The Strangers

In the winter, Jon and Katharina spend time in Jons childhood home on the Cantabrian coast, witnessing strange lights in the sky and encountering unexpected guests, including Jon's distant cousin, Markel, and his companion, Virginia. The visit becomes increasingly uncomfortable, and Jon begins to doubt Markel's identity. The Strangers is a tense and darkly humorous novella that explores the border between love and routine and offers a twist on the theme of "the other."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2023
Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press

Jon and Katharina find themselves spending the winter in Jon's childhood home on the Cantabrian coast, a lonely and boredom-filled experience. They harbor ambivalent feelings towards their precarious freelance jobs and feel disconnected in their relationship. However, their routine is soon disrupted when they witness strange lights in the sky over the village on a rainy night. The following morning, a group of ufologists arrives in the village, eager to make contact with extraterrestrial beings. Alongside them, Jon's distant cousin, Markel, and his companion, the mysterious and alluring Virginia, arrive. The visit becomes increasingly uncomfortable as the strangers refuse to leave, much like the ufologists who have set up camp in view of the house. Days turn into weeks, and the cousins struggle to recall ever meeting Virginia, while her behavior becomes subtly threatening. Jon begins to doubt Markel's identity and wonders if there is more to the situation than meets the eye.

The Strangers is a captivating novella that delves into the boundaries between love and routine, offering a unique perspective on the concept of "the other" and how to navigate life in the face of uncertainty. Written in a Spanish-gothic style, it introduces English readers to the exceptional talent of its author. The story unfolds in a suspenseful and darkly humorous manner, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, with their flaws and complexities adding depth to the narrative. The setting, the Cantabrian coast, adds an atmospheric layer to the story, creating a sense of isolation and unease that complements the psychological tensions of the plot.

Overall, The Strangers is a must-read for fans of psychological suspense, dark humor, and exploration of the human psyche. It offers a thought-provoking and entertaining journey that will leave readers pondering the nature of love, loyalty, and the unknown.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781628974553