The Possessions of Doctor Forrest

The Possessions of Doctor Forrest is a 2011 contemporary thriller novel with a gothic style by British novelist Richard T. Kelly.

First edition (publ. Faber & Faber)

Kelly deliberately uses gothic motifs and styles, with seven narrators each communicating in different styles appropriate to the genre.[1] Multiple critics note that this tribute works with mixed degrees of success.[1][2]

Reception

Reception of the novel is consistently mixed. When writing for The Independent, Kevin Jackson describes the novel as "a book which has the robust narrative drive of genre fiction but also the thoughtfulness and stylistic flair of good literary fiction."[2] While reviewing the novel for The Guardian, critic Toby Litt describe the novel as not fully fulfilling its potential as a modern novel, calling it a familiar "yarn about making a dodgy deal with the devil, a fast-paced pitch-black romp through some familiar spooky locations and situations".[1] Writing for the Financial Times, describes the book not living up when compared to the intertextually referenced gothic works it reflects like Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.[3]

References
  1. Litt, Toby (15 July 2011). "The Possessions of Doctor Forrest by Richard T Kelly – review". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
  2. "The Possessions of Doctor Forrest, By Richard T Kelly". The Independent. 15 July 2011. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
  3. Welsh, Louise (20 May 2011). "The Possessions of Doctor Forrest". Financial Times. Retrieved 17 November 2019.


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