Carissa Orlando’s debut novel, ‘The September House,’ is a darkly funny and unexpectedly emotional tale that delves into the world of an extremely haunted Victorian home. The story follows Margaret Hartman, an empty nester who, along with her husband Hal, is thrilled to purchase a beautiful old Victorian house. However, their joy is short-lived as they soon encounter the house’s annual September ‘shenanigans’: blood oozing from the walls, the presence of eerie 19th-century children, and an undefeatable demonic boogeyman.
A House with a Mind of Its Own
For three consecutive Septembers, Margaret and Hal navigate the house’s supernatural quirks, but when Hal goes missing on the cusp of the fourth September and their daughter Katherine arrives to search for him, family secrets bubble to the surface. Despite the house’s horrors, Margaret has grown accustomed to its antics, and her witty narration makes even the most terrifying occurrences feel almost routine. From ghostly apparitions to giant swarms of flies, ‘The September House’ never ceases to surprise and engage its readers.
Exploring Complex Family Dynamics
Orlando skillfully uses the haunted house as a backdrop to explore the fraught relationship between Margaret and Katherine. Their estrangement and underlying emotional complexities bring an added layer of depth to the story. Through their interactions, Orlando examines the themes of intergenerational trauma, forgiveness, and emotional healing. This relational strain between mother and daughter adds an emotional twist to the supernatural elements of the novel, making it a multidimensional read.
An Allegory for Mental Health
‘The September House’ is not just about ghosts and ghouls; it serves as an analogy for the deterioration of family and mental health. Orlando draws inspiration from classic haunted settings like the Bates Motel and Hill House, yet manages to offer a fresh and captivating narrative. The old Victorian house symbolizes the collapse of a person’s mind, with its disturbing events echoing the internal struggles many face. Margaret’s calm, matter-of-fact demeanor places a unique spin on traditional horror tropes, making the novel’s fast-paced and horrifying events all the more compelling.
Overall, ‘The September House’ is a riveting adventure that combines horror and emotional depth, grabbing readers and pulling them into its pitch-black basement. For those who appreciate a blend of wit, horror, and heartfelt storytelling, Carissa Orlando’s novel is an unmissable read.
