“This Cursed House” by Del Sandeen is a Southern gothic horror debut. The story follows Jemma Barker, a young Black woman who leaves her life in 1960s Chicago to work for the mysterious Duchon family in New Orleans. However, she soon discovers that the family is under a curse, and they believe she has the power to break it1. The novel delves into family secrets, generational curses, and social commentary on racism and colorism. I
Main Character
The main characters in “This Cursed House” are Jemma Barker, a young Black woman from Chicago, and the mysterious Duchon family in New Orleans. Jemma becomes entangled in their generational curse, leading her on a journey of discovery and danger.
Plot
Certainly! “This Cursed House” by Del Sandeen is a Southern gothic horror debut. In the fall of 1962, twenty-seven-year-old Jemma Barker is desperate to escape her life in Chicago and the spirits she has always been able to see. When she receives an unexpected job offer from the Duchon family in New Orleans, she accepts, thinking it’s her chance to start over. However, the Duchon family isn’t what it seems. Light enough to pass as white, the Black family members look down on brown-skinned Jemma.
Setting
The novel “This Cursed House” by Del Sandeen is set in New Orleans during the 1960s. The story unfolds within the mysterious and cursed Duchon family estate, where secrets, ghosts, and generational curses intertwine. The atmospheric Southern gothic setting adds to the tension and intrigue as the protagonist, Jemma Barker, navigates her role in breaking the curse and uncovering hidden truths1.
Theme
Certainly! The theme of “This Cursed House” by Del Sandeen revolves around forgiveness. Throughout the novel, characters grapple with the idea of forgiving others and themselves. Is forgiveness the best way to free oneself from anger and other emotions, or are there more effective paths to emotional freedom? The book also explores colorism, generational curses, and the impact of secrets on family dynamics1.
Conclusion
The conclusion of “This Cursed House” by Del Sandeen is not explicitly detailed in the available information. However, the novel leaves readers with a sense of mystery and anticipation as Jemma Barker grapples with her role in breaking the family curse and uncovering hidden truths within the enigmatic Duchon family. If you enjoy Southern gothic horror and unresolved secrets, this book is worth exploring!
