Monday, October 8, 2018

Review: Jack of the Lanterns by E. J. Hagadorn



Jack of the Lanterns by E. J. Hagadorn is a short story retelling the legendary origins of, in case you couldn’t guess, that most iconic of Halloween symbols, the Jack O’Lantern. It has the feel of an old folk tale told around the light of a stone hearth,  autumn wind howling against the shutters, flickering orange firelight casting strange shapes on the rafters that could be merely shadows, or could be something more.  This tale is replete with burial mounds, deals with the Devil and of course ghostly carved gourds holding the souls of the dead. It even has some of the feel of Alvin Schwartz, he of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark fame.

This is the story of Jack Stinge, wealthiest farmer in a hamlet called Downan Burns that lies on the edge of a dark, ancient swamp. Folks know not to go into the mire, for anyone who does will never be seen again. Some even say the Devil himself lives among those old, gnarled trees. Jack knows the truth, but he guards that secret closely.

Jack grows vegetables for the townsfolk to turn into lanterns. Pumpkins, squash, turnips- anything that can be hollowed out and lit with a candle.  Into these vessels Jack carves the faces of the dead and disappeared so that their souls can follow the light home for Hallowe’en. Everyone fears and hates Jack, but none dare to threaten him. His are the only crops that will grow. And the villagers need his lanterns. 

Things change though when a stranger comes to town. William Willisp is a young man who wonders about the secrets Jack hides. And, more importantly, what happened to all those people who vanished in the swamp. 

Woven into this tale is the theme of the abused becoming the abuser. Of the man who has been mistreated allowing the anger and cruelty to eat him inside until it turns around on others, some who deserve it. Some who do not.

 One small note: while this story is a good read for adults and older kids, there are a few scenes of murder and one F-bomb. The killing isn’t graphic or gory, but some parents might enjoy being warned in advance if they want to share this tale with their own children.

A quick read at 86 pages, Jack of the Lanterns is a good, moody introduction to the Halloween season. You can get a copy here.

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