Eerie Gothic Tales of Women at a Haunted Hotel in the Fens
- Daisy Johnson's short story collection was broadcast on Radio 4 during the Covid lockdown, featuring a series of fifteen gothic tales.
- The narratives center around a haunted hotel in the Fens, emphasizing women's roles and experiences through interconnected stories.
- The collection is noted for its atmospheric writing style and offers a fresh interrogation of traditional themes in folk horror.
The Hotel is a second short story collection by Daisy Johnson, broadcast on Radio 4 during the Covid lockdown. Set in a haunted hotel in the Fens, it features fifteen gothic tales narrated by women who share a deep connection with the cursed land. The stories reflect the eerie atmosphere of the Fens, tapping into themes of femininity, hauntings, and the intertwining of folklore and personal histories. Johnson presents a unique perspective, challenging traditional roles of women in folk horror narratives. Influenced by significant works such as Shirley Jackson’s and MR James', Johnson enriches the genre by blending stylistic elegance with a profound exploration of women’s experiences. This collection is recommended for nighttime reading to fully embrace the haunting ambiance it evokes, enhancing the connection between reader and narrative.