David Mitchell, mainly known for his book Cloud Atlas, adapted in 2012 under the same title by the Wachowski/Tykwer trio, presents his version of the haunted house with Slade House (Éditions de l’Olivier, 2019).
In the middle of a small alley, near Westwood Road, you will find the entrance to Slade House, a mysterious and discreet entry. You will be charmingly welcomed and will think you are going to enjoy a truly pleasant moment. But then, when you want to leave, it will be impossible…
You’ll have fallen into the trap of the Grayer twins, who open their house every nine years to a select group of guests.
Five times, Slade House will open its doors and allow readers to glimpse inside this unique house. In turn, in the shoes of a gifted child, a police officer, or an ill-at-ease student, the reader will visit Slade House and find themselves trapped there.
Beautifully written, Slade House will introduce you to the fascinating twins Norah and Jonah Grayer. Each chapter will focus on a particular character, and while this allows for changes in temporality, it also results in very frequent shifts in protagonists, where sometimes you wish the author would linger a bit longer. In the final part, we will learn more about Norah and Jonah, their backgrounds, and their way of functioning. It will mention the Horologists, a faction of immortals referenced in the author’s previous book The Bone Clocks (Éditions de l’Olivier, 2017).
David Mitchell skillfully creates a unique and conducive atmosphere for each character, and the chapters are interconnected beyond just the house. Slade House will appeal to fans of the supernatural and haunted houses, as well as to David Mitchell’s enthusiasts who will find numerous references to his previous novels.
