The more I read from Ramsey Campbell, the more aware I am of three continuing aspects:
1. Although he is not Lovecraftian and instead he is in a category all his own, Mr. Campbell is keenly aware of the world as layered, as if the reality we encounter and experience is but a thinly veiled surface above what is real, akin to a sheet of ice in winter atop an unfrozen lake. His characters, many of whom appear either schizophrenic or possibly possessors of extremely heightened awareness, often experience through many senses that Otherness existing just beyond, or below, our consciousness.
2. It seems to me that Parasitism is a frequent recurring theme, appearing often in the scenes where the protagonist "sees beyond." An example in SOMEBODY'S VOICE is writer (and newly ghostwriter) Alex Grand noticing pedestrians on cell phones and considering the phones appearing to be "battening on them," a sort of apparently symbiotic relationship which is in reality as much parasitic, as say, Cordyceps Fungus in ants. Such reflection from our characters subtly ratchets that chill of intensifying horror, a subtlety at which Mr. Campbell is a past master.
3. Many of his characters, which is not unlikely given their "ability " to perceive beyond, experience issues of identity, their own and others', and concerns of their own mental stability. This is especially prevalent in SOMEBODY'S VOICE, a novel ostensibly dealing with the horrifying reality of hidden child abuse and its ramifications, plus the multilayered complications of transgenderedness in a basically homophobic, closed-minded, reality. All of this is essential to the story; yet, just as Campbell's characters "see below," or "beyond," there is another existence of this story below and beyond and apart from the ostensible story line: Identity. Mirroring. Memory. What do we know? What do we remember? Is Memory malleable? Is Memory what we recall, or what someone else tells us? Can we trust our own "Voice?" Or must we rely on someone else's "Voice?" Ultimately: Who Are We?
Caution: The nature of the story line is emotionally difficult and psychologically wrenching. Readers who have experienced any type of child abuse (or adult domestic abuse) directly or through loved ones or friends should be aware that the subject matter is likely to be triggering.
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one of the best psychologically creepy novels
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2021
“Somebody’s voice” is so twisted that it left me speechless. I feel it’s one of the best psychologically creepy novels I have read this year.I have read quite a few of the author’s previous famous works, where he dabbles into the paranormal and supernatural. This book is not that, so you will be disappointed if you expect a gory horror novel. This book, however, is psychologically creepy and frightening and relates more to the horrors of what the human mind can perceive. However, this book is not for everyone. It has themes of child abuse, and I don’t think it would be everyone’s cup of tea.The author does relate his classic style of writing, where he sets the pace in a slow-burn fashion. We get two storylines, one of Alex, who is ghostwriting a memoir for Carl, and Carla (Carl’s childhood), who talks about the horrors of her childhood. As the story progresses, you slowly start to see both the storyline merge and blur the entire cast of characters. I honestly loved the second half of the book because you don’t know what is happening or who to trust. Some highlights of the book were the catechism incident at the restaurant and when the police make an arrest. This book is probably one of the few where the plot completely engrossed me more than the characters (although there were characters like Randal who creeped me out).Overall, I have to say that this book surpassed my expectations and made me appreciate the author on a grander level. “Somebody’s Voice” is one of those stories people will love or despise, and I loved reading it.
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2021
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2021
“Somebody’s voice” is so twisted that it left me speechless. I feel it’s one of the best psychologically creepy novels I have read this year.
I have read quite a few of the author’s previous famous works, where he dabbles into the paranormal and supernatural. This book is not that, so you will be disappointed if you expect a gory horror novel. This book, however, is psychologically creepy and frightening and relates more to the horrors of what the human mind can perceive. However, this book is not for everyone. It has themes of child abuse, and I don’t think it would be everyone’s cup of tea.
The author does relate his classic style of writing, where he sets the pace in a slow-burn fashion. We get two storylines, one of Alex, who is ghostwriting a memoir for Carl, and Carla (Carl’s childhood), who talks about the horrors of her childhood. As the story progresses, you slowly start to see both the storyline merge and blur the entire cast of characters. I honestly loved the second half of the book because you don’t know what is happening or who to trust. Some highlights of the book were the catechism incident at the restaurant and when the police make an arrest. This book is probably one of the few where the plot completely engrossed me more than the characters (although there were characters like Randal who creeped me out).
Overall, I have to say that this book surpassed my expectations and made me appreciate the author on a grander level. “Somebody’s Voice” is one of those stories people will love or despise, and I loved reading it.
I have read quite a few of the author’s previous famous works, where he dabbles into the paranormal and supernatural. This book is not that, so you will be disappointed if you expect a gory horror novel. This book, however, is psychologically creepy and frightening and relates more to the horrors of what the human mind can perceive. However, this book is not for everyone. It has themes of child abuse, and I don’t think it would be everyone’s cup of tea.
The author does relate his classic style of writing, where he sets the pace in a slow-burn fashion. We get two storylines, one of Alex, who is ghostwriting a memoir for Carl, and Carla (Carl’s childhood), who talks about the horrors of her childhood. As the story progresses, you slowly start to see both the storyline merge and blur the entire cast of characters. I honestly loved the second half of the book because you don’t know what is happening or who to trust. Some highlights of the book were the catechism incident at the restaurant and when the police make an arrest. This book is probably one of the few where the plot completely engrossed me more than the characters (although there were characters like Randal who creeped me out).
Overall, I have to say that this book surpassed my expectations and made me appreciate the author on a grander level. “Somebody’s Voice” is one of those stories people will love or despise, and I loved reading it.
Images in this review
