Harvest Home

I read this book when it was first published, either before or after the mini series was shown on tv. That was in the late 70s and I could still recall segments of it. Was it really as shocking as I could recall. Or was I unaware of such horrors and terrible deeds people will go to just to continue living in their "ideal world " ? That is what prompted me to want to read it again all these years later. Although I have changed over the years, my fears haven't. I still found the story dark and foreboding with all the elements of fear and dread I felt when I fist read it. A truly atmospheric and pagan story about the beliefs of country people you would not want to live near.

This is first class storytelling. City folk who move to a country village. What lies beneath the ideal country life and simple ways soon begins to unfold. The Widow Fortune is the woman who calls all the shots in the everyday running of the lives of the people in the village(Betty Davis played this role in the TV movie,she was ideal for the part). The traditions of this village have being faithfully passed down from their ancestors and are strictly followed. As each season shifts from spring to autumn, the planting of the corn, to the harvesting,the widow keeps a close watch on the newcomers. The storyteller Ned Constantine along with his wife Beth and daughter are made welcome in this community. Ned begins to notice strange things within the village, a gravestone that is outside the cemetary fence and begins to ask questions.As Ned tries to get answers, his dream existance of a care free life amid these simple country folk begin to unravel. As his "meddling" in these village traditions will lead him to a discovery more horrific than he could ever have imagined.

Gosh, this is long. And very slow. But somehow it is absolutely brilliant nevertheless. To me a sign of a good book is when you continue thinking about the characters after you closed it. Well, this is definitely such a book.This is not a supernatural story, although at first sight it has all the elements. A family moves to an idyllic village and immerses itself into the village life only to discover that something is very wrong with it. Kindly village matron, strong traditions, hardworking farmers and helpful caring neighbors very slowly turn to be something completely different. And until the very last moment it will not become clear, although you pretty much suspect what might be going on. The suggestion is that people never lose connection to some millennia old cults and beliefs is very compelling.I almost believe this village really exist.

I first watched this on TV as a mini series many years ago and loved it. I was searching for a good read recently and absolutely found what I was looking for in this book. Far more chilling than the TV version (although Bette Davis' performance as the Widow Fortune was outstanding, and it was definitely that actress I had in mind while reading the book). The tension builds to an inevitable and yet still somehow unexpected climax - it's as if my mind didn't want to acknowledge what I knew was bound to happen in the end. Fantastic writing and very gripping - I went to sleep far too late on many nights because I couldn't stop reading. It's one of those rare books that I know I will read again, despite knowing the whole story line!

I had this book when it was first released, many years ago now, but its still a good read. I think there was a film made of it starring Bet Davies.

Dust sleeve was damaged but it never said it was new/as new so I'm fine with that. Book itself had a good story despite being a weird mash-up of agricultural and feminist horror (if either genre even exists aside from this book); the ending was great despite a slow build up. Overall, happy with it.

I was enthralled by this book, a well written novel!A great storyteller, he sucks you in and keeps you guessing...It reminded me a lot of The Wicker Man, another classic.I will be buying more novels by this author, good old fashioned storytelling... Dark and somewhat disturbing.

Book arrived earlier than predicted and in used condition as stated.I remembered seeing the film and the book is just like it - everything appears normal in an idyllic village. The horror is subtle to start with and the end is just like the film. You could read it without realising what has happened. Great suspense and a good read.