Safe Return Doubtful

Published 2024 – American Fiction – Horror

Firstly, by way of explanation, though I read a lot of horror, I have little interest in the Lovecraftian sub-genre, which in this case is blended with steampunk subgenre of science fiction.

Lovecraftian, or cosmic horror, usually explores the insignificance of human existence compared to the vast universe, so often involves uncaring beings, or monsters, beyond human comprehension.
Steampunk is a relatively recent term that describes writing or film with futuristic elements inspired by the Victorian era.

This is a sort of alternative history story set in 1923 when a middle aged married woman is sent to the moon for treatment at the Barrowfield Home for Treatment of the Melancholy. Here, a gargantuan spider once lived, in caves under a forest that covers most of the surface. Its silk provided increased mental ability. Though the spider is now long dead, its worshippers, the Alabaster Scholars, still live there and offer a sanatorium type service.

I can’t say I’m a convert to this sub-genre, but I can admire the writing and the inventiveness. One of the issues I have with the Lovecraftian style is that rather than find monsters chilling, I think of them as interesting and alluring, particularly insects and spiders. Substitute an uncaring being with an uncaring human and I much more concerned.

However, this is well worth reading, it’s only short, less than a hundred pages, a one sitting read as it all happens at a cracking pace. I will be back for more, at some stage..

My GoodReads score 3 / 5