The Other

The Other cover
Good Books rating 3.67
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Technical
  • ID: 7581
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781590175989
  • Publisher: New York Review of Books
  • Published: 2012-10-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Holland and Niles Perry are identical twins, but their personalities couldn't be more different. Holland is bold and mischievous, while Niles is kind and eager to please. As the summer progresses, Holland's pranks become increasingly sinister, and Niles finds himself unable to make excuses for his brother's actions. The twins' extended family has gathered at their ancestral farm to mourn the death of their father, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Mrs. Perry, still grieving, stays sequestered in her room, leaving the boys to roam free. The novel is a landmark of psychological horror, examining the darkness that dwells within everyone. It is a worthy descendant of the works of James Hogg, Robert Louis Stevenson, Shirley Jackson, and Patricia Highsmith. /n/nThe Other is a haunting exploration of the duality of human nature. As Holland's behavior grows more disturbing, Niles is forced to confront the evil within his brother and, ultimately, within himself. The novel's setting in a bucolic New England town adds to its eerie atmosphere, creating a sense of unease that builds throughout the story. The Other is a classic of psychological horror that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
The Longest Chapter · 2019-10-29
Creepy 3.50

The book is deeply unsettling, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. It's a classic horror that still manages to creep out even seasoned readers.

This book is a classic horror that has stood the test of time. The reviewer first read it as a teenager and still finds it deeply unsettling. The story is set in a small rural town in the 1930s and revolves around two pre-pubescent boys. The reviewer emphasizes how the book unnerved them, highlighting its eerie and terrifying aspects. It's a period piece that delves into the darkness within everyone, making it a deeply moving and unforgettable read.


Quick quotes

    Thomas Tryon's "The Other" unnerved me the first time I read it when I was 16.

    It still creeps me out.

    It's a period piece set in a small rural town of the 1930s.

Coffee Addicted Writer · 2019-10-24
Enjoyable 3.50

The book is a nearly forgotten scary gem that needs to find a new life with horror fans. It's a compelling read that leaves a lasting impression.

The reviewer enjoyed reading The Other and considers it a nearly forgotten scary gem. They believe it deserves a new life with horror fans. The book was reprinted, indicating its enduring appeal. The reviewer highlights how the story is compelling and leaves a lasting impression. It's a classic horror that has stood the test of time, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.


Quick quotes

    Overall, I enjoyed reading The Other.

    It's a nearly forgotten scary gem that needs to find a new life with horror fans.

    The book was reprinted, indicating its enduring appeal.

New York Review Books · 2012-10-02
Moving 4.00

The book is an eerie examination of the darkness that dwells within everyone. It's a deeply moving and terrifying exploration of human nature.

This novel is a best-selling work that delves into the concept of a homegrown monster. The reviewer describes it as an eerie examination of the darkness that dwells within everyone. The story is deeply moving and terrifying, making it a compelling read. The reviewer highlights how the book explores the complexities of human nature, making it a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience.


Quick quotes

    Thomas Tryon's best-selling novel about a homegrown monster is an eerie examination of the darkness that dwells within everyone.

    It's a deeply moving and terrifying exploration of human nature.

    The Other is unforgettably terrifying, enthralling and, last but not least, deeply moving.