Haunted is a novel written by Chuck Palahniuk, who is best known for his novel Fight Club.
Haunted is a satirical take on modern society, featuring a cast of characters that explore our world’s plagues of narcissism and materialism.
Palahniuk’s clever writing style and clever use of structure make Haunted a compelling and entertaining read.
Plot
Haunted is narrated by multiple characters and takes the form of an anthology. The novel begins with the protagonist, unnamed, sending a group of writers and artists to an abandoned theater.
The writers must stay in the theater for one month and produce a book, “Contest”, from what they have written and experienced during their stay.
Throughout their stay, the characters interact with each other and discuss the various issues plaguing our modern society.
They must confront their own narcissism and materialism, as well as their struggle for a sense of identity in a world of constant materialistic consumption.
Themes
One of the major themes in Haunted is narcissism and materialism. In a world consumed by vanity and status, the characters battle with the expectations and pressures set out by the society they exist in.
Palahniuk manages to capture the struggles and anxieties of those in the modern world, giving the reader insight into the struggles of today’s society.
He also explores themes of identity, in the characters’ search for a sense of self-worth and meaning in a world of vanity and “keeping up with the Joneses”.
Style
Palahniuk has a unique writing style that makes his writing entertaining and enjoyable to read. He uses an interesting structure, with multiple narrators and varying POVs.
Haunted is written in a vivid, captivating manner, and Palahniuk has a talent for crafting suspenseful and unexpected endings. His clever use of language and structure keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire novel.
Conclusion
With an interesting cast of characters and an entertaining writing style, Palahniuk manages to strike an interesting balance between humor and pathos.
The novel is a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a clever look at the plagues of modern society.
