Purcell communicates the atmosphere in such a magnificent way…The description of Elsie’s journey to the estate in the second chapter is so beautiful, haunting, mysterious. Not ever, not in this house.’’Īs should be the case in every ghost story that respects itself, the house becomes a character and the setting of a frightening battle. Within the context of Purcell’s book, the wooden figures become one of the most disturbing presences in Gothic Fiction. The main explanation is that these figures made an empty house looked as if it was still inhabited so potential burglars and looters were discouraged. The reasons of their creation are still unclear, as they usually resembled the occupants of the particular estate. They were oil-painted wooden figures that gave the impression of three-dimensional carvings.

The Silent Companions or, Dummy Boards, originated in the early 17th century and were popular until the end of the 19th century.

©National Trust Images/John Hammond (image source: ) But what exactly are these creepy wooden figures?Īn early 18th century dummy board of a girl, in the Great Chamber at Trerice, Cornwall. A tapestry directed and supervised by the Silent Companions. Witches, ghosts, curses and troubled minds. The prejudices against gypsies, against the invalids, against women who have a special understanding of Nature. Sarah finds a diary that transports us to the 1630s, a turbulent era when the terror of rebellion equaled the terror of Witchcraft. As if that wasn’t enough, Elsie is expecting her first child and the nursery is the most mysterious room of the house compared only to the garret that must remain locked. With her husband’s cousin, Sarah, as her sole companion, she finds an almost dilapidated dwelling, with stern, soulless servants that reflect the coldness of the entire village.

In my opinion, at least.Įlsie, a young widow, travels to her late husband’s family estate in the 1860s. It is made from the finest blend of the two genres, it is perfect. So much more than a ghost story, so much more than Historical Fiction. Goodness me! How can I write a coherent (and non-spoilery) review on a book that has stayed with me, haunting me (no pun intended) ever since I started reading? A novel that has definitely made it to my personal Top-10? A story that is haunting and ghostly, tragic, raw, darkly beautiful? The Silent Companions was everything I thought it would be and more.

The silent companion book