Flickers by Arthur Slade
Arthur Slade’s Flickers takes readers on a thrilling and eerie journey through 1920s Hollywood, where the glitz and glamor of silent films conceal a sinister supernatural force. If you’re intrigued by stories that blend historical settings with a chilling mystery, then Flickers is a novel that will captivate your imagination. Let’s dive into this unique tale and explore why it’s a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and supernatural fiction.
A Haunting Quote from Flickers
“The flicker of the film hid the truth, something twisted and wrong, but once you saw it, you could never unsee it.”
This quote beautifully captures the novel’s blend of mystery and fear. It encapsulates the creeping dread that comes with uncovering dark secrets, especially those tied to old Hollywood’s silent films. The idea of hidden truths lurking just beneath the surface of something as innocuous as a movie reel sets the eerie tone of the story.
Summary of Flickers
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Supernatural Thriller
Length: 226 pages
Publication Year: September 23, 2018
Available on: Amazon, Book Depository, major retailers
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Flickers follows twin sisters Isabelle and Beatrice as they navigate life in 1920s Hollywood after the tragic death of their parents. Adopted by a mysterious and powerful filmmaker named Mr. Cecil, the girls are soon drawn into the shadowy world of early filmmaking. They discover that Mr. Cecil’s films are not just entertainment—there’s something dangerous and otherworldly hidden in the flickering frames of his movies. As the plot thickens, Isabelle realizes that her sister’s life, and perhaps the entire world, could be at risk unless they uncover the truth behind these terrifying films.
Key Facts: Hidden Horrors in the Silver Screen
Flickers has been recognized for its ability to seamlessly blend a historical setting with supernatural suspense. Praised by both young adult and adult readers, the novel stands out for its unique premise and richly atmospheric world-building. It has also been a finalist for several Canadian young adult fiction awards.
10 Books Similar to Flickers
If Flickers has sparked your interest, here are 10 similar books you might also enjoy:
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
About the Author: Arthur Slade
Arthur Slade is a renowned Canadian author known for his ability to blend historical settings with fantastical and supernatural elements. His other works include Dust and The Hunchback Assignments, both of which also delve into eerie, atmospheric worlds where history meets the unknown. Slade’s writing reflects his fascination with the strange and the hidden, drawing readers into the unsettling spaces between reality and fantasy.
Writing Style Report: Slade’s Spellbinding Prose
Slade’s writing in Flickers is both atmospheric and cinematic. His descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of 1920s Hollywood—the shimmering lights, the silent film sets, and the darker forces lurking behind the scenes. The book’s pacing is tight, building suspense with every chapter, and his characters are deeply relatable, especially the bond between the twin sisters. The writing style pulls you in with its eerie elegance, making it impossible to put the book down once you start.
Key Takeaways from Flickers
🌕 A Dark Fantasy with a Historical Twist
Flickers blends historical realism with dark fantasy in a unique way. While the setting and the film industry are rooted in real history, the supernatural elements add a layer of mystery and dread that keeps readers on edge.
👭 Sisterly Bond
The relationship between the two sisters, Isabelle and Beatrice, is at the heart of the story. Their bond is tested in unimaginable ways, especially when one becomes the star of a sinister film production. It’s a moving portrayal of familial love, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to save a loved one.
🧠 Psychological Thrills
This book dives deep into psychological horror. The subtle mind games, the creeping sense of dread, and the manipulation of reality are elements that make Flickers an unsettling yet enthralling read. You’ll find yourself questioning what is real and what is illusion—much like the characters themselves.
💡 Themes of Exploitation and Control
The sinister movie producer, Mr. M, symbolizes exploitation in the film industry. His manipulative actions highlight darker aspects of fame, control, and the loss of personal autonomy, which feel chillingly relevant even in today’s world.
🎭 Identity and Sacrifice
The novel explores the idea of personal identity, especially through Isabelle’s journey. She grapples with her role in the world and what she is willing to sacrifice for her sister. This theme resonates throughout the book as characters make harrowing choices that challenge their very sense of self.
🔗 Corruption of Innocence
Throughout the book, we witness the gradual corruption of innocence, especially as the young girls are exposed to the nefarious workings of the film industry and the dark forces behind it. This loss of innocence adds a poignant, emotional depth to the story, making the stakes feel even higher.
✍️ Art as a Double-Edged Sword
The novel portrays art—specifically filmmaking—as both a source of beauty and creativity, and a tool for manipulation and darkness. This duality reflects the novel’s core conflict, where art and evil intertwine, making readers ponder the true cost of creative expression when it’s tainted by corruption.
📽 A Visual Feast in Book Form
Flickers is rich in visual description, capturing the glitz of Hollywood alongside its haunting underbelly. It’s a book that reads like a black-and-white silent movie, full of striking imagery that lingers long after you’ve finished the final page.
What’s Unique About This Book?
What sets Flickers apart is its unique setting—the silent film era. Slade takes a rarely explored period in history and layers it with a chilling supernatural element. The idea of using early filmmaking, a technology filled with flickers and gaps, as a conduit for dark forces is a brilliant and original concept. It’s not just a horror story; it’s a reflection on how art can manipulate and, at times, conceal the truth.
Opinion: My Verdict on Flickers
In my view, Flickers is a Great Book for fans of historical fiction and supernatural thrillers. Arthur Slade has created a novel that stands out in its genre, with an engaging plot, a richly developed setting, and memorable characters. The novel’s eerie atmosphere will keep readers on edge from start to finish, while the mystery and supernatural intrigue will leave a lasting impression. For readers who enjoy exploring the dark corners of history, Flickers is a must-read.
Who Would Enjoy Flickers?
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a supernatural twist, Flickers is the perfect book for you. Readers who loved The Diviners or Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will find themselves equally enthralled by Flickers. The novel appeals to young adult readers as well as adults who enjoy a good mix of history, suspense, and the supernatural.
Top 5 Books by Arthur Slade
Dust
The Hunchback Assignments
Jolted: Newton Starker’s Rules for Survival
Tribes
Flickers
Comprehensive List of Books Mentioned
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
If you love a good supernatural thriller with a historical twist, Flickers will not disappoint. Happy reading! 📚❤️