Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough
The story Long Lankin is based off a ballad by the same name, springing up in the 15th century in Scotland, eventually becoming part of English folklore as well. It is unclear who the original author was, but the poem depicts a Lord leaving his estate and warning his Lady to beware of Long Lankin and to keep the house shut up while he is away. She is betrayed by their baby’s nurse, and Long Lankin finds his way into their home, killing them both. Quite a disturbing tale!
Lindsey Barraclough’s version brings us to the 1950s where two sisters, Cora and Mimi, are sent to stay with their Great Aunt Ida in her countryside home while their father is away. Ida is quite displeased to see them, and attempts to send them away. When it becomes clear they have nowhere else to go, she grudgingly lets them stay. She then proceeds to give them stern and cryptic rules, they mustn’t open windows and can’t play in the church or the field. Shrugging her off as paranoid, the girls disregard her and go where they please, until strange and disturbing encounters begin to take place.
Is Aunt Ida crazy? Or is the place cursed? Is Long Lankin still a threat in these modern times? Can the girls figure out what’s going on before it’s too late?
This gave me the creeps but I loved it. Another 5 star read, and not only did I enjoy it but I also found it to have some interesting deeper symbolism about generation trauma, and how withholding information can do more harm than good, how sometimes in seeking to protect others, we hurt them.
If you feel like it, drop a comment about your current read, or most recent 5 star rated book.
Happy reading!
Gen :)
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