Book Review: Edgar

 

What if Edgar Allan Poe’s scariest stories were inspired by actual supernatural events that took place when he was a boy?

During the summer of 1826, fifteen-year-old Edgar Allan Poe hears a disturbing, low laugh while sketching and writing in a Richmond cemetery. He follows the raspy voice into a crypt where he sees a crouching figure, a cadaverous ghoul who transforms before Edgar’s eyes into a boy who looks just like him.

When the boy vanishes leaving only the echoes of his laughter, Edgar is forced to question his sanity.

Edgar first confides solely in his best friend Robert Stannard. As his evil twin continues to reappear throughout the summer wreaking supernatural chaos with each encounter, Edgar meets the beautiful and fiery-spirited Elmira Royster. Together with these two friends and a one-eyed black cat that harbors an incredible secret, Edgar navigates a series of uncanny events as frightening as any of the tales the adult Poe would later write.

But which Edgar would remain to become the author we know so well?

My Review

As a Poe fan, I had to read this book. It is unique and I like the way that Mr. Voyles incorporated Poe's many works into the story. This book is not the other Poe themed books. The Raven being one of Poe's well-known stories, the easter egg element is easy to identify. 

I loved the Fall of the House of Usher piece. Some of the other stories weaved into this book I was not as familiar. At the end of the book, the author breaks down all of the different stories that he drew inspiration from and how they were mixed into this book. 

The paranormal/supernatural things that Poe experienced did have you wondering what reality is. I could see how Poe could find inspiration from these events for his stories. If you liked Poe's work, you will want to check out this book.