Since the publication of Ghost Story in 1979, Peter Straub has been one of the dominant figures in contemporary horror fiction. Like his friend and occasional collaborator Stephen King, he has taken on a marginalized subgenre and elevated it, demonstrating, in the process, its largest, darkest possibilities. There may be no better introduction to Straub’s accomplishments than this new, aptly titled career retrospective…Interior Darkness is a book for those who think they dislike horror, as well as for those who love and respect the genre. Filled with terror, wit and unexpected grace notes, it’s a remarkable achievement that reflects the arc of a lengthy and celebrated career.”—The Washington Post Interior Darkness shows off his range, his intelligence, his bravery and, sometimes, at the edges, allows glimpses of his fierce sense of humour. Straub deploys a host of voices that cajole and whisper and talk to you from the darkness. If you care about the short story, you should read this book, and watch a master at work.”—Neil Gaiman, author of The Ocean at the End of the Lane “There is nothing conventional or familiar in Peter Straub’s exquisitely unsettling stories. Questions of genre be damned; Interior Darkness embraces a dizzying array of literary styles and structures and defies easy categorization. What a thrill to read an audacious storyteller writing at the very top of his game.” —Bill Clegg, author of Did You Ever Have A Family —John Crowley, author of Little, Big and the Aegypt Cycle —Associated Press —San Francisco Chronicle —Los Angeles Review of Books Interior Darkness is the definitive collection of Peter Straub’s best short works....Interior Darkness is the perfect collection for those who want a taste of the Straub magic but haven’t braved diving into any of his brilliant novels. And, for those familiar with his work, it is a chance to revisit some classics that deserve a fresh release. A “Best of” or not, Interior Darkness is sure to entertain and dazzle all who take in its exceptionally crafted words."—New York Journal of Books —Publishers Weekly (starred review) —ElectrictricLiterature.com, Adrian Van Young Booklist
Even when Straub goes a little Lovecraft…the effect he's aiming for isn't quivering terror, but something more like muted awe—an eye-widening revelation of a wrongness at the heart of the universe. In all his stories, the interior and the exterior darknesses tend to leak into each other.
The New York Times Book Review - Terrence Rafferty
★ 01/04/2016
2015-12-10
