My book review of The Haunting of Moscow House by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore. A novel that intertwines history, folklore, and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of a mysterious and eerie house in Moscow.
Title: The Haunting of Moscow House
By: Olesya Salnikova Gilmore
Genre: Gothic, Horror
Pages: 384
Release Date: September 3rd, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Summary from Goodreads:
In this elegant gothic horror tale set in post-revolutionary Russia, two formerly aristocratic sisters race to uncover their family’s long-buried secrets in a house haunted by a past dangerous—and deadly—to remember.
It is the summer of 1921, and a group of Bolsheviks have taken over Irina and Lili Goliteva’s ancestral home in Moscow, a stately mansion falling into disrepair and decay. The remaining members of their family are ordered to move into the cramped attic, while the officials take over an entire wing of grand rooms downstairs. The sisters understand it is the way of things and know they must forget their noble upbringing to make their way in this new Soviet Russia. But the house begins to whisper of a traumatic past not as dead as they thought.
Eager to escape it and their unwelcome new landlords, Irina and Lili find jobs with the recently arrived American Relief Administration, meant to ease the post-revolutionary famine in Russia. For the sisters, the ARA provides much-needed food and employment, as well as a chance for sensible Irina to help those less fortunate and artistic Lili to express herself for a good cause. It might just lead them to love, too.
But at home, the spirits of their deceased family awaken, desperate to impart what really happened to them during the Revolution. Soon one of the officials living in the house is found dead. Was his death caused by something supernatural, or by someone all too human? And are Irina and Lili and their family next? Only unearthing the frightening secrets of Moscow House will reveal all. But this means the sisters must dig deep into a past no one in Russia except the dead are allowed to remember.
Review:
The Haunting of Moscow House by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore is a novel that intertwines history, folklore, and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of a mysterious and eerie house in Moscow. The premise is intriguing, especially for fans of historical fiction and ghost stories, but the execution leaves something to be desired.
The novel’s strongest asset is its atmospheric setting. Gilmore paints a vivid picture of Moscow, capturing the city’s rich history and the palpable sense of unease that permeates the house at the center of the story. The blending of Russian folklore with the supernatural elements adds a layer of depth, giving the story a unique flavor. The author’s writing style is descriptive and evocative, making it easy to imagine the cold, haunting corridors of the house.
However, the novel struggles with pacing. The story takes a long time to build momentum, with much of the first half spent on exposition and setting up the various plotlines. While this might appeal to readers who enjoy a slow-burn narrative, it can be frustrating for those expecting a more dynamic plot.
The characters, though well-developed, sometimes feel distant, making it difficult to form a strong emotional connection with them. The protagonist’s motivations are not always clear, which can lead to confusion about the direction of the story. Additionally, the supernatural elements, while intriguing, are not fully realized and leave some questions unanswered, which may disappoint readers looking for a more cohesive resolution.
The Haunting of Moscow House is a book with a lot of potential, offering a unique blend of history, folklore, and the supernatural. However, its slow pacing and occasionally underdeveloped characters and plot elements make it a somewhat uneven read. It’s a decent choice for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings and Russian history, but it may not fully satisfy those looking for a gripping ghost story.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
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