Jean Ray brilliantly upends the haunted-house tradition in this widely acclaimed puzzlebox of a novelA reinvention of the Gothic novel and an established classic of fantastic literature, Malpertuis is as inventive and gripping today as when it first appeared in French in the dark year of 1943.Malpertuis is a puzzle box of nested narratives wrested from a set of manuscripts stolen from a monastery. A bizarre collection of distrustful relatives has gathered together in the ancient stone mansion of a sea-trading dynasty for the impending death of the occult scientist, Uncle Cassave, and the reading of his will. Forced to dwell together for the remainder of their lives within the stifling walls of Malpertuis for the sake of a cursed inheritance, their banal existence gradually gives way to love affairs and secret plots, as the building slowly exposes a malevolence that eventually leads to a series of ghastly deaths.The eccentric personalities it houses―which include an obsessive taxidermist, a hypochondriac, a trio of vengeful sisters and a former paint store manager who has gone mad―begin to shed like skins to reveal yet another hidden story buried in the novel’s structure, one that turns the haunted-house tradition on its head and culminates in an apocalyptic denouement.Jean Ray (1887–1964) is the best known of the multiple pseudonyms of Raymundus Joannes Maria de Kremer, a pivotal figure in the “Belgian School of the Strange,” who authored some 6,500 texts in his lifetime.
✔ Author(s): Jean Ray,Iain White,Scott Nicolay
✔ Title: Malpertuis
✔ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 base on (63 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1939663709
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Malpertuis by Jean Ray
Aleena Tran
Dive into a captivating mystery where each clue unravels a new layer of intrigue. The author's masterful storytelling keeps you guessing until the final page. Vivid characters and detailed settings bring the story to life. The suspense builds with each chapter, making it impossible to put down. It's a gripping tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A must-read for fans of the genre.
Kateline Powell
Experience the thrill of a heist gone wrong in this fast-paced crime novel. The author's detailed plotting and dynamic characters create a compelling narrative. Each twist and turn in the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. The tension and suspense build with each chapter, making it a page-turner. It's an exhilarating read that captures the essence of high-stakes crime. Perfect for fans of heist stories and thrillers.
Jaylynn Fernandez
Follow the heartwarming journey of a group of friends navigating life's challenges together. The author's empathetic writing and well-developed characters create a deeply emotional experience. Each chapter explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged throughout. It's a story that celebrates the bonds that connect us. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about friendship and community.
