Psycho - Kirjakasa

English language

Published Dec. 30, 2010

ISBN:: 978-1-59020-335-4

(1 review)

Psycho is a 1959 horror novel by American writer Robert Bloch. The novel tells the story of Norman Bates, a caretaker at an isolated motel who struggles under his domineering mother and becomes embroiled in a series of murders. The novel is considered Bloch's most enduring work and one of the most influential horror books of the 20th century.The story was famously adapted into Alfred Hitchcock's seminal 1960 film of the same name, and also loosely adapted into the Bates Motel television series (2013–2017). Bloch later wrote three sequels, which are unrelated to any of the film sequels.

3 editions

Thom reviewed Psycho by Robert Bloch

Review of 'Psycho' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

This thin book was quickly read, definitely a page-turner. Though Anthony Perkins came to mind often, I pushed him out in favor of the author's Norman Bates - plain, fat, and sometimes drunk. Jonah Hill wouldn't fit the role - no dramatic range - so I settled on Louis Anderson. Casting done, I was able to slip into the story.

Each chapter focuses on one character's point of view, sometimes revisiting a previous scene from a new point of view. The madness of Bates comes out in his chapters, his false world view clashing with the information we find out bit-by-bit in other chapters. None of the other characters are particularly sympathetic.

The environment and especially weather are well described, which really adds to the atmosphere. The rest is mostly dialog, between characters or rambling to one's self. Some scenes from the film are missing or in different places, but …

This thin book was quickly read, definitely a page-turner. Though Anthony Perkins came to mind often, I pushed him out in favor of the author's Norman Bates - plain, fat, and sometimes drunk. Jonah Hill wouldn't fit the role - no dramatic range - so I settled on Louis Anderson. Casting done, I was able to slip into the story.

Each chapter focuses on one character's point of view, sometimes revisiting a previous scene from a new point of view. The madness of Bates comes out in his chapters, his false world view clashing with the information we find out bit-by-bit in other chapters. None of the other characters are particularly sympathetic.

The environment and especially weather are well described, which really adds to the atmosphere. The rest is mostly dialog, between characters or rambling to one's self. Some scenes from the film are missing or in different places, but overall this thin book stands well on its own.

Robert Bloch wrote a sequel published 23 years later, and another shortly after. While I would probably read more from this author, I think I'll pass on these sequels.