The Turn of the Key and Traditional Scottish Porridge
Recipe: link
I hope you do not need a link to learn how to cook oatmeal but if you do, I provided one for you. What I do find interesting, though, is the history behind “oatmeal”:
“Since late medieval times, oats have grown in Scotland as the staple diet of crofters. With no methods of preserving the oats, a thick paste was made then cooled and stored in a wooden porridge draw from where it was eaten over several days. When cold, the mixture became thick and solid and served in thick slices for lunch or fried for breakfast.”
Now to the book…
A few months ago, I wrote a blog post about The Turn of the Screw. If you missed it, here is it: The Turn of the Screw.
At the time, I did not like the book; however, I think the book’s publication made it hard to read. The font was tee-tiny. I think I am going to find the book in an easier-to-read format (in other words, larger font) and re-read. The story is amazing! So…saying all that… I was needing a new book and decided to see what Walmart had. I was about to leave the book aisle when this one caught my eye. My first thought was how the title sounded like The Turn of the Screw. When I found out it is a modern-day rendition of the story, I decided to purchase it.
I loved the book! It is a great mystery, page-turner. What I did not like, though, was the use of the f-word throughout the book and the one sex part (not graphic but still a paragraph). I thought my 13-year old would have loved this book but those two issues made me hold off letting her read it right now. One more aspect that I thought was weird is the book being basically a letter that the girl is writing to her attorney. I am not going to say more about that but thought it was just strange. Who would write a letter that long? However, it sort of did come together at the end.
After reading the book, I decided to read the reviews on Amazon. I found this one funny:
I wish I could respond to her and say “duh! This is a modern day version of The Turn of the Screw…you know, like a ton of movies and shows that have been made from this story.” She seems to be a little clueless…
I have never even heard of Ruth Ware until this book. I am interested in reading some more of her works. Yesterday, I bought In a Dark Dark Wood. Can’t wait to start reading it.
I think gothic fiction lovers will like this book. I think, though, reading The Turn of the Screw first will help you like this book (and other remakes) even more. Then, watch The Turning (movie) and The Haunting of Bly Manor (the new Netflix series) to see other takes on this classic horror story.
Additional information on The Turn of the Key..cool website…can read a chapter and listen to sample from audiobook. I am also thankful she added a link to her favorite haunted houses. I needed some more suggestions to read. I heard about The Little Strangers. After seeing her review of it, I am going to read it next.
