Book Review: Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

Lovecraft Country is a perfect example of how expectations can really dampen a reading experience. My expectation was a Lovecraftian novel that also delved into and explored Lovecraft’s despicable racism, but what I got instead was a series of loosely connected stories that didn’t tick any real Lovecraftian boxes. Lovecraft references does not a Lovecraftian book make. Perhaps this was my mistake for thinking this book was something that it’s not, but I was quite disappointed.

“But stories are like people, Atticus. Loving them doesn't make them perfect. You try to cherish their virtues and overlook their flaws. The flaws are still there, though.”

What makes it more disappointing was that the potential was there. The opening of the book had my attention - a black man navigating through Jim Crow America, with his guidebook for where black people could travel safely. It’s truly harrowing to read about, I ended up falling down a rabbit hole researching the Jim Crow laws. But once the book diverges off into a series of short stories, I really lost my enthusiasm.

There were little flashes where I thought “YES. This is what I was hoping for!” An example being the haunted house in a white neighbourhood - what an excellent opportunity to use a horror trope as a metaphor for racism. But it never felt fully fleshed out to me. On a positive note, there was also a little story that felt incredibly Bradbury-esque - that was a highlight!

My rating has dropped slightly as I’ve thought about my issues with the novel, but it’s still an entertaining read. I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from picking it up, it’s just a case of it not living up to my personal expectations. I honestly think Jordan Peele will deliver more of what I was looking for in the upcoming tv adaptation - fingers crossed! 2.5 stars.

Johann

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