Review of 'Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories (Penguin Classics)' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is an American classic that I first encountered on the silver screen and had always meant to read. I especially love that the story differs from the one I knew and makes more sense to me than a happy ever after is a dark tale.
The world-building is outstanding and for someone who has never visited the American shores makes you feel like you are truly experiencing Sleepy Hollow a glen in the town of Tarry Town (historical TarryTown), NY albeit in 1790 where the town is rife with ghost tales and legend of things that hide in the dark. Whether the bewitching occurred during the early years of the Dutch settlement in the town, or had been due to a Native American years before.
It's Ichabod's indifference to everything he is told, and in case of moments of trance like states, sees that acts …
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is an American classic that I first encountered on the silver screen and had always meant to read. I especially love that the story differs from the one I knew and makes more sense to me than a happy ever after is a dark tale.
The world-building is outstanding and for someone who has never visited the American shores makes you feel like you are truly experiencing Sleepy Hollow a glen in the town of Tarry Town (historical TarryTown), NY albeit in 1790 where the town is rife with ghost tales and legend of things that hide in the dark. Whether the bewitching occurred during the early years of the Dutch settlement in the town, or had been due to a Native American years before.
It's Ichabod's indifference to everything he is told, and in case of moments of trance like states, sees that acts as a reminder that he doesn't belong to Sleepy Hollow - and in truth, he should be afraid of what he doesn't know. It is his arrogance and quite frankly stupidity that leads to the events that occur. (If you don't know, you should read because you will love this short tale so much if gothic horror and spookiness is something you love.)
The headless horseman is the epitome of what hides in the dark, of true legend in places whose history is woven so deeply into their very existence. He haunts Sleepy Hollow, and yet almost protects the land in my humble opinion. He doesn't tolerate disrespect for the belief that there is more out there and rides even now if the Legend holds true.
I loved the story as I knew I would and in truth, wished it were longer.
