In Chris Bohjalian’s newest novel, “The Night Strangers,” readers are thrown by a haunting tale of accident, loss and guilt — a concoction of thrill perfect for this time of year.
Enter Chip and Emily Linton. They seem like the quintessential couple with their large, beautiful house and wholesome twin daughters, but beneath the surface of their perfect life is the past that they all tried to leave behind.
Bohjalian introduces readers to a small town in New Hampshire. The Lintons, having just left their home in Bethel, Pa., buy an old Victorian house after experiencing tremendous loss. Here, they hope to start a new life by avoiding memories of the past.
But, when the Linton family starts to become acquainted with their new home, they begin to notice that the little town they hope to create a new beginning in has eerie resemblances to their past.
Since the novel is a psychological thriller, the house in many ways becomes a character. It has personality and a past somehow connected to Chip. Moreover, they find that the family who once owned the home has a story of their own.
In the home, within the deep, darkened basement is a door that also takes on some characteristics all too similar with Chip’s past — 39 bolts — each taking captive whatever may be behind the door. It is the aspect of symbolism that Bohjalian is most competent with as each of the bolts holding the door represents Chip’s psyche.
The sense of guilt was an impending force in this novel; specifically to the point the reader could feel it intensifying inside of them through the characters.
Throughout the novel, Chip’s one fatal error left him seeing those he left behind. He tried his best, and yet, Bohjalian expertly takes readers into the mind of Chip as he ruminates over the ghosts of his past.
Bohjalian seems to be taking a new route with his writing by experimenting with themes and structure he has not used in the past. There are some drawbacks to character development, specifically regarding blunted characters like Emily and some outlandish herbalists. However, the novel itself is a page-turner, well paced and thrilling.
Ultimately, “The Night Strangers,” though differing from Bohjalian’s past work, has a driving force that readers will not forget. While Bohjalian may continue to experiment with his writing, readers should look forward to his ever-growing adaptation as a sign that he will never be predictable and continue to enthrall his readers.
Rating: W W W W 1/2
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