Review: The Man In The Picture

The Man In The Picture by Susan Hill

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this little ghost story. The Man in the Picture is a quick read. You can complete it in one or two sessions. I think it is best read on a stormy winter night in front of the fireplace with a glass of merlot in your hand.

The first thing that came to mind when reading this story was "Twilight Zone". This is exactly the type of story that terrified me as a child while watching the famed TV show. As an adult, the story was not terrifying but the story definitely held my attention. The story centers around an oil painting. A Cambridge professor tells the story of the painting's history to his friend and former student. The painting has a dark history and tragedy follows its owner. Of course, the painting ends up in the hands of the friend.

I think the story would have been a bit more captivating if it wasn't so short. It was really too long for a short story but too short for a novel. I think the story ended rather abruptly.

All said, the story was fine for a quick read. I think an expanded version would be more satisfying.



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