Title: A Stir of Echoes
Author: Richard Matheson
First published January 1, 1958
224 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780765308719 (ISBN10: 0765308711)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
Published previously as Heartless, Broken is a thrilling and heart-wrenching tale of a ruthless killer who, by a twist of fate, finds himself the owner of the sweet and innocent Olivia Bell. He never intended to keep her, but something about her begs him to break her will.
He wants her submission, and he will do whatever it takes to get it. However, as his feelings for her grow, so does the danger that surrounds them.
Those who gave her to him now want her back, but he won’t let anyone take what’s his. This is a dark and addictive romance that will leave you breathless until the very end.
About the Author
Richard Matheson was born in Allendale, New Jersey to parents who had emigrated from Norway. He was raised in Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1943.
He served as an infantry soldier during World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Missouri where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1949.
He moved to California in 1951 where he got married and had four children, three of whom are writers.
Matheson’s first short story, “Born of Man and Woman,” was published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction in 1950. The story became an instant success and made Matheson famous.
Between 1950 and 1971, he wrote many stories, often blending elements of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Some of his stories were simple sketches with twist endings, while others explored their characters’ dilemmas over many pages.
Matheson also wrote scripts for popular TV shows like The Twilight Zone and The Lawman, as well as for movies like The Devil Rides Out and Duel.
Matheson’s novels include The Shrinking Man, I Am Legend, What Dreams May Come, Stir of Echoes, Bid Time Return, and Hell House. Many of these novels have been adapted into movies, some of which were written by Matheson himself.
He died in 2013 at the age of 87.
Editoral Review
Richard Matheson’s A Stir of Echoes is a classic science fiction novel that was first published on January 1, 1958. The book is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the paranormal and explores the impact of haunting on the human psyche.
Matheson is a genius writer, and his works have influenced numerous generations of writers in the science fiction genre. With his exquisite prose, he explores the deep psychological depths of his characters to deliver an emotionally rich reading experience that stays in the mind long after the book is finished.
The book follows the story of Tom Wallace, a working-class man living in suburban Chicago with his wife and son. Tom leads an ordinary life, but everything changes after attending a hypnotism show organized by his sister-in-law.
After being hypnotized, Tom becomes a medium and begins to experience paranormal abilities, from clairvoyance to communing with the dead. However, when he begins to see ghostly visions of a dead girl in his home, he realizes that his newfound abilities come with a heavy cost.
As Tom struggles to cope with his abilities and the ghosts that haunt him, he finds his home and his sanity at stake. The story’s setting in suburban Chicago in the 1950s provides a fascinating historical context for the book’s themes of isolation, conformity, and paranoia.
The book explores the struggles of the working-class and the divides between classes, as Tom’s supernatural affliction isolates him from his family and the community. Matheson masterfully crafts a plot that builds tension and suspense from start to finish.
The book’s characters are well-developed, and the pacing of the story is impeccable. The haunting scenes and Tom’s descent into madness are chilling and unforgettable.
The themes of the novel are relevant today, as societal pressures continue to impact mental health and the individual’s struggle for identity and self-fulfillment. One weakness of the book is that the resolution of the haunting is somewhat predictable, and the story’s climax feels rushed.
Despite this, A Stir of Echoes remains a benchmark of excellence in the science fiction genre, inspiring numerous adaptations and tributes. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, science fiction, or paranormal themes will find A Stir of Echoes to be an unmissable classic.
Its rich storytelling and exploration of timely themes are both thought-provoking and entertaining, and the book’s influence on modern media makes it an essential read for any science fiction fan. This book is recommended to anyone seeking an enthralling, suspenseful, and thought-provoking read that will stay with them long after they’ve turned the last page.
A Stir of Echoes deserves five out of five stars for its excellent storytelling and unforgettable characters.
