A story lined with brutal murder – a review of the book “Amityville Horror”

On the south coast of Long Island, New York, there is a small village called Amityville. This is where the story of the Lutz family begins, both real and literary. How much truth is in this story? This question should be answered individually.

What really happened

Twenty-three-year-old Ronald aka Butch De Feo Jr. he murdered his family on November 13, 1974. It was the most terrible tragedy to have happened in this – so far – peaceful neighborhood. Frightened, Butch unexpectedly reported the brutal murder of local bar patrons, although he initially did not plead guilty. Six people lost their lives on that unfortunate night, and despite the man’s defense attorney’s attempts, it was not possible to reduce the sentence of “angry young”. Butch shot his two sisters, two brothers and parents with a Marlin 336C siphon rifle that night. Addicted to heroin and LSD, a twenty-three-year-old man was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

 

Literary equivalent

It seems that author Jay Anson cleverly used the peculiar case of Butch and decided to tell his story in the pages of the novel. Although the book is allegedly based on a true story, no one today seems to believe the author’s assurances. The Lutz family, who move into the house in Amityville, leave the place fearfully. Officially, however, it is known that soon after the traumatic events other people also move there, but they do not experience supernatural phenomena. The story told by Anson may be interesting from the perspective of the reader, but for seekers of truth it will be rather a horror movie with a simple plot that does not surprise (especially those audiences who have already seen the film).

 

We are heroes

The heroes of the novel are ordinary people who do not stand out with anything special. Such creations by the author make it easier for readers to empathize with the situation in which Kathy, George and their children find themselves. The author has not decided to analyze the attitudes of these characters in depth, but their characteristics are sufficient. There are also no detailed descriptions of their appearance in the book. Note that for those who expect more, there is a cinematic version of the horror movie. The director’s concept is very consistent with the book, which allows you to relive the dramatic history of the family many times. Of course, if the recipient is willing to do so.

 

But at first glance… and later

The book is beautifully published by the Vesper publishing house. There is a “haunted” house on the hard cover, which – it would seem – looks straight into our eyes. Inside there are inserts with graphics depicting flies (referring to the plot). In addition, a tab was attached to the edition, remaining in a consistent theme with the entire publication. There is both a foreword and an afterword in the book. At the beginning, a fragment of the speech of Father John Niccola was quoted, who shares with the readers philosophical issues concerning paranormal phenomena. The author of the afterword is Bartosz Czartoryski. A literary translator introduces the recipient to the full story of the Lutz family, explains the cultural phenomenon of the book and reveals his opinion on the marketing activities related to the Amityville Horror release.. This insert is a compendium of knowledge for those who have not had the opportunity to learn about the history of the haunted house before. And believe me, it’s worth reading it carefully.