A book a day: Philip Fracassi: The Valley Boys

Original language: English

Original title: Boys in the Valley

Year of publication: 2021

Translation: Joseph Angel of God

Valuation: advisable

For some reason (perhaps because the political times we are living in seem full of demons) stories of diabolical possessions have recently enjoyed great popularity, both in cinema and literature. Such is the case of two stories that had considerable popularity last year (yes, I know I’m late) among fans of the horror genre, at least in Spain: Come closer by Sara Gran and this The Valley Boys by Philip Fracassi, an author whose last name should not mislead you, because his novel has been a complete success (ok, a lame joke. I promise I won’t do it again…).

Brief summary: the valley of the title is an almost isolated one in the state of Pennsylvania in which, at the beginning of the 20th century, the St. Vincent orphanage was erected, run by Catholic priests and the boys in question are, as one might suppose, the orphans sheltered there. The story of an orphanage run by priests would be terrifying enough in itself and, in part, The Valley Boys He goes there, but, not seeming enough, Fracassi inserts an already definitive element: the appearance of the evil one or of one of his adlaters, at least – of many, because it is already known that they are legion; One night, when winter is already threatening the valley, a group of men arrive at the orphanage and bring someone, let’s say, a little damaged… (I warn that from here on there may be spoilers, but it is difficult to explain the book without they). From there the “infection” spreads quickly through the orphanage, as expected, and things end like the rosary of dawn… and never better said.

The narrative alternates between episodes told in the first person, from the point of view of boys like Peter – the protagonist of the story, to a large extent – or David and that of the classic omniscient narrator. In addition to a style that seeks efficiency, without falling into simplism, it is worth highlighting the panoply of wonderful characters that the author offers us: apart from the orphans already mentioned, marked, especially in the case of Peter, by tragedy, harshness of their situation and the internal struggle of each one, we have the priests – the tyrannical Poole, the understanding Father Andrew – or Brother Johnson, an ex-convict turned into Poole’s executing arm…

The novel is efficient and forceful. As a horror novel, obviously (and it will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the genre who have not read it yet, as it has already done for those who have), but not only, in fact, it is a horror that can be unpleasant at some point. moment, but no more than that which appears in many films mainstreamwithout going any further; In addition, the particular history of some characters has more depth than it may seem. However, in my opinion it is not too surprising; In fact, it runs along well-trodden and predictable paths. It is true (and from here on, I insist, there will be SPOILERS) that at a certain point he abandons the path of The exorcist to go through what could equally be a zombie or infected novel, or others like children’s game (Spanish horror classic that anticipated The corn boys and that would have to be reviewed someday) or even lord of the flies… but, even so, I don’t think there is anyone who can be fooled about what is going to happen in San Vicente. To begin with, because placing a story of diabolical possessions in an isolated orphanage already predisposes the reader enough about what they are going to find and then the narrative runs not only through the usual channels of horror and its tropes, but also of thrillers in general. Lastly, and perhaps the most interesting thing about the novel, we can consider it as deeply Christian; Catholic, in fact. I don’t know if because it reflects the beliefs of its author or because it needs to be that way to tell a story with a convincing demonic presence. But don’t worry, everyone: it is not necessary to be a believer in the Catholic faith to enjoy reading this story, which, it must also be said, would be much less plausible if it took place in a secular orphanage.

In short, a satisfactory horror novel, although less original than expectations (I’m talking about mine, of course) promised. Good reading, then, to have a disturbing and entertaining time, but also not to make yourself sick with fear; accessible to all audiences, so to speak…