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jlynnoh5's review against another edition
4.0
Historical fiction and horror combined? When I saw the synopsis for this book, I knew this novel would be right up my alley and I was not disappointed! I love a good ghost story (even if I have to read them during daylight hours only). The Residence is thoroughly engaging, terrifying and a definite page turner!
From the publisher – The year is 1853. President-elect Franklin Pierce is traveling with his family to Washington, DC, when tragedy strikes. In an instant, their train runs off the rails, violently flinging passengers about the cabin. When the great iron machine finally comes to rest, the only casualty is the Pierces’ son, Bennie. The loss sends First Lady Jane Pierce into mourning, and casts Franklin’s presidency under a pall of sorrow and grief.
As the Pierces move into the White House, they are soon plagued by events both bizarre and disturbing. Strange sounds seem to come from the walls and ceiling, ghostly voices echo out of time itself, and visions of spirits crushed under the weight of American history pass through empty hallways. But when Jane orchestrates a séance with the infamous Fox Sisters—the most noted Spiritualists of the day—the barrier between this world and the next is torn asunder. Something horrific comes through and takes up residence alongside Franklin and Jane in the very walls of the mansion itself.
Only by overcoming their grief and confronting their darkest secrets can Jane and Franklin hope to rid themselves—and America—of the entity that seeks to make the White House its permanent home.
Right from the first page, Pyper pulls you into this universe, opening with the horrifically detailed demise of the Pierces’ son, Bennie. Rooted in true events (Pierce’s son did indeed perish in a train accident), the novel then transitions to Pierce’s presidency. It pulls the reader into the halls of the White House in a way that makes the house become a sentient character itself. After finishing the novel, I still question whether or not the house is truly haunted (side note but I have always thought Lincoln’s ghost is undoubtedly roaming the halls). Pyper’s writing style really gets under your skin and every sound and apparition is described in such detail, that they seem to be with you in your own home.
The overarching theme of the novel is the impact of death and grief on a person. It examines the way these life altering events can impact a relationship. Franklin and Jane deal with their immense loss in varying ways, neither of which are particularly healthy. They both hold blame for the events that transpire in the novel, when neither fully confronts their darkest truths. The Residence reads as a warning at times, of what can happen when someone reaches too far, too fast.
It is evident that Pyper conducted thorough research when writing this book and his expertise on both Pierce’s presidency and the history of the White House shine through. I also had no idea the Fox Sisters were real individuals and Spiritualists, which was a great added element to an already creepy premise. The larger plot deals with many historical topics (slavery, equality for women) and subconsciously draws parallels to the same issues still prevalent in our current world climate. It is clear that the author believes there are parallels between America in 1853 and the world today and that in both cases, something is fundamentally broken and needs to be repaired.
Overall, this was an interesting take on historical events and a truly terrifying ghost story. I highly recommend this novel, especially timely as we approach the Halloween season.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy.
From the publisher – The year is 1853. President-elect Franklin Pierce is traveling with his family to Washington, DC, when tragedy strikes. In an instant, their train runs off the rails, violently flinging passengers about the cabin. When the great iron machine finally comes to rest, the only casualty is the Pierces’ son, Bennie. The loss sends First Lady Jane Pierce into mourning, and casts Franklin’s presidency under a pall of sorrow and grief.
As the Pierces move into the White House, they are soon plagued by events both bizarre and disturbing. Strange sounds seem to come from the walls and ceiling, ghostly voices echo out of time itself, and visions of spirits crushed under the weight of American history pass through empty hallways. But when Jane orchestrates a séance with the infamous Fox Sisters—the most noted Spiritualists of the day—the barrier between this world and the next is torn asunder. Something horrific comes through and takes up residence alongside Franklin and Jane in the very walls of the mansion itself.
Only by overcoming their grief and confronting their darkest secrets can Jane and Franklin hope to rid themselves—and America—of the entity that seeks to make the White House its permanent home.
Right from the first page, Pyper pulls you into this universe, opening with the horrifically detailed demise of the Pierces’ son, Bennie. Rooted in true events (Pierce’s son did indeed perish in a train accident), the novel then transitions to Pierce’s presidency. It pulls the reader into the halls of the White House in a way that makes the house become a sentient character itself. After finishing the novel, I still question whether or not the house is truly haunted (side note but I have always thought Lincoln’s ghost is undoubtedly roaming the halls). Pyper’s writing style really gets under your skin and every sound and apparition is described in such detail, that they seem to be with you in your own home.
The overarching theme of the novel is the impact of death and grief on a person. It examines the way these life altering events can impact a relationship. Franklin and Jane deal with their immense loss in varying ways, neither of which are particularly healthy. They both hold blame for the events that transpire in the novel, when neither fully confronts their darkest truths. The Residence reads as a warning at times, of what can happen when someone reaches too far, too fast.
It is evident that Pyper conducted thorough research when writing this book and his expertise on both Pierce’s presidency and the history of the White House shine through. I also had no idea the Fox Sisters were real individuals and Spiritualists, which was a great added element to an already creepy premise. The larger plot deals with many historical topics (slavery, equality for women) and subconsciously draws parallels to the same issues still prevalent in our current world climate. It is clear that the author believes there are parallels between America in 1853 and the world today and that in both cases, something is fundamentally broken and needs to be repaired.
Overall, this was an interesting take on historical events and a truly terrifying ghost story. I highly recommend this novel, especially timely as we approach the Halloween season.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy.
deborahmaryrose's review against another edition
5.0
This was a amazing book, part historical lesson, part Gothic Horror story and part some sort of dire warning as well as a commentary on the past misdeeds of people in power in the U.S. which stretches forward to today.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
2.0
Listened to this and maybe that's was the problem. Didn't find it eerie or terrifying, I mostly had a problem consentrating on the story
emsharples's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this one but did not love it. I appreciate the larger point it was trying to make (racism is at the heart of the nation and it is a dark and ugly thing) but I don’t think he did a great job of making those analogies clear. But, I did learn more about the Pierces which I didn’t know almost anything about so that’s something!
All in all, a fine book to add to the collection.
All in all, a fine book to add to the collection.
angelod24's review against another edition
2.0
When I read the premise of the book I was excited to read it. Unfortunately, I oftentimes forced myself to read it. I didn’t find it scary. It was just kind of sad.
Just not the book for me. I’m sure others will like it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Just not the book for me. I’m sure others will like it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
ink_and_ash's review against another edition
4.0
What better time to read a horror set at the White House?? This was such an interesting read and it made me want to look more into Franklin Pierce (something I never thought I’d say).
evenshadow's review against another edition
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I picked it up from the library because it was available and I needed something new on my ereader. I thought this would be a solid 2.5 stars. Worth reading, but not good, necessarily.
This actually held its own. It was undeniably creepy and despite the main characters' lack of agency, they didn't get annoying. Characters like Jane can so easily be hateable and feel cloying, but the way she pushed the plot along made her interesting enough for her helplessness and vulnerability to feel sympathetic instead of frustrating.
This actually held its own. It was undeniably creepy and despite the main characters' lack of agency, they didn't get annoying. Characters like Jane can so easily be hateable and feel cloying, but the way she pushed the plot along made her interesting enough for her helplessness and vulnerability to feel sympathetic instead of frustrating.
marshaskrypuch's review against another edition
4.0
I'll read anything that Andrew Pyper writes, I like his books that much, and while The Residence is a departure from his other novels, I still enjoyed it. Pyper gave himself quite the challenge, setting a supernatural horror in one of the most famous residences in the world and basing characters on real people from history. He pulled off the historical aspects well and I was intrigued with the architectural details of the White House. Neither Franklin Pierce nor his wife Jane are in any way likable but that doesn't detract from the story, which is more achingly sad than straight-up horror. A more nuanced and restrained book than usual but still very gripping in its own way. A reader cannot help but compare what was going on in the White House then to what's happening in the present.
brianna_4pawsandabook's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 Stars rounded up
When you tell me there are ghosts in the white house, I'm expecting suspense, terror and fear. I didn't get any of that until literally the last 10 pages of the book. I was not invested by the characters and I just don't think the author pushed the envelope hard enough in terms of the ghosts and that storyline.
I will say that I do not normally enjoy historical fiction. I was expecting more horror and less historical fiction but it was the opposite. So for the right audience, this might work better than what it did for me.
When you tell me there are ghosts in the white house, I'm expecting suspense, terror and fear. I didn't get any of that until literally the last 10 pages of the book. I was not invested by the characters and I just don't think the author pushed the envelope hard enough in terms of the ghosts and that storyline.
I will say that I do not normally enjoy historical fiction. I was expecting more horror and less historical fiction but it was the opposite. So for the right audience, this might work better than what it did for me.
beehoule2's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0