Homebody

By Orson Scott Card

Book Overview

From a beloved and bestselling master of speculative fiction comes this chilling tale of a soulful loner who must overcome demons from his past -- and the demons he unwittingly unleashes -- when he... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060176555
• ISBN13: 9780060176556
• Release Date: March 1998
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.1" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

A well-done novel for fans of urban fantasy

First off, though this novel centers around a haunted house, be aware that there's a reason it's shelved under fantasy rather than horror. It's simply not very scary.Now that we've established what it's not, what is it? I'll tell you what it is: a darn good novel. Though it's first and foremost a story of paranormal suspense with multiple twists and turns (avoid the Kirkus review above if you want them to be a surprise!), Card's characterization is also superb (Renovator Don and unwelcome houseguest Sylvie especially are realistically-drawn and sympathetic) and he adds a touch of quirky humor in the form of Don's genteel next-door neighbors.While Orson Scott Card is best known for his science fiction novels, such as Ender's Game, his fantasy - both historical (Tales of Alvin Maker) and modern (Homebody) - is just as deft, and in some ways more satisfying. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, or fantasy in general, I highly recommend this book.

A great read

Card is able to pull the reader into a suspensful tale of the supernatural, without going over the top with shock value in the way that S. King too often does. The characters were believable, the story engrossing. It was the first time in years that I've stayed up to the wee hours to finish a book, but this one was worth it. A much stronger novel than Treasure Box.

Engrossing

It's a good thing that there are so many different tastes among readers. Otherwise, a lot fewer people could make a living as authors. As is the case with most novels, this one evoked a broad spectrum of response. Add me to the list of rave reviews. I was sucked in from the very beginning and could hardly read fast enough to find out how it all turned out. If you liked Lost Boys like I did, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one too. If not, skip it.

Card has found his genre

I have read just about all of Card's books. Most I have enjoyed immensely. This book sends him off into an interesting genre--a better one, I think, than sci fi or fantasy for him to express his imagination. Lost Boys seemed to be the first of this sort, and was good, but this one takes it to the next level. As for pure storytelling, this matches Ender's Game and Seventh Son. I don't think anything can compare with Ender's Game, but he deserves a couple stars simply for the innovation of this book.

Real characters+intelligent dialogue=Enjoyable reading!

Orson Scott Card's "Homebody" is an engaging tale about a haunted house. The characters that we're introduced to are intelligent and extremely well developed. I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the plot, and interested in their welfare and in their fates. Don Lark is a man with his own haunted past. He makes his living buying old "dead" houses, and living in them while he renovates them. When he finds another home in need of renovation, he buys it, moves in, and begins work on it. As the days pass, he finds a cast of characters, each with their own hidden secrets and depressing pasts. Together, through the course of the novel, they work together to discover the secrets the old house holds, and to come to terms with their own problems and limitations. Orson Scott Card is very successful in creating a story in which it's all too easy to become engrossed with. If you liked movies such as "Poltergeist," or "Amityville Horror" you'll enjoy Homebody all that much more. Don't be fooled into thinking that "Homebody" is just another 'haunted house' tale. You'll be pleasantly surprised.