After That, the Dark: Andrew Klavan Unpacks His New Novel

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought.

The Haunting of Hill House follows Dr. John Montague, an investigator of the supernatural, and his guests—Eleanor Vance, Theodora, and Luke Sanderson—as they stay at the notorious Hill House. The house, known for its dark history and inexplicable phenomena, begins to exert its influence on the group, particularly on Eleanor, who may be losing touch with reality or possessing a subconscious telekinetic ability. The novel explores themes of psychological horror, the blurring of reality and imagination, and the haunting nature of the house itself.

The Turn of the Screw is a novella by Henry James that combines elements of Gothic horror and psychological ambiguity. It follows a young governess who is tasked with caring for two children at a remote country house, where she becomes convinced that the children are being haunted by the ghosts of a former valet and governess. The story explores themes of isolation, fear, and the blurring of reality and imagination.

The Executioner's Song is a Pulitzer Prize-winning true crime novel by Norman Mailer. The book meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to Gary Gilmore's crimes, his trial, and his ultimate execution by firing squad in Utah in 1977. It delves into themes of crime, punishment, and the American justice system through a blend of journalism and literary narrative. The novel details Gilmore's troubled life, his relationships, particularly with Nicole Baker, and the legal battles surrounding his case. Mailer's work raises questions about rehabilitation, retribution, and the ethics of capital punishment, and it examines the impact of media on high-profile criminal cases.

Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.

In 'The Kingdom of Cain', Andrew Klavan delves into the dark side of human nature to discover how one can find joy and beauty in a world filled with evil and suffering. The book looks at three murders in history, including Cain's killing of Abel, and analyzes the art created from these horrific events by artists such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Alfred Hitchcock. Klavan argues that it is possible to be clear-eyed about the evil in the world while remaining hope-filled about God's ability to redeem it all. He emphasizes that making beauty out of a world shot through with evil and injustice is a task not just for artists but for every life rightly lived.

The Wasp Factory is a dark and twisted novel that follows the disturbing thoughts and actions of a teenage boy named Frank, who lives on a remote Scottish island. The story delves into themes of identity, family, and the nature of evil, revealing a tragic tale of isolation and insanity. Frank's life unravels dramatically with the return of his unstable brother, Eric, and the revelation of his own complex past.

Published in 1959, 'Psycho' by Robert Bloch is a chilling tale that follows Marion Crane, a woman on the run after stealing money, who checks into the Bates Motel run by Norman Bates. The novel delves into Norman's split personality and his obsession with his mother, who he believes is still alive and controlling him. The story is renowned for its shocking twists and exploration of madness, and it was significantly influenced by the real-life case of Ed Gein. The book was quickly adapted into a classic film by Alfred Hitchcock, setting new standards in violence, sexuality, and deviant behavior in cinema.

In 'In Cold Blood', Truman Capote chronicles the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, on November 15, 1959. The book follows the lives of the victims, Herb Clutter, his wife Bonnie, and their children Nancy and Kenyon, as well as the perpetrators, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. Capote uses a nonfiction novel approach, blending factual reporting with narrative techniques to create a deeply human and emotionally engaging story. The book explores the psychological states of the murderers, the community's reaction to the crime, and the investigative efforts led by Alvin Dewey of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. It delves into themes of innocence, evil, and the complexities of human nature, particularly through the empathetic portrayal of Perry Smith. The novel was first published serially in 'The New Yorker' in 1965 and later in book form in 1966, marking a significant contribution to the 'new journalism' genre.