A Choir of Ill Children

by Tom Piccirilli
A Choir of Ill Children cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Gothic
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Technical
  • ID: 7587
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780553900408
  • Publisher: Bantam
  • Published: 2004-06-01
  • Reviews: 3

A Choir of Ill Children is a haunting tale that weaves together themes of evil, loss, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a decaying Southern town. Thomas, the protagonist, is burdened with the care of his conjoined triplet brothers and the town's only industry, the Mill. The story is rich with Southern Gothic elements, drawing comparisons to the works of Flannery O'Connor and Harry Crews. The town of Kingdom Come is a character in itself, filled with superstitious swamp folk, vengeful ghosts, and mysterious forces that threaten to consume it all. /n/nAs Thomas struggles with his responsibilities and his past, he must also confront the impending menace that the reverend tries to warn him about. The story is a lyrical exploration of the human condition, filled with dark humor and poignant moments. It's a tale that will leave readers questioning the nature of good and evil, and the power of redemption.

Reviews
The Storygraph · bayoughostchoir · 2024-01-01
brilliant 4.75

Every page is haunting and disgusting in the best way possible. It captures everything that makes Southern gothic literature so compelling, even if it might not be for everyone.

The reviewer, bayoughostchoir, absolutely adores the book, finding every page haunting and disgusting in the best way possible. They believe it captures everything that makes Southern gothic literature so compelling. The book's ability to create a vivid and haunting atmosphere is praised, and the reviewer feels it is a standout in the genre. However, they acknowledge that it might not be for everyone, as the book's unique and captivating storytelling can be polarizing. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, and they clearly enjoy the haunting and disgusting elements that make the book so compelling.

Quick quotes

    I adore it. Every page. It's haunting and disgusting and amazing.

    If you like southern gothic you still might not like this, but to me, it captures everything.

    The book's ability to create a vivid and haunting atmosphere is praised.

Howl Society · 2020-12-11
intriguing 3.75

Some readers loved the wild characterizations and dramatic reveals, while others found the plot hard to follow. The book is praised for its unique and captivating storytelling.

This book has a polarizing effect on readers, with some absolutely loving the wild characterizations and dramatic reveals. The storytelling is unique and captivating, drawing readers in with its Southern gothic elements. However, not everyone finds the plot easy to follow, which can be a bit of a hurdle. The book's strength lies in its ability to create a vivid and haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the last page is turned. It's a book that will stay with you, whether you love it or find it challenging.

Quick quotes

    Some readers loved everything about this book, mentioning in particular the wild characterizations and dramatic reveals.

    Many lost the thread of the plot, finding it hard to follow.

    The book is praised for its unique and captivating storytelling.

David A. Granoff's Blog · David A. Granoff · 2009-10-13
excellent 4.50

This short and perfectly paced novel is a fantastic southern gothic horror novel that creates great and memorable characters. The atmosphere is steamy and noir-ish, making it a standout in the genre.

David A. Granoff's review highlights the novel's perfect pacing and the creation of great, memorable characters. The atmosphere is described as steamy and noir-ish, which adds to the overall Southern gothic horror experience. Granoff praises the book for its ability to create a vivid and haunting setting that captures the essence of the genre. The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging, making it a standout in the Southern gothic horror genre. Granoff's enthusiasm for the book is evident, and he clearly enjoys the unique and captivating storytelling.

Quick quotes

    This short and perfectly paced novel is a fantastic southern gothic horror novel that creates great and memorable characters.

    The atmosphere is steamy and noir-ish, making it a standout in the genre.

    The book is praised for its ability to create a vivid and haunting setting that captures the essence of the genre.

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