Title: Spider
Author: Patrick McGrath
First published January 1, 1990
227 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9782070425693 (ISBN10: 207042569X)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
Meet Spider – a man who is haunted by his past and tormented by the present. His frail frame and nervous disposition leave him constantly on edge, even the slightest noise sending him into a state of panic.
In a stunning display of poetic language, Spider takes us on a journey through his troubled mind, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. This novel is a masterful blend of horror, madness, and storytelling that will leave you questioning what is real and what is imagined.
With shades of literary greats such as Beckett and Poe, Spider is a visceral exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche.
About the Author
Born and raised near Broadmoor Hospital, Patrick McGrath hails from London and attended Stonyhurst College. He is a British novelist who is known for his gothic fiction.
Currently, he resides in New York City with his wife, actress Maria Aitken.
Editoral Review
Spider by Patrick McGrath is a gothic novel that follows the story of Spider, who spends four decades in a mental institution in London after witnessing his mother’s infidelity and murder of his father. McGrath, who was born in London and raised in different countries, including Papua New Guinea and South Africa, has written numerous novels, including Dr. Haggard’s Disease, Port Mungo, and The Wardrobe Mistress.
Spider is his third novel, published in 1990. Set in a bleak and dreary asylum, Spider’s narrative is steeped in psychological trauma and horror.
McGrath’s skillful use of syntax and imagery is particularly evident in his descriptive scenes of the asylum and its inhabitants. The style effectively captures the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere, hinting at the malevolent forces at work.
Fans of horror fiction may find this to be an enthralling and chilling read. The story begins when Spider, a patient at the asylum, is released into the care of Mrs.
Wilkinson, a kindly woman who runs a halfway house for ex-mental patients. As Spider attempts to navigate the outside world and come to terms with his past, he is haunted by the ghosts of his parents and their violent memories.
The bleak London setting further heightens the sense of impending doom. Despite the Gothic horror aspects, Spider is also a poignant story about the effects of trauma, mental illness, and the human psyche’s fragility.
The characters are convincing and the writing adeptly portrays each character’s emotions and circumstances. McGrath handles the subject matter with sensitivity and skill, addressing the complexities of the characters’ experiences with careful deliberation.
One of the novel’s strengths is its ability to portray Spider’s state of mind in a heart-wrenching and empathetic manner. His experiences are presented in a way that allows readers to see how his perspective has been shaped by his circumstances, making his trauma more relatable and understandable.
The plot structure is tight and consistent, with moments of tension rising and falling at appropriate intervals. One of the main flaws of the book is that most of the plot’s revelations happen near the end, and these scarce plot twists often feel predictable.
Additionally, some readers looking for an upbeat or light read may find Spider too bleak or nihilistic. However, Spider is an atmospheric and haunting read that will intrigue fans of psychological horror and literature that deals with mental illness and trauma.
McGrath’s skillful writing is mostly consistent throughout the book, leaving an indelible impression on the audience. Overall, the book earns a score of 4.5 out of 5 due to its unique style, masterful character development, and intricate plot structure.
