Unabridged Audiobook
Tillinghast is a deeply atmospheric, character-driven slow burn that trades a traditional, fast-paced plot for a rich, literary exploration of mortality and morality. Set in 19th-century New England, the story centers on Reverend Tillinghast, a man who completely subverts the traditional expectations of his... condition. He begins the novel questioning his future and whether he should even continue on, reflecting back on his origins alongside a mysterious woman named Lena. When Sarah suddenly enters the picture, it shifts his entire perspective, causing him to reevaluate his choices and forcing him to once again grapple with his own morality and mortality. What stands out most is the novel's unique take on the genre. The author completely refuses to use a certain word to name what the central character is. While I found this a bit annoying at first, it actually pays off beautifully by the end, reinforcing that these beings aren't inherently evil the way they are portrayed in most stories. Tackling this with my usual read-along method-listening to the audiobook while following the physical text-really helped me soak in that moody, gothic prose. That being said, the ambiguity can be a little frustrating at times. The true origins of these characters-whether they were born or made-remains difficult to grasp. While I loved the intense moments, I found myself wishing for just a bit more traditional horror to give it some edge. I also would have loved a deeper exploration of the relationship between Tillinghast and Sarah, which felt like a missed opportunity. Ultimately, Tillinghast offers a highly unique take on the genre wrapped in beautiful writing, but the story itself didn't feel fully developed just yet. It pulls you into its atmospheric world, but leaves you wanting just a little bit more.
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