Rating: Summary: True, quiet horror Review: "The Other" tells the story of identical twin boys, Niles and Holland Perry, age thirteen, who have different birthdays (just before and just after midnight). They are incredibly different in personality, but very close to one another. There are no monsters, no aliens, no escaped criminals, no people with superhuman abilities (not quite), and no demonic possessions. What there is here, is true horror and suspense. This is a totally unforgettable story with totally unforgettable characters. It was the first horror story that I read, at about age thirteen (hmm, now that is spooky), and nothing that I have read since then, has passed "The Other" in quality. It is creepy without resorting to the unbelievable, and the plot twists are stunning. It is one of those books where you keep saying, "I'll read just one more chapter," until you realize that your alarm clock is set to go off in only an hour, and you have forsaken sleep for the sake of the story. Stephen King writes good horror stories; he has never surpassed Thomas Tryon's "The Other" and I am not sure that Mr. King has even equalled this book in quality. If you read "The Other," it will never truly leave you.
Rating: Summary: A Modern Masterpiece of the Macabre! Review: "The Other" is the best horror story I have ever read. The atmosphere is chilling, austere, and creepy throughout. I read it while camping in Europe more than 20 years ago and got to the thrilling, surprise plot twist deep in the night. This twist produced an electric shudder in the gut. Written from the perspective of one of a set of young twin boys, the inner dialogue of this character feels genuine. The plot speeds you along on a can't-put-it-down read, despite much interior action.
Rating: Summary: The Other, The Best Review: "The Other" is the best horror story I have ever read. The atmosphere is chilling, austere, and creepy throughout. I read it while camping in Europe more than 20 years ago and got to the thrilling, surprise plot twist deep in the night. This twist produced an electric shudder in the gut. Written from the perspective of one of a set of young twin boys, the inner dialogue of this character feels genuine. The plot speeds you along on a can't-put-it-down read, despite much interior action.
Rating: Summary: Incredible writing Review: Actor-turned novelist Thomas Tryon's first book is one of the best out there. The technique the book uses to creep up on you if very unique. This book is very old (and very out of print..i'd sell my soul before giving up my 1971 first edition with dj) so I hope you can find yourslef a copy, because this is a book that you simply HAVE to read, if you want a good horror story. And now the plot (don't worry, I'm not giving any spoilers): In 1935 12-year old twin boys (Niles and Holland) live on a New England farm. The twins are both very different. Niles is more outgoing and light-hearted, while Holland is shy and hides a lot. Their Russian grandmother Ada has taught them "The Game," which allows you to be (or at least see from the POV) whatever or whoever you concentrate on. Their mother always stays inside, and their father's rcent death is probably the reason for it. It doesn't take long before a series of murders take place in the peacful town, and it becomes clear that Holland is connected to each of them...to say anything else about the novel would ruin the book. Just remember: Peregrine for Perry. Also, check out the movie: It's excellent.
Rating: Summary: Quite possibly the scariest novel ever constructed Review: Go to a used bookstore. Search the internet. Scour the newsgroups. And find this book. I have never read a novel before nor since that has the power to terrify the way the late Tryon does here. His mastery of sentence structure alone puts him above the vast majority of horror novelists. Simply a sensational piece of work -- and a travesty that it's out of print.
Rating: Summary: Wish I'd read it 20 years ago instead of today Review: I enjoyed this novel (which I picked up at a garage sale), but I wish I'd read it when it came out in the 1970s, when stories based around this sort of psychological twist were new and shocking. There have been many, many similar stories since, so I don't think it impacted me as strongly as it would have had I read it then. I kept thinking, they need to get some grief counselors and pscyhologists to help these people--which of course wasn't common in the '70s, and definitely not in the '30s when this story takes place. Still, speaking from 2001, that was my reaction. Everyone seemed so unconcerned about getting to the root of the problem at hand--and allowing a kid a fantasy which few parents would consider harmless in similar circumstances today.Also, the pacing seemed very slow to me--another indication of how popular fiction has changed over the years. King and Koontz scare me more these days, but it was a good read.
Rating: Summary: Quintessential Summer Reading Book Review: I first read this book over 20 years ago and it is a must "re-read" for me annually. Each new reading produces chills: of delight, at how Tryon weaves the story; of horror, as the mystery and tragedy unfolds. Read it closely, for clues to the mysterious horror are scattered throughout the book like the "blue paper-rose petals" which enshroud Niles' secret. Tough to put aside, perfect for those late nights when a summer breeze gives way to a rainstorm.
Rating: Summary: Quintessential Summer Reading Book Review: I first read this book over 20 years ago and it is a must "re-read" for me annually. Each new reading produces chills: of delight, at how Tryon weaves the story; of horror, as the mystery and tragedy unfolds. Read it closely, for clues to the mysterious horror are scattered throughout the book like the "blue paper-rose petals" which enshroud Niles' secret. Tough to put aside, perfect for those late nights when a summer breeze gives way to a rainstorm.
Rating: Summary: The ultimate novel about pure evil! Review: I first read this book over 20 years ago, while a high school student in Connecticut (Mr. Tryon's birthplace). I never saw the movie because I was afraid "Hollywood" would ruin a perfect story. I have never read a novel since that is as suspenseful or frightening. Please bring this masterpiece back so other generations may enjoy(?) it.
Rating: Summary: The Other Review: I first read this book when I was in High School and was chilled to the bone! That was nearly 20 years ago and I've not read another like it since. Mr. Tryon pulls you into the twisted hearts and minds of what first appears to be a normal family with twin sons and a loving nanny. Not so! Once I started I couldn't put it down-which left me quite fatigued at school. I have been looking for another copy of the book since, with no luck. If you are fortunate enough to find one-hang on to it and hang on to your spine, what a tingling ride!
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