In the sultry heat of 1960s New Orleans, where Spanish moss drapes from ancient oaks like tattered lace, Del Sandeen weaves a mesmerizing tale of family secrets, racial identity, and the supernatural in her debut novel, “This Cursed House.” Like a steaming bowl of gumbo, this Southern gothic horror simmers with rich flavors – a dash of mystery, a pinch of romance, and a heaping helping of hair-raising chills.
A Tangled Web of Blood and Belonging
At the heart of this gripping narrative is Jemma Barker, a young Black woman fleeing the ghosts (both literal and figurative) of her past in Chicago. When an unexpected job offer arrives from the enigmatic Duchon family in New Orleans, Jemma sees it as her ticket to a fresh start. But honey, let me tell you – she’s about to step into a whole mess of trouble that’ll make her Chicago woes look like a Sunday picnic.
The Duchons, it turns out, are a family with more skeletons in their closet than a Halloween haunted house. Light-skinned enough to pass for white, they look down their noses at brown-skinned Jemma – even as they reveal she’s actually part of their twisted family tree. Talk about a homecoming from hell!
A Curse as Thick as Louisiana Mud
Here’s where things get really wild, y’all. The Duchons are under a generations-old curse, and they’re convinced Jemma’s the key to breaking it. As our girl digs deeper into the family’s sordid past, she uncovers secrets darker than chicory coffee and more disturbing than finding a gator in your bathtub.
Sandeen’s prose crackles with tension, painting a vivid picture of a decaying antebellum mansion where the very walls seem to whisper long-buried truths. The author’s keen eye for detail brings 1960s New Orleans to life in all its complicated glory – from the rhythms of jazz floating down Bourbon Street to the stark realities of Jim Crow segregation.
Characters That’ll Haunt Your Dreams
Let’s dish about the characters, shall we? Sandeen has crafted a cast that’ll stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page:
Jemma Barker: Our Reluctant Heroine
Jemma’s journey from a scared, self-doubting young woman to a force to be reckoned with is the beating heart of this story. Her struggle with her ability to see ghosts and her search for belonging will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
The Duchon Family: A Hot Mess Express
- Honorine: The family matriarch, dripping with faded Southern charm and barely concealed malice.
- Simone: Jemma’s aunt, sharp-tongued and bitter as unripe persimmons.
- Fosette: A cousin whose beauty hides a fragile psyche.
- Laurence: The brooding brother Jemma never knew she had.
Each member of the Duchon clan is deliciously flawed, their interactions a minefield of passive-aggressive barbs and long-simmering resentments.
Magdalene: A Beacon in the Bayou
This wise woman living in the woods near the Duchon property becomes Jemma’s unexpected ally and confidante. Their friendship is a bright spot in the often oppressive atmosphere of the story.
Themes That’ll Make You Think
Sandeen doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy themes, serving up food for thought alongside the supernatural thrills:
The Weight of Family Legacy
The Duchons’ obsession with maintaining their status and “passing” as white drives much of the conflict. It’s a stark reminder of how the poison of racism can infect even those it claims to benefit.
The Power of Forgiveness
As Jemma unravels the curse, she learns that true freedom often comes from letting go of old grudges—easier said than done when you’re dealing with decades of pain and betrayal.
Finding Strength in Your Roots
Jemma’s journey to embrace her heritage—including her supernatural gifts—is a powerful metaphor for the importance of understanding and accepting where we come from.
A Writing Style That Bewitches
Sandeen’s prose is as intoxicating as a French Quarter hurricane cocktail. She seamlessly blends lyrical descriptions with snappy dialogue, creating a rhythm that pulls you deeper into the story with each page. The tension builds slowly but inexorably, like floodwaters rising against a levee, until you’re holding your breath, desperate to see how it all plays out.
Spine-Tingling Scares
While “This Cursed House” isn’t a non-stop gore fest, Del Sandeen knows how to deliver genuine chills. The ghosts that haunt the Duchon property are more tragic than terrifying, but there are moments of pure, hair-raising horror that’ll have you sleeping with the lights on.
A Delicate Balance of History and Fantasy
The author deftly weaves real historical elements—like the civil rights movement simmering in the background—with her supernatural plot. This grounding in reality makes the fantastical elements all the more believable.
Not Without Its Flaws
Now, I gotta keep it real with y’all—no book is perfect, and “This Cursed House” by Del Sandeen has a few quirks that might bug some readers:
- The pacing in the middle section can drag a bit as Jemma uncovers layer after layer of family history.
- Some of the secondary characters feel a little underdeveloped compared to the richly drawn Duchons.
- The resolution of the curse might feel a tad too neat for those who prefer their horror with a more ambiguous ending.
But honestly? These are minor quibbles in what is overall a seriously impressive debut novel.
The Final Verdict
“This Cursed House” by Del Sandeen is a spellbinding read that’ll keep you up way past your bedtime, torn between the urge to devour it in one sitting and the desire to savor every deliciously creepy moment. Sandeen has announced herself as a major new voice in Southern gothic horror, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what nightmares she conjures up next.
If you’re a fan of Tananarive Due’s “The Good House” or Jesmyn Ward’s “Sing, Unburied, Sing,” you’ll find a lot to love in this atmospheric tale of family curses and generational trauma. Just be sure to read it with all the lights on—and maybe a protective charm or two nearby, just in case.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Horror fans looking for something beyond the usual haunted house tropes
- Readers who love complex family dramas with a supernatural twist
- Anyone interested in stories that explore the intersection of race, history, and identity in the American South
Who Should Maybe Skip It?
- Those who prefer their horror with more gore and less introspection
- Readers who get frustrated by slow-burn plots
- Anyone looking for a light, fluffy read (seriously, this ain’t it, sugar)
The Bottom Line
“This Cursed House” by Del Sandeen is a haunting exploration of family secrets, racial identity, and the ghosts we all carry with us. Del Sandeen has crafted a debut that lingers in your mind like Spanish moss on a moonlit night—beautiful, unsettling, and impossible to forget.
So go ahead, brave reader – step into This Cursed House. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking over your shoulder for days after you turn the final page, wondering if those whispers you hear are just the wind… or something far more sinister.
