M. G. Turner: “‘False Memories & Eldritch Interludes’ is a spooky delight”

A review by Ewan “M. G.” Turner of a new horror-inflected book:

False Memories & Eldritch Interludes is a spooky delight! Part-memoir, part tall tale, author Joseph Citro takes a novel approach by making himself known to readers in among a series of stories, narratives, and as he calls them, “eldritch” interludes. If that word is familiar it’s because it was popularized by fellow New England writer H.P. Lovecraft, whom Citro acknowledges as a major influence, as he was on so many, acting as a model for all who preserve local history in that most gothic region. Citro’s writing itself is excellent—personal and touching, and as a fellow horror writer/enthusiast myself, it is special to meet him in these ingenious pages. Along the way you feel less like you’re reading a book and more like you’re in the presence of a great storyteller who is weaving narratives that at first seem opposed to each other but surprise you with their profound resonance.

It is also a joy to read stories and then have them commented upon by the omniscient writer’s voice in welcome “Behind the Scenes” sections which provide an excellent dichotomy between fright and fable, and give you an even deeper view into the author—something Lovecraft himself was never able to do, but Citro does remarkably well and without it feeling contrived or too self-referential. Also, I should add that it is very refreshing to read work like this, though I hesitate to describe it as “no-nonsense.” Instead what I mean is that you have the feeling of being given a chance to see the inner workings of a seasoned writer’s mind and with him as a guide we’ll live to tell the tale! (Also, it’s just nice to read something unpretentious in style and yet extremely deep in terms of content, a nearly impossible feat to pull off.)

Favorite pieces in the collection include: “Them Bald-Headed Snays”; “Soul-Keeper”; “Kirby”; and “The Last Fortune Cookie.” “False Memories” is a must-read for all horror enthusiasts and for people who enjoy the work of highly skilled writers who tell stories connected to their local communities and expand upon and ultimately craft their own urban legends. Last, evocative illustrations by Corey Forman round out the package nicely.  It’s available on Amazon.

The Vermonter publication has described Joe Citro as “Vermont’s most recognized authority on ghosts, haunting, and the state’s mysterious past. He’s written many fascinating books on the subject, including his bestselling work, Passing Strange: True Tales of New England Hauntings and Horrors.” Citro really is a New England treasure, as is clear in this 2020 profile in Seven Days magazine.