Reading time: 3 minutes
TV historian Neil Oliver turns his attention to the paranormal in Hauntings: A Book of Ghosts and Where to Find Them Across 25 Eerie British Locations. DAVID SAUNDERSON check out this creepy new book
Review of ‘Hauntings: A Book of Ghosts and Where to Find Them in 25 Creepy British Locations’ by Neil Oliver
In the realm of paranormal writing, Neil Oliver’s Hauntings unfolds as a thoughtful journey through the mist-shrouded alleys of British history and the supernatural.
Known as a TV archaeologist turned political pundit, Oliver explores with some grace a subject shrouded in mystery and intrigue: the ghost stories woven into the fabric of British landscapes.
Like many Spooky Isles readers, I’ve been a long-time reader of paranormal books and guides, from the likes of Elliott O’Donnell to Peter Underwood and newer writers like Eddie Brazil and Andrew Homer. New books about haunted houses in local areas are published every day across Britain and Ireland, written by both amateurs and professionals. What these books have in common is that the authors tend to believe strongly in the paranormal. They have been involved in research for many years and approach the subject with a faith-based attitude.
The interesting thing about Neil Oliver’s Hauntings is that he is an experienced historian who now looks at the ghost stories from the historical side. I find this fascinating.
A book about ghosts and where to find them in 25 eerie British locations takes us on a journey across the British Isles, from the eerie battlefields of forgotten conflicts to the eerie loneliness of ancient castles. Covering locations from Inverness to Devon and beyond, Oliver acts as an expert guide through more than twenty locations that are as historically important as they are paranormally active.
With a backdrop of black-and-white illustrations and a handy map that perfectly matches the atmosphere, the book offers a deeper exploration of these locations than typical ghost story travelogues offer.
What sets this book apart is Oliver’s personal connection to the stories. Beyond simply telling stories of apparitions and eerie occurrences, Oliver reflects on his own family’s history, interweaving it with that of kings and queens and the tragic events that linger in the collective memory of places. This personal storytelling style not only brings the stories closer to the reader, but also invites them to reflect on the thin veils that separate life from death, the past and the present.
The structure of Hauntings echoes Oliver’s previous works, which explore history through objects and places, but here it is deployed to explore the uncanny and ethereal. His writing is almost poetic at times, creating an intimacy that draws readers into the haunting atmosphere of the environment. Because of this I enjoyed his other books.
As I suggested above, one of the most compelling aspects of Hauntings is its open-minded approach to the paranormal. It was created not just for people who believe in ghosts, but for anyone interested in the stories that places can tell and the historical contexts that shape those stories.
Listeners of the audible version of the book will find additional joy in Oliver’s story. His voice, familiar and authoritative, adds another layer of depth to the terrifying stories, making the experiences of these haunted locations even more vivid.
There are quite a few places in Hauntings that you won’t find in your traditional paranormal guidebook. However, it is important to note that ‘Hauntings’ may not appeal to those looking for a conventional tourist guide full of colorful photos and simple ghost stories. The book’s strength lies in the narrative richness and historical depths that anchor the ghost stories in their geographical and historical reality. Some readers may wish the journey were longer, a testament to Oliver’s compelling stories and fascinating subject matter.
In short, ‘Hauntings’ is a masterful blend of history, personal journey and the supernatural. It stands out as a masterpiece that is as educational as it is entertaining, capturing the imagination and perhaps, for some, redefining the contours of reality. Neil Oliver has undoubtedly expanded his repertoire with this latest offering, proving that his ability to captivate and educate extends far beyond conventional history, into the enigmatic realm of the paranormal. Whether you’re a steadfast believer in ghosts or a history buff with a penchant for atmosphere, “Hauntings” promises an enriching, moving and chilling experience.
Hauntings: A Book of Ghosts And Where To Find Them by Neil Oliver is available now.
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