Let the Right One In

by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Let the Right One In cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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  • ID: 7602
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Roots & Reads · 2019-02-13
dark 4.00

The story is original and unafraid to delve into the darkness and obscenities that lie deep within its characters. It's a vampire novel that stands out for its raw and unflinching portrayal of horror.

This reviewer found 'Let the Right One In' to be a refreshingly original horror story that doesn't shy away from the grim and grotesque. The novel's exploration of its characters' inner darkness is both compelling and unsettling. They appreciate Lindqvist's boldness in tackling such intense and disturbing themes, making it a standout in the vampire genre. The story's unflinching portrayal of horror leaves a lasting impact, showcasing the author's ability to delve deep into the human psyche and the monstrous.

Quick quotes

    Let the Right One In is a pretty original horror story and Lindqvist isn't afraid to detail the darkness and obscenities that lie deep in the characters.

    The story is hard to shake off and the ostensibly happy ending is both beautiful and perfect.

    The way Lindqvist manages to pull what amounts to a happy ending out of such a dark and disturbing narrative is truly impressive.

Little Red Reviewer · 2014-11-07
challenging 3.50

The book is not easy to read due to its intense and disturbing content, including themes of bullying, physical abuse, and senseless violence. The reviewer acknowledges the story's impact but finds it challenging to get through.

This reviewer describes 'Let the Right One In' as a challenging read due to its intense and disturbing content. The novel tackles heavy themes such as bullying, physical abuse, and senseless violence, making it a difficult but impactful read. They acknowledge the story's power and the author's ability to create a gripping narrative, but they also note that the book's darkness can be overwhelming. The reviewer appreciates the story's depth and the way it explores the human condition, but they also warn that it's not for the faint of heart.

Quick quotes

    Let the Right One In is not an easy book to read.

    There is bullying, physical abuse, larceny, alcoholism, murder, senseless violence, and a whole lot more.

    The story's impact is undeniable, but the darkness can be overwhelming.

746 Books · 2014-07-11
moving 4.00

The film adaptation was more subtle, but the book's tale of Oskar and Eli is hard to forget. The ostensibly happy ending leaves a lasting impression.

746 Books compares the film adaptation to the novel, noting that the book delves deeper into the characters and their relationships. They find the story of Oskar and Eli to be deeply moving and hard to shake off, with a beautifully crafted ending that lingers long after the last page. The reviewer appreciates the novel's emotional depth and its ability to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    The film was more subtle and left more to the imagination, but this tale of Oskar and Eli is hard to shake off.

    The ostensibly happy ending is beautifully crafted and leaves a lasting impression.

    The novel's emotional depth and compelling narrative make it a standout in the horror genre.

Vishy the Knight · 2013-11-01
disturbing 4.50

The ending is described as beautiful and perfect, with the reviewer noting how Lindqvist manages to create a happy ending out of a dark narrative. The story is both gruesome and disturbing, revealing that true terror lies in the complexities of the characters.

This reviewer was particularly struck by the ending of 'Let the Right One In', describing it as beautiful and perfect. They highlight how Lindqvist skillfully crafts a happy ending from such a dark and disturbing story. The novel's gruesome and disturbing elements are noted, but they also appreciate the deeper layers of terror that come from the characters' complexities. The reviewer finds the story to be a profound exploration of love and horror, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The ending was beautiful and perfect.

    One of the reviews said this about the ending – 'the way Lindqvist manages to pull what amounts to a happy ending out of such a dark and disturbing narrative is truly impressive.'

    Gruesome and disturbing, Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist reveals that true terror lies not in the brutality of blood-sucking vampires.

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