Book Review: The Influence by Ramsey Campbell
Yes, this novel was originally published back in the late 80s, but it has since been returned to the forefront of news with a Netflix movie and a reprinting from Flame Tree Press. At the time of writing this, I have not yet seen the screen adaptation, so I won’t be able to make any comparisons there. But that’s just fine, because we’re here to talk about the book, anyway.
Campbell is an author still relatively new to me, if you can believe it. In fact, The Wise Friend from this year was my first time reading him (though I had heard his name before). That makes The Influence my second experience with his writing, and another good one. Where The Wise Friend felt more fantasy-founded, and pushing its horror in the undercurrents, The Influence read more classically for the genre. There was more of a haunt to this one, like you always had eyes following you about. It wasn’t as unique as The Wise Friend as a result, but I think it was more exciting. Even if Campbell’s writing has a slower movement to it, his stories contain a sense of unnerve and danger that I love in my reading. There’s very little in the way of blood and gore - it’s more about the suspense and mystery of things, making Campbell just the kind of author I’d like to buy sight unseen. In fact, I have already picked up a couple more of his titles from Flame Tree.
In The Influence, the Faraday family seems bullied by their great aunt, Queenie, who acts better than everyone else. Finally, she dies, leaving the family to maybe breathe a sigh of relief. But her young granddaughter, Rowan, soon befriends a mysterious young girl that strikes a haunting resemblance to the freshly deceased matriarch.
It’s hard to say much more than that without maybe ruining the ride (not that it’s a big twist or anything - you know what’s coming the whole time). But clearly Rowan needs to be wary of this new friend, and not only because she’s snarky and unlikeable to the rest of us.
Despite the speed I seem to read Campbell’s writing (slowly), I really enjoyed The Influence as my second outing with his work. As I noted before, he chooses the tension and suspense of things over violence and language; this makes for a more memorable and satisfying ride for me, personally. If you’re the same way, then I suggest you pick this one up. And if you’re not, but still a fan of horror, then I believe The Influence will still give you a good sense of unease.
Review by Aiden Merchant
Twitter - AidenMerchant89
I received a paperback copy of this novel from the publisher, Flame Tree Press, for review consideration.
