🩸 Horror Fiction

Curious Things: Stories of a black cat, superstitions, and strange events.

✍️ Joanne Van Leerdam
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$9.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of stories about a black cat named Friday and his encounters with superstition.

Leerdam uses Friday to examine how luck and misfortune are perceived in daily life. The text questions whether black cats are truly omens of doom or simply observers of human folly. By focusing on the cat's loyalty and intelligence, the author shifts the narrative from fear to fascination. Readers interested in the intersection of folklore and modern skepticism will find value here. The work does not offer scientific proof but rather literary exploration of belief systems.

Key Themes
black cat lore superstition analysis karmic justice
Literary Context

The book engages with Western superstitions regarding black cats and Friday the thirteenth. It reflects a contemporary reevaluation of these old beliefs, moving away from pure dread toward curiosity. The work sits within the broader genre of supernatural fiction that examines how cultural myths influence personal experience.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · M.R. James · Neil Gaiman
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2017 📖 112 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781979580113

📝 Description: Curious Things: Stories of a black cat, superstitions, and strange events.

Joanne Leerdam presents Curious Things through a series of vignettes centered on Friday, a black cat with remarkable intelligence and loyalty. The narrative frames superstition and strange events not as mere folklore but as lived experiences where karma operates with swift precision. Leerdam explores the nuanced reputation of black cats, challenging the traditional notion that they bring bad luck. Instead, the text suggests these animals are often present during curious occurrences, acting as silent witnesses to the supernatural. The collection draws on various traditions surrounding feline mysticism and the uncanny. It appeals to readers who have suspected that crossing paths with a black cat holds different meanings than popular culture dictates. The stories cater to those interested in uncharitable thoughts about annoying people or those wishing for faster karmic justice. Leerdam qualifies her perspective by focusing on the devilishly handsome nature of her feline protagonist, Friday. This approach offers a fresh take on gothic tropes without relying on fear. This volume suits individuals who enjoy supernatural fiction with a touch of dark humor and philosophical reflection on fate. It may not satisfy readers seeking dense historical analysis or traditional horror narratives devoid of animal protagonists. The structure relies on episodic storytelling rather than a continuous plot, allowing each strange event to stand alone while contributing to the overarching theme of curious things.

💎 Our verdict on Curious Things: Stories of a black cat, superstitions, and strange events.

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Joanne Leerdam presents a compelling collection that reframes black cats not as harbingers of doom but as intelligent observers of human behavior. The episodic structure allows for a deep dive into feline mysticism and the uncanny, offering a tone that balances gothic elements with dark humor. This approach makes the text accessible and engaging, particularly for readers who suspect popular culture misinterprets these animals. While it may not satisfy those seeking dense historical analysis or conventional horror narratives, it excels in its literary exploration of belief systems. The work succeeds by focusing on the protagonist’s loyalty and devilish charm, creating a nuanced portrait that invites fascination rather than dread. It is a thoughtful examination of karma and fate, appealing to those who enjoy supernatural fiction with philosophical undertones.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the intersection of folklore and modern skepticism will find significant value in this unique collection. It appeals to those interested in the nuanced reputation of black cats, challenging the traditional notion that they are mere omens of doom rather than silent witnesses to human folly. The book offers a fresh perspective for audiences who enjoy supernatural fiction infused with dark humor and philosophical reflection on fate. Those curious about karmic justice or uncharitable thoughts toward annoying individuals may find resonance in the narrative’s exploration of swift consequences. By shifting the focus from fear to fascination, it provides an engaging look at how luck and misfortune are perceived in daily life without relying on dense historical analysis or traditional horror tropes devoid of animal protagonists.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Joanne Leerdam presents a compelling collection that reframes black cats not as harbingers of doom but as intelligent observers of human behavior. The episodic structure allows for a deep dive into feline mysticism and the uncanny, offering a tone that balances gothic elements with dark humor. This approach makes the text accessible and engaging, particularly for readers who suspect popular culture misinterprets these animals. While it may not satisfy those seeking dense historical analysis or conventional horror narratives, it excels in its literary exploration of belief systems. The work succeeds by focusing on the protagonist’s loyalty and devilish charm, creating a nuanced portrait that invites fascination rather than dread. It is a thoughtful examination of karma and fate, appealing to those who enjoy supernatural fiction with philosophical undertones.

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