The Keep

Amazon.com
In Jennifer Egan’s deliciously creepy new novel, two cousins reunite twenty years after a childhood prank gone wrong changed their lives and sent them on their separate ways. “Cousin Howie,” the formerly uncool, strange, and pasty (“he looked like a guy the sun wouldn’t touch”) cousin has become a blond, tan, and married millionaire with a generous spirit. He invites his cousin Danny (who as an insecure teenager left him hurt and helpless in a cave for three days) to help him renovate an old castle in Germany. To reveal too much would ruin the story, just know that The Keep is a wonderfully weird read–a touch experimental in terms of narrative, with a hefty dose of gothic tension and mystery–balanced by an intimate and mesmerizing look at how the past haunts us in different ways. –Daphne Durham

I picked this book up at the library after about 10 days of staring at the TBR pile on my nightstand.  I was in a bit of a draught, reader’s block, if you will.  That being said, The Keep really jarred me back into the reading frenzy that is typically standard for me.  I REALLY liked this book.  I read a review that referred to it as ‘modern gothic’ and I thought that expression fit the story well.  The characters were interesting, the setting surreal, and there was just enough suspense to make you stay up that extra hour to see how it would all turn out.  I had a scary moment near the end where I thought I might be left with one of those enigmatic, wide open endings that I hate, but thankfully, that was not the case.  I would definitely recommend The Keep, and will also be putting Jennifer Egan’s Look at Me on my TBR list!