RIP Review: Let Me In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
by Jenners • 10/15/2012 • 4 Stars, Fiction, Gothic/Horror, L Authors, L Titles • 47 Comments
Scream Rating: 4/5ths
The more Swedish writers I read, the more I think they are one twisted bunch! If I had to give this book a scream rating, I’d give it 4/5ths of a scream for grotesque violence (some descriptions give American Psycho a run for its money—and that is saying something), disturbing images and general ickiness related to pedophilia. If you want to be grossed out and creeped out, this book won’t let you down.
THE BASIC STORY
A 12-year-old boy named Oskar is bullied at school and miserable at home. His dreams of violent revenge on the kids who bully him provide a rich fantasy life but not much more. However, things start looking up when he meets a girl named Eli in his apartment complex. Despite only coming out at night and her rather strange smell and appearance, Oskar finds himself drawn to Eli—with whom he slowly develops a friendship. But Eli is not quite what she appears to be, and disappearances and murders begin to happen soon after her arrival in town with her “father.” As the circumstances surrounding Eli’s reality become clear, Oskar faces some difficult choices, and several of the town’s citizens (a suburb of Stockholm) face an ancient threat that will alter their lives forever.
MY THOUGHTS
This book was made into a movie twice (a Swedish version and an American version), and I’d have to say it is tailor-made for film (yet one I don’t think I could handle seeing if the descriptions on the page were truly brought to life). The book has a creepy dark atmosphere that permeates every page—I would not want to live in Oskar’s town under any circumstances! One major story line involves a group of local drunks—all of whom live depressing and lonely lives and are just as trapped and miserable as Oskar. To be honest, no character in this book has a happy life. Drugs, drinking, divorce, loss and estrangement feature in everyone’s lives, and almost no character has a chance at a happy ending.
Despite all this, I found it a compelling read and perfect for RIP. You’ll leave this book feeling disturbed, depressed and disgusted, yet I also found myself feeling a strange sense of hope for our “heroes.” It is to Lindqvist’s credit that I often found myself sympathizing with Eli. (However, one thing that bothered me was the inexplicable change of Eli’s gender about midway through the book. I still don’t understand it, and I’m not sure why Lindqvist thought it was necessary. If you read the book and have a theory about this, I’d love to hear it).
Be warned though! If graphic descriptions of grisly murders, pedophilia and reanimation disturb you, steer clear of this book. For the rest of you, this is an interesting take on vampire fiction that truly horrifies (just like a good horror book should).
I have read a few reviews of this one and honestly don’t think my stomach could handle the pedophilia…not to mention, I’m not big on vampire books. I will agree with you about the Swedish and their twisted minds…makes for some awfully great reading!
It is pretty yucky descriptions. My tummy felt a little sick at times. Those Swedes!
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didn’t know this was a novel first…saw bits of both movies but not the whole thing. The Swedes tell some crazy ass stories, but they are compelling for sure!
The cold weather must get to them or something!
This is on my wish list, it sounds so scary and I’m a fan of a good vampire story. Nice review!
This will probably rock your socks off!
Well I’d bet you can guess what I’m going to say.
I’m so going to pass on this one!
Yup … it isn’t for you!
I don’t deal well with disturbing so this might not be for me, but glad you enjoyed it. The film looks super creepy too.
Well “enjoy” might be too strong of a word.
I’m not even halfway through this yet, but I’m really loving it! In a kind of freaked out and horrified way, you know! Have to agree with the Swedish authors thing though- maybe they write messed up books in the winter, and then happy ones in the summer- you never know!
“Freaked out” and “horrified” is exactly right. I imagine being socked in by snow does things to your brain!
Oooh yeah, I love creepy stories. This one has been on my to-read list forever.
If you love creepy, this is for you.
I know just what you mean about Swedish writers as I find both them and authors from Norway, err, challenging. Not my cup of tea either I’m afraid but thanks for your review.
What is it with them? Cold weather?
I want to read Let Me In something fierce! I watched the American version of the film and it was amazing. To me, this is a book/film that transcends genre and just becomes total awesomesauce!
I watched both the American and Swedish movie trailers but it seems like the American one was not as faithful to the book. Still, you should totally check it out.
Hmmm…..I am very curious. Except I am still reading the Fifty Shades series 5 months after starting…………..
Because you aren’t enjoying it or you just don’t have time to read?
I have seen the Swedish version of this a few times. For some reason I’m drawn to it when on. I think I feel sorry for the characters. I didn’t know that it was book so I’ll have to read it. Thanks for letting me know about it.
I’m very curious about the movie version. From the trailers I’ve seen, the Swedish version seems more faithful to the book than the American version.
This book scared the pants off of me, but I read the version entitled: Let the Right One In. It was terrifying, and for someone who doesn’t read much horror, I was awed and struck my the imagery, and the indecent sexuality, as well as the vampire bits. I loved it, and I actually have another book of his on my shelf. I need to read that one soon! You are right though, it was mega-disturbing.
I wonder if there is any difference in the books other than the title? They are both mega-disturbing so I think they are the same!
I really like this book and both movie adaptations. But yes, it’s seriously disturbing, particularly with the pedophile factor. I admired the author for making me feel some empathy for Eli’s pedophile “father,” who was a repulsive character. But that made it all the more disturbing.
I like this author a lot — I’ve read three of his books. But yes, you do have to wonder about those Swedes.
I’m curious to try some more of his books…though maybe I’ll wait until the next RIP challenge to do so. I’ve been reading all these creepy books and I need to stop as I’m getting a bit disturbed by them.
Gee, let’s see: graphic descriptions of grisly murders, pedophilia and….. Etc etc. Gosh, I wonder if I want to read this! (Insert sarcastic emoticon, plus eye-rolling meant for you and Sandy! LOL)
I guess we are your disturbed sick blogging friends!
I always thought I could read just about any graphic description (seeing it is another thing) but after reading all the American Psycho reviews, I’m not so sure. I’ll have to think about this one.
American Psycho is definitely giving me pause. The descriptions are just so horrific and detailed and over-the-top that I found myself looking away from the page. I began to skip them as they were so awful. This isn’t quite as bad but it is up there.
I read this in Swedish and thought it was fabulous! The Swedish film got a very good write-up but I haven’t gone to see it… don’t think I could handle some of the scenes.
I agree with you … reading this stuff is very different from seeing it on screen!
Not sure I could stomach this one (even for R.I.P.), although your review is excellent.
It definitely isn’t for everyone — that is for sure!
I’ve seen the movie so the book has kind of lost its appeal to me. Maybe I should give it a try.
I’m always curious how well movies did with books (and vice versa). From the trailers, it looked like the Swedish film was more faithful to the book.
I love the scream rating!
Thanks! I’m going to use it for all my RIP reviews and show less or more based on how scary the book is.
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I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while; it’s been a long time since I’ve read horror, and I hear it’s excellent.
It is pretty good for horror — well done and atmospheric and disturbing but with a plot and a heart buried deep down.
I actually loved this book. And I’m sort of over vampire stories, but wow, it was original and freakish. Some of those descriptions made me completely SICK! Which to me is exactly what a scary book is all about. If you are going to scare me, then dammit, do it right! There is a Swedish movie, which is pretty decent, and a US one, which I have not seen.
I watched trailers for both the American and Swedish versions and the Swedish one seemed a lot more faithful to the book. This was super freaky and yucky — I’m pretty sure I couldn’t handle the movie version. I’m not a horror buff like you!
I almost proposed this one for Dueling Monsters this year!
Well there are some definite candidates but the main “monster” (Eli) is quite sympathetic actually. You could nominate her “dad” though. He was a sick one.