*Title: ‘Afterward’ by Edith Wharton.
Date Read: 12 October 2010
Available Online?: YES
Briefly: Adamant that they want to live in a home that is remote and lacking in ‘vulgar necessities’, American couple Ned and Mary Boyne take up residence in the old Lyng country house in Dorset. There is one other ‘must have’ on their property wishlist however, the house has to be haunted. Their wish is granted but in a way that is anything other than straightforward.
Afterthoughts: Those expecting a fast-paced splatter fest are going to be somewhat disappointed with this story as it meanders along at a crawl, with the horror coming more from the psychological than the graphic. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a bad story from Wharton – certainly better than the last one I read from her – but a fair amount of cognitive engagement and willpower are needed to get oneself through to the end. It’s worth the effort though because ultimately Afterward is actually rather a good story. And what’s more it’s rather unique too.
Notable Quote: The ghost — Alida’s imperceptible ghost — after figuring largely in the banter of their first month or two at Lyng, had been gradually discarded as too ineffectual for imaginative use. Mary had, indeed, as became the tenant of a haunted house, made the customary inquiries among her few rural neighbors, but, beyond a vague, “They du say so, Ma’am,” the villagers had nothing to impart.
Rating: 
*Story read as part of my 31 Shots of Shock reading challenge.
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