The Silent Companions
by Laura Purcell
Blurb:
When newly widowed Elsie is sent to see out her pregnancy at her late husband's crumbling country estate, The Bridge, what greets her is far from the life of wealth and privilege she was expecting . . .When Elsie married handsome young heir Rupert Bainbridge, she believed she was destined for a life of luxury. But with her husband dead just weeks after their marriage, her new servants resentful, and the local villagers actively hostile, Elsie has only her husband's awkward cousin for company. Or so she thinks. Inside her new home lies a locked door, beyond which is a painted wooden figure —a silent companion —-that bears a striking resemblance to Elsie herself. The residents of The Bridge are terrified of the figure, but Elsie tries to shrug this off as simple superstition--that is, until she notices the figure's eyes following her.A Victorian ghost story that evokes a most unsettling kind of fear, this is a tale that creeps its way through the consciousness in ways you least expect--much like the silent companions themselves.
My Reaction:
Hm. Unfortunately, I didn't like this one as much as I hoped I would. (I'm beginning to think my horror tastes don't align sufficiently with the "booktuber" who recommended this. I keep feeling let down by their suggestions.)
There were a few creepy moments, but I didn't find it all that scary, actually. I was more frustrated than frightened, which is never a good thing in horror. I could see most major plot-points coming from far away, so there was no element of surprise, either—and now that I sit here thinking about it, there are several things that weren't explained, unless I missed it. (I'll get into that in the spoiler section below.)
I think I had difficulty getting into the story because it didn't feel authentic. (I know, I know: It's paranormal horror!) Some of it just felt too modern for the time periods represented. For instance, there's a multi-volume journal penned by a female character who lived in the 1600s. I don't think that was likely, to begin with, but to make it worse, it's one of those "only exist in fiction" diaries that go into far more detail (including transcriptions of conversations) than any real diary ever does. Unfortunately, things like that gave the book an amateurish feeling, in my opinion.
It's okay, but I don't get all the enthusiasm for this one.
SPOILERS
to
follow...
So, the plot holes, unexplained parts of the story, or whatever you want to call them... I guess you can just wiggle your fingers and whisper "Magic!" to explain away some of these things, but they annoy me.
First, why does the companion that is known as "Hetta" so closely resemble Elsie? They are not connected by blood. Maybe they don't look that much alike? I can't recall if it's only Elsie who observes a resemblance...
Second, the way the original silent companions are introduced to the story is odd. We are given the impression that the mysterious shopkeeper knows there's something odd about them and seems to almost trick Anne into buying them. Then when she tries to return them, the whole building is gone. ...Huh? What's the sinister history of the companions? Are the companions the source of the evil that later contaminates Hetta—and if not, what are the odds that Anne would have such crappy luck (evil kid and evil home decor, totally unrelated)? It definitely feels like there was something wrong with the shopkeeper, and by extension the companions.
Third, are we supposed to think that Hetta was actually born evil, or... what? She seems like she's just a bit fey and misunderstood (and poorly treated by her father) until she's forbidden to perform for the King and Queen, at which point she promptly turns evil in an extreme overreaction that makes no sense whatsoever.
What's up with the splinters? I'm not clear about how people would be getting splinters from contact with painted, clothed wooden figures that don't seem to be particularly roughly textured. And how in the world does Elsie's unborn baby end up covered in splinters?! (Yeah, it's one of the creepiest parts of the book, but it makes no logical sense whatsoever, as far as I can see.)
Are we supposed to doubt Elsie? Is she an unreliable narrator? I never really doubt anything she says, so if that's the intention, maybe that's another part of what's missing.
Are we supposed to like Jolyon? Blurgh. Couldn't stand the guy. I get it that Elsie loves him (and that he's actually her son conceived through incestuous abuse), but... I think he's kind of a jerk, if I'm honest. Not that I liked Elsie much, either. None of the characters are especially relatable.
