THE HAUNTING OF FALCON HOUSE is downright haunting. Author Eugene Yelchin has composed a mid-level novel that really takes the concepts of loss, grief and our memories to a wholly different place. This book has quite a bit to unpackage, so for the sake of brevity I should just dive into this children’s horror adventure.
Prince Lev Lvov has recently been sent for by his Aunt Olga. Aunt Olga is the Princess of the Lvov family estate and manor. The Lvov family are of Russian nobility and have been for many generations. Prince Lvov hopes that once he is grown he too can prove himself a worthy member of his bloodline like those that came before him. Ideally, Lev hopes to be a brilliant and renowned general in the army like his grandfather, but all Lev seems to be any good at is drawing silly pictures. At least Lev has a solid headstart by knowing he the spitting image of his departed grandfather.
Upon Lev’s arrival to the manor he starts seeing a strange gray boy playing around the house. This odd little boy who doesn’t seem to ever get caught in his mischief is named Vanyousha and he takes to Lev immediately. They get into all sorts of shenanigans, but there is a darker lining to all their fun. There is a history and painful memory that haunts the house and torments the little Vanyousha. This painful memory, it seems, can only be unearthed by Prince Lev.
THE HAUNTING OF FALCON HOUSE is a solid old-fashioned horror story. There is no cheap jump-scare or gratuitous gore. Instead, this story has a setting and an atmosphere that carry a dreary and heavy weight. This story holds an ominous foreboding that creates a sense of isolation --- though it is important to note that isolation does not imply loneliness. That would be too scary for a mid-level novel. Instead we are shown a lonely boy who makes a new friend and how they try to help each other through their adjustments in this spooky mansion. What makes their aiding of each other especially sweet to see is that neither of them realize anything is off with the other. However, Aunt Olga and the servants in the house clearly know more than they are telling.
This brings me to the most important point posed by this and many great classics in horror. Who, in fact, are the real monsters? Is it an angry spirit or beast trapped in the state they have been cursed with? Or is it the person that cursed them? Who is more frightening, the monster or the man?
THE HAUNTING OF FALCON HOUSE is a great read dealing with the themes of grief, loss and painful memories that can follow us well after we die. It handles all of these things --- and more --- exceptionally well for young readers and will make a fun addition to any shelf.
Reviewed by Matthew Burbridge
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