orlando:

1. Margaret: The protagonist who is determined to stay in her dream home despite the terrifying hauntings. She is resilient and tries to cope with the supernatural occurrences in the house.
2. Hal: Margaret’s husband, who initially moves into the house with her but eventually leaves due to the unbearable hauntings.
3. Katherine: Margaret and Hal’s daughter, who comes to the house to search for her missing father, unaware of the hauntings and the house’s dark secrets.

Central Conflict

The central conflict in The September House revolves around Margaret’s struggle to maintain her life in a haunted house. She faces the terrifying supernatural occurrences that intensify every September, including blood dripping from the walls and the appearance of ghosts. This conflict is compounded by her husband’s departure due to the hauntings and her daughter’s arrival to search for him, unaware of the house’s dark secrets. Margaret must confront the malevolent forces within the house while trying to protect her family and uncover the truth behind the hauntings.

Theme

The September House explores several compelling themes:

1. Resilience and Determination: Margaret’s determination to stay in her dream home despite the terrifying hauntings highlights human resilience and the lengths people will go to protect what they cherish.
2. Family and Relationships: The novel delves into the dynamics of Margaret’s family, particularly her relationship with her husband Hal and their daughter Katherine. It examines how the supernatural events strain and test these relationships.
3. Secrets and Uncovering Truths: The house itself is a character with its own secrets. The theme of uncovering hidden truths is central as Margaret and Katherine try to understand the source of the hauntings and the history of the house.
4. Fear and the Supernatural: The book vividly portrays the fear induced by the supernatural occurrences, exploring how different characters react to and cope with fear.
5. Isolation: Margaret’s isolation in dealing with the hauntings, especially after Hal leaves, underscores the theme of loneliness and the struggle to face fears alone.

Narrative Style

The September House by Carissa Orlando employs a narrative style that blends elements of horror, mystery, and domestic drama. The story is told from the perspective of Margaret, the protagonist, which allows readers to experience the hauntings and the unfolding mystery through her eyes. This first-person narrative provides an intimate look at her thoughts, fears, and determination.

The writing is described as playful and irreverent, adding a fresh spin to the classic haunted house story1. Orlando’s style balances spine-tingling horror with moments of dark humor, making the supernatural elements both chilling and entertaining. The narrative seamlessly weaves together the earthly and supernatural horrors, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience1.

Personal Reflection

Reflecting on The September House by Carissa Orlando, it’s a novel that masterfully combines horror with deep emotional undertones. The story’s strength lies in its ability to evoke genuine fear while also exploring the complexities of family dynamics and personal resilience.

Margaret’s character is particularly compelling. Her determination to stay in the house despite the hauntings speaks to a profound sense of attachment and stubbornness. This determination, however, also highlights the theme of isolation, as she faces the supernatural alone after her husband leaves. The arrival of her daughter Katherine adds another layer, showing how family bonds can be both a source of strength and tension.

The haunted house itself is almost a character, with its secrets and malevolent presence driving the plot forward. The blend of dark humor with horror elements makes the narrative engaging and adds a unique twist to the traditional haunted house story.

Overall, the book is a thought-provoking read that not only delivers on the horror front but also offers a poignant look at human emotions and relationships under extreme circumstances.

Psychological Impact

The September House by Carissa Orlando can have a profound psychological impact on readers due to its intense and immersive narrative. Here are some potential effects:

1. Heightened Fear and Anxiety: The vivid descriptions of supernatural occurrences, such as blood dripping from the walls and ghostly apparitions, can evoke a strong sense of fear and anxiety. Readers might find themselves feeling tense or on edge, especially if they read the book at night or in a quiet setting.
2. Empathy and Emotional Connection: Margaret’s determination and resilience in the face of terrifying hauntings can create a deep emotional connection with readers. Her struggles and isolation might evoke empathy, making readers reflect on their own experiences of fear and perseverance.
3. Reflection on Family Dynamics: The strained relationships between Margaret, Hal, and Katherine can prompt readers to reflect on their own family dynamics. The novel’s exploration of how supernatural events impact these relationships might lead to introspection about the strength and fragility of familial bonds.
4. Sense of Isolation: Margaret’s isolation in dealing with the hauntings, especially after her husband leaves, can resonate with readers who have experienced loneliness or felt unsupported in difficult situations. This theme might evoke feelings of empathy and understanding.
5. Curiosity and Intrigue: The mystery surrounding the house’s dark secrets can stimulate readers’ curiosity and drive them to keep turning the pages. This sense of intrigue can be both thrilling and unsettling, as readers seek to uncover the truth alongside the characters.

Review

The September House by Carissa Orlando has received positive reviews for its fresh take on the haunted house genre. Here are some key points from various reviews:

1. Goodreads: The book has a rating of 3.92 out of 5, with readers appreciating its twisty and layered narrative. The story is praised for being compulsively readable and for its unique blend of horror and dark humor1.
2. Crime by the Book: This review highlights the book’s playful and irreverent style, which adds a fresh spin to the classic haunted house story. The reviewer notes that the balance between spine-tingling horror and entertainment is compelling, making the book an engaging read2.
3. Geek Vibes Nation: The review describes the book as a modern take on a haunted house story, mixed with a deep dive into cycles of violence and abuse. While it acknowledges that not all elements work perfectly, it praises the book as a page-turner and an absolute delight when it does hit the mark3.
4. The Book Review Crew: This review mentions that the book is a great transition into the spooky season, blending elements of thriller and horror. The reviewer found the story intriguing, with a mix of ghost story and unreliable narrator elements4.
5. Books, Bones & Buffy: The reviewer was impressed by the book, especially considering it’s a debut novel. They praised Carissa Orlando for skillfully combining different subgenres and tropes into a spectacular haunted house story with heart5.

About The Author

Carissa Orlando is a clinical-community psychologist with a doctorate in the field. She specializes in working with children and adolescents, focusing on improving the quality of and access to mental health care for young people and their families12.

Before her career in psychology, Carissa studied creative writing in college and has been writing creatively since childhood13. An avid horror fan for most of her life, she eventually merged her understanding of the human psyche with her love for storytelling, leading to the creation of her debut novel, The September House13.

The inspiration for The September House came to her in a simple yet intriguing moment while getting ready for work. She wondered what it would be like if someone lived in a haunted house and was completely fine with it3. This idea evolved into the story of Margaret, a woman determined to stay in her haunted dream home despite the terrifying occurrences.

Carissa’s background in psychology and her passion for horror fiction have allowed her to create a rich, complex narrative that delves into both supernatural and psychological themes13.

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