The Way It Haunted Him by Laura R. Samotin review

By Satu Sarkas Bosman

Michael, heavily burdened by sorrow, guilt and nightmares after the passing of his partner Nate, approaches the Schechter Institute for Judaic Studies in order to complete Nate’s dissertation. Nate was exploring the connection between demonic entities and the denial of their existence.

Michael does not believe in demons or folkloric creatures and finds the archive keeper Jacob’s belief that the institute is full of them frankly rather ridiculous.

As Michael’s research progresses, he starts to question his beliefs and also his relationship with Nate. Michael and Jacob are both weighed down by their past and both question the choices they made.

The relationship between Michael and Jacob becomes the central theme and the development of it is written from such place of understanding and care.

This book is an beautiful mix of ancient beliefs and individual responses to life altering events.

The author writes, in an incredibly poignant way, of deep grief and Michael’s journey of accepting the reality of his relationship before the death of his loved one.

Demonology and folktales are weaved into the narrative but this really is a tale of penance and how we construct explanations in order to interpret reality in a more acceptable way.

You truly sympathise with Michael and as you walk this path with him, feel deeply when he moves from repentance and penance to healing. I found this book to be beautifully written, never maudlin, and always showing deeper understanding of individual endeavours.

The Way It Haunted Him by Laura R. Samotin is available now in various formats from Titan Books.