Same old John Saul

Same somewhat overdramatic, convoluted horror you expect from this author. Fun read , pretty much same theme as all his other books.

Low 3.

Nathaniel

3.5 stars but I'm rounding up because I MIGHT listen to this one again. It's a bit slow moving and kind of quiet...but also incredibly heartbreaking. I wasnt totally sucked in by the story...its not a new favorite...but it was good.

I read this when I was around 14. I don’t remember it to be a tour de force, but it was memorable enough for me to look it up again in my 30s. Worth a read if you like 80s/90s style horror.

2.5

Brillante, aunque el final-final me ha dejado un poco extrañada y no sé si habría sido mejor cambiarlo. Lo comprobaré en la relectura.

Loved it! I especially loved the ending.

This is a re-read for me. I read this when I was young and really enjoyed it as an adult.

I’ve forgotten how much I enjoy John Saul :)

What a story!! It's awesome. Won't spoil it but if your looking for a book that will hold your attention and keep you asking questions...... Then saying wt$...... This book is for you.

Brilliant, eerie setting. Saul never disappoints in that area.

The novel Nathaniel by John Saul undeniably ranks among the better works in Saul's literary repertoire. Admittedly, Saul's books often adhere to a formulaic structure, and Nathaniel is no exception, following the familiar Saul formula where an ominous family curse catches unsuspecting protagonists in its supernatural clutches. However, rarely has this Saul formula worked as effectively as in Nathaniel.

Three factors are primarily responsible for this success.

Firstly, the setting in Nathaniel is profoundly evocative and atmospheric. The narrative unfolds in the small, secluded, somewhat rustic town of Prairie Bend. Saul skillfully translates the desolation, eccentricity, and intimacy of this locale directly onto the pages. The peculiarities of this place are presented and emphasized with expert storytelling finesse—never intrusive, always subtle. The reader senses the desolation of the prairie, the vastness of the desert. The novel's plot grows from the dry, sterile soil of this atmosphere, making the mood in Nathaniel distinctive and irresistible.

Secondly, the plot in Nathaniel is relatively cleverly constructed, and the connections form a natural-supernatural cohesion in a strangely compelling way. Realistic and paranormal elements intertwine, creating a well-balanced, original, and, within the context of a horror novel, "believable" mixture. Additionally, there is a thematic subtext that adds an extra layer of depth to the novel—something not as evident in all of Saul's works. Subtly, the narrative explores gender roles, dynamics, and oppressive relationships between genders and generations.

Thirdly, Nathaniel is filled with ambiguity and mystery. The cleverly constructed story (as mentioned above) is revealed to the reader incrementally, piece by piece. Things are not always as they initially seem. How did Mark Hall die? Is Amos Hall evil, or is he good? And who is Nathaniel, really? Is he a ghost, a figment of the imagination, an illusion—or does he truly exist? How do all these elements connect? These enigmas in Nathaniel are slowly but steadily unraveled page by page, making the novel an engaging read.

A few questions, however, linger until the end: What role does the dog Shadow play? Where does he come from, and to what powers does he adhere? How much guilt does Amos Hall bear? What exactly has he done, and why? In Nathaniel, John Saul strikes the perfect balance between ambiguity, uncertainty, and complexity.

Certainly, Nathaniel has its weaknesses. The characters don't always behave entirely credibly (Janet Hall and her son Michael seem to get over the unexpected death of their husband and father rather quickly). Also, the reader may feel that the dog Shadow growls, bares his teeth, and raises his neck fur threateningly on almost every other page. Sure, there are some unnecessary repetitions in the narrative.

Nevertheless, the bottom line is this: Nathaniel is an extremely successful spine-chilling horror thriller! And, without revealing too much, readers should be forewarned: John Saul is not particularly known for his happy endings.