Our book choice for June 2014 is Dark Entries by Robert Aickman. Robert Aickman (1914-1981) was the grandson of Richard Marsh, a leading Victorian novelist of the occult.
Dark Entries is a collection of six short stories by British author Robert Aickman, first published in 1964. The stories are all of the supernatural or uncanny genre, and they are characterized by their ambiguity, their slow-burning suspense, and their subtle exploration of the darker side of human nature.
The first story in the collection, “The School Friend,” tells the tale of a young man who is haunted by the memory of a childhood friend who died in a mysterious accident. The man begins to have dreams and visions of his friend, and he eventually comes to believe that the friend is trying to communicate with him from beyond the grave.
The second story, “Ringing the Changes,” is a more complex and ambiguous tale. The story follows a man who becomes involved with a group of people who are obsessed with the occult. The man begins to experience strange and disturbing events, and he eventually comes to realize that he is being manipulated by the group.
The third story, “Choice of Weapons,” is a story about a woman who is drawn to a mysterious stranger. The woman begins to have a series of erotic dreams about the stranger, and she eventually comes to believe that he is a vampire.
The fourth story, “The Waiting Room,” is a story about a man who is stranded in a train station. The man begins to have strange visions of the people who have died in the station, and he eventually comes to believe that he is trapped in a limbo between life and death.
The fifth story, “The View,” is a story about a man who is drawn to a remote house in the countryside. The man begins to have strange visions of the house’s former inhabitants, and he eventually comes to realize that the house is haunted.
The sixth and final story in the collection, “Bind Your Hair,” is a story about a woman who is engaged to be married. The woman begins to have strange dreams about her fiancé’s family, and she eventually comes to believe that they are trying to control her.
Dark Entries is a collection of stories that are both unsettling and thought-provoking. Aickman’s stories are not traditional horror stories, but they are nonetheless effective in creating a sense of unease and dread. The stories are all well-written and atmospheric, and they offer a unique perspective on the dark side of human nature.
In addition to the six stories, Dark Entries also includes an introduction by Glen Cavaliero, who provides a helpful overview of Aickman’s work. Cavaliero argues that Aickman’s stories are “not so much tales of horror as explorations of the dark side of the human mind.” He also notes that Aickman’s stories are “characterized by their ambiguity and their refusal to provide easy answers.”
Dark Entries is a classic collection of supernatural fiction, and it is essential reading for fans of the genre. Aickman’s stories are unsettling, thought-provoking, and interesting.
Here are some additional thoughts on the stories in Dark Entries:
- “The School Friend” is a classic ghost story that is both chilling and emotionally resonant.
- “Ringing the Changes” is a more complex and ambiguous story that explores the themes of obsession, manipulation, and the occult.
- “Choice of Weapons” is a sexy, suspenseful story about a woman who is drawn to a mysterious stranger.
- “The Waiting Room” is a haunting story about a man who is trapped in a limbo between life and death.
- “The View” is a beautifully written story about a house that is haunted by the ghosts of its former inhabitants.
- “Bind Your Hair” is a dark and disturbing story about a woman who is trying to escape the control of her fiancé’s family.
Discussion Questions for Dark Entries
- Did you think this worked as a collection in terms of similar themes?
- Were all the stories at the same level or did you think some were better than others, or just stood out for you? i.e. did you have a favourite?
- The endings of the stories are very distinctive. Some would call them ‘thrown away’ in that they are very abrupt and mystifying. Did this bother you? What meaning did you ascribe to this method?
& If you had to suggest an alternative ending for any of the stories, what would it be - Titles – the stories have interesting titles which are sometimes far from obvious. E.G. comparing ‘The View’ with ‘Bind Your Hair’ or ‘Choice of Weapons’ . The latter two seem to home in on an insignificant detail … or is it?
- Are the stories or the attitudes dated? e.g. ‘The School Friend’ has a rather misogynistic epigraph. Are there too many horror cliches? Secret vampires etc.
- Clare Armitstead (Guardian) said Aickman’s stories are ‘artfully artless’ and ‘he is a master of misdirection’ would you agree either or both statement captures something useful or is it a good cover for an ineffectual writer?
- Which character would you most like to be, or which story would you like to be in?
- Who is the creepiest character or setting?
- Would any of these stories make a good film?
Individual Ratings
DKB's Rating 
Catherine's Rating 
Sue's Rating
Miranda's Rating
Anthony's Rating 