'Haunted' by Chuck Palahniuk is a collection of short stories woven together by a central narrative. The book follows 23 aspiring authors who are locked away in a writer's retreat to find their muse. As they stay longer, their stories become more revealing and disturbing, leading them to descend into madness. The stories range from wild and crazy accounts, including graphic and grotesque elements, to a central focus on the entertainment-driven culture. Palahniuk's writing style is described as wicked brilliant, engaging, and horrifying, with a unique blend of humor and darkness that captivates readers.
The book is structured in a Canterbury Tales format, with each participant having a nickname and sharing a poem and a story. The narrative explores themes of depravity, insanity, desperation, and other vices typical of the author. The stories are blackly humorous, macabre, and at times shocking, challenging readers to consider the darker aspects of humanity while showcasing Palahniuk's ability to craft compelling and disturbing narratives.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers include graphic violence, self-harm, cannibalism, sexual content, and disturbing themes surrounding mental illness.
From The Publisher:
Haunted is a novel made up of twenty-three horrifying, hilarious, and stomach-churning stories. They're told by people who have answered an ad for a writer's retreat and unwittingly joined a "Survivor"-like scenario where the host withholds heat, power, and food. As the storytellers grow more desperate, their tales become more extreme, and they ruthlessly plot to make themselves the hero of the reality show that will surely be made from their plight. This is one of the most disturbing and outrageous books you'll ever read, one that could only come from the mind of Chuck Palahniuk.
Ratings (49)
Incredible (5) | |
Loved It (16) | |
Liked It (12) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (7) | |
Hated It (3) |
Reader Stats (107):
Read It (47) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (47) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (9) |
2 comment(s)
This was an interesting read, but definitely my least favorite by CP so far. Throughout the book I caught glimpses of what I think he was trying to say about people and the human condition, but I've never really concocted a solid explanation of it. As it stands right now it was more of a campfire-stories-ala-palahniuk for me, but I still recommend it for any die-hard fan and gross/horror story lover.
I don’t get it and only forced myself to finish it for a book club. Wasn’t scared, wasn’t shocked, wasn’t laughing, wasn’t particularly grossed out, just mildly confused like I read a bunch of crap written by some middle school boys that think certain words are always funny
What can you read after
Haunted?
About the Author:
CHUCK PALAHNIUK is the author of fourteen novels-Beautiful You, Doomed, Damned, Tell-All, Pygmy, Snuff, Rant, Haunted, Diary, Lullaby, Choke, Invisible Monsters, Survivor, and Fight Club-which have sold more than five million copies altogether in the United States. He is also the…
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