Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward is a deeply unsettling novel that lures readers in with its coming-of-age facade, but soon traps them in a web of metaphysical dread.
The story centers around Wilder Harlow, who has begun writing the last book he will ever write in a cottage overlooking the coast of Maine. But as he delves deeper into his past, memories become muddled and lines between reality and fiction blur.
From the moment you lay your eyes upon the retro cover design, you’ll be transported back to the late 1980s setting of Looking Glass Sound. The northern backdrop is dripping with nostalgia for a simpler time that may never have existed. But this nostalgia is just the surface of what Ward has to offer. Hidden beneath it is a dark and oppressive atmosphere that haunts every page. The book is written in a way that makes readers feel like they’re descending deeper and deeper into Wilder’s psyche, unsure of what’s real and what isn’t.
To be honest, Looking Glass Sound is not an easy read, but it’s really worth the effort. Ward’s prose is not only beautiful but masterful in its use of language. Her descriptions are vivid and unsettling, leaving readers with a sense of unease long after they’ve finished reading. The story is expertly executed. It’s a testament to Ward’s writing that the book’s eerie and disquieting tone never wavers.
But what makes Looking Glass Sound so effective is how it plays with the idea of memory. Wilder begins to see things that may or may not be real, and it’s never clear when he’s hallucinating and when he’s not. As readers, we’re left questioning how much of what we’re reading is reliable. Is Wilder an unreliable narrator, or is he truly being haunted by something sinister? Ward’s skillful use of ambiguity only adds to the book’s already high level of tension.
Looking Glass Sound is a 2023 must-read book and really a must read book overall. With its expertly executed story, haunting atmosphere, and skillful use of language, Ward has created a book that will stay with readers long after they’ve finished it. The blurring of reality and fiction, combined with the nostalgic setting, make for an unsettling and unforgettable reading experience. While it’s not a book for the faint-hearted, those who dare to take on the challenge will be rewarded with a literary horror masterpiece.
Looking Glass Sound is available wherever books are sold, but we highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Christopher Ragland and Katherine Fenton.
