Book Review: "This Cursed House" by Del Sandeen

THIS CURSED HOUSE by Del Sandeen was a discovery that had me up at night with my book lamp light, turning pages feverishly to uncover the mysteries that laid in the pages ahead.  I don't want to give the story away, but this book is categorized as Southern Gothic- which I'd never known there was such a genre.  Putting it out there- I am in love and plan to make this genre a regular as a part of my TBR list.

Set in 1960's Emmaline, after a string of failures in Chicago, answers a job post by the Duchon's, traveling to rural New Orleans.  When she arrives, not only do people freeze when she mentions the Duchon's, but when she gets to their home, she is greeted by a spirit- not exactly the welcome she expected.  The twists and turns in this novel takes the reader through a roller coaster of emotions and Clue-like wonder on who the Duchon's really were, and, what the hell did they do to make their home a cesspool of irritated and angry spirits

One of the themes and considerations that came up in this narrative was the idea of ancestral and familiar spirits that remain in a state of agitated unrest until they are reconciled peacefully, tied to one's ability to face pain, acknowledge pain, and heal pain.  Forgiveness is two-fold, for the offended and the offender. When hurt has been repeated, the offended also has the right to recognize this hurt and release when ready without the necessity of staying or returning. Forgiveness is for the freedom of the offended, and the offender is released as a result.

This novel landed heavy for me as I mused about forgiveness in a blog on my website (What Jill Scott Said: To Forgive or Forget- A Perspective) and the need for it to be taken slow and not rushed to sooth anyone else. But it also lends to the idea that perhaps the inability to advance could be due to stuck energy within us, in families, and between friends because the "spirits" of the deferred relationship has not been laid to rest.

This book was a wonderful read that takes the reader on an adventure of mystery, contemplative thought, and white-knuckle anticipation page after page.