THE CABIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD Review: A Chilling Look into the Human Psyche
Izzy Lee
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Paul Tremblay is at it again with The Cabin at the End of the World. His newest thriller (out on June 26, 2018) is another hit. Dads Eric and Andrew are settling into a getaway on remote Gaudet Lake in Northern New Hampshire with their daughter Wen, arguing over books and relaxing on the back porch when the unthinkable happens.
At first, the very large Leonard does not pose a threat to Wen or her family, but then he is joined by a group — all wearing button-down shirts and wielding odd weapons. They will not leave until either Eric or Andrew sacrifice either Wen or one of themselves in order to prevent the apocalypse from happening. An unbelievable premise, to be sure, but the group wholeheartedly trusts that from their visions, the end is absolutely nigh and this family in the middle of the woods is the key to human survival.
What follows is a harrowing tale of home invasion — and perhaps, a look into group hysteria and delusion. Where Tremblay excels – just as in his last books, Disappearance at Devil’s Rock and A Head Full of Ghosts – is in the nuances of motivation and character, while letting the reader imagine what may or may not happen. As a result, there’s a spectacular sense of unease during the “quieter” parts of his books, because there’s always something brewing just below the surface, and one may never quite know an eruption will occur. This will also happen in more action-heavy scenes as the characters try to persuade or outsmart each other until suddenly something tragic happens that no character was ready for.
The Cabin at the End of the World is a hard book to review without giving away any spoilers. Tremblay’s latest is a tense novel, both like and unlike his past works, in terms of themes. Adults continue to fail children, and as a result, no one is ever safe. The supernatural may or may not be at work, and that ambiguity is something you’ll have to figure out for yourself; I dare argue that this is what makes a great mystery, not something neatly explained and wrapped up in shiny package and a neat little bow.
Horror can happen in the daylight, during twilight hours, or in the cracks between worlds. Depending on the reader, the tension can either be so unbearable that you’ll need a few breaks, or you won’t be able to put it down. As for myself, I read the last third of this novel late one night, and the book was responsible (my fault, really) for the dark circles under my eyes the next day.
The film rights have already been acquired prior to publication, which is not surprising, since: A) the book is cinematic and takes place in mostly one location (easy for filming); and B) Robert Downey, Jr.’s production company has the rights to A Head Full of Ghosts. Hollywood loves winners and games of follow the leader. I just hope that both films make it out of development and into production.
Find out more about Tremblay on his website, and enjoy the nightmares!
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The Cabin at the End of the World
Summary
Whether as a beach read or in the dead of night, Paul Tremblay does not disappoint. He continues to be a rising star in literary horror, and if you’ve read his work, it’s easy to see why. The Cabin at the End of the World will get under your skin even on the sunniest day.
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