Content warning - Death, death by suicide, injury, illness
Barrowbeck is a hauntingly atmospheric book that delves into the dark legacy of a remote valley on the Yorkshire-Lancashire border, where generations of villagers have coexisted with ominous, unseen forces.
From its origins as a haven for marsh-folk who fled to the valley by the river, Barrowbeck has harboured secrets and supernatural influences that the locals try to ignore yet cannot escape.
These early settlers were warned by their shaman that they owed their new life to the gods and would forever be their servants—a chilling prophecy that lingers over the centuries.
Each chapter presents a new story, weaving together an unsettling tapestry of the village’s dark history. From a father fearing his daughter’s possession to a widower waiting for his deceased wife’s return, each tale captures the price paid by Barrowbeck’s inhabitants.
With a recurring theme of eerie consequences, the stories span from old-world superstition and witch trials to modern mental health institutions and, finally, a vision of the village in 2041, submerged by floods that may be more than just the result of global warming.
The unsettling atmosphere is vividly conveyed through distinct, varied tales that transition with time yet stay rooted in Barrowbeck’s curse. These stories reveal that while the faces and customs of Barrowbeck change, the valley’s dark core remains, leaving readers to ponder whether the final flood is nature’s wrath or the gods’ vengeance.
Barrowbeck is an eerie, beautifully written exploration of place and history, filled with supernatural and psychological tension. It’s a captivating read for anyone drawn to stories where landscapes and legends collide, leaving a mark on those who dare to stay.
Thank you so much to the author - Andrew Michael Hurley as well as John Murray's Press and Jen and her team at Tandem Collective UK for running this read-along.
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