Let The Right One In (novel)

LoveUniHateExams

So, I've already posted stuff about the 2008 film of the same title, directed by Tomas Alfredson.

I rate that film very highly, so I thought I'd treat myself over the Xmas holidays with the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

The book is a lot darker in some aspects - the film sensibly tones down the paedophile desires and exploits of Haakan, the girl vampire's carer. Nobody wants to see that kind of stuff on screen. However the novel is different - Haakan is obviously a paedophile in the book.

Even so, John Ajvide Lindqvist is or seems to be a great writer.

(I've got up to page 150 and the book's 519 pages long.)

Check out this paragraph, coming after Oskar is abused by school bullies ...

"He got up and left the bathroom. Didn't wipe up the drop of blood. Let someone see it, let them wonder. Let them think someone had been killed here, because someone had been killed here. And for the hundredth time."

BTW has anyone on this forum read the novel? What did you think about it?

Vidiot

Never read the book, but I loved the 2010 English-language movie remake.

Me favourite part was when Abby literally tore Owen’s psychotic tormentors to pieces when they tried to kill him.

LoveUniHateExams

I've not seen the remake, Let Me In (2010). I've heard a few negative reviews or comparisons with Swedish film.

But maybe I should give the English-language version a try. I heard it is basically a straight horror film, whereas the Swedish film (like the novel) is more a coming-of-age drama and romance/friendship than horror. Have I got that right?

Vidiot

The remake is, IMO, better than the original.

LoveUniHateExams

What makes the remake better for you?

Vidiot

Just personal taste.

LoveUniHateExams

So, I watched the English-language remake Let Me In (2010) a week or so ago.

I was a bit disappointed in it. It seemed to lack the complexities and nuances of the Swedish film.

One scene featuring Owen (this film's version of Oskar) was particularly cringe - the scene where he is standing in front of his bedroom mirror with a Michael Myers-type mask on, imagining himself threatening his bullies and calling them 'girl'.

The chemistry between Owen (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee) and Abby (Chloe Grace Moretz) was almost non-existent, so that I found it difficult to believe that they were sweet on each other.

I really don't know why Hollywood even put out an English version - Swedish people have a similar culture and language to us Brits and Yanks, anyway.

Very pedestrian movie IMO ... 5 out of 10, perhaps.

I don't believe it! I'm becoming that which I hate - a snobbish movie critic!

LoveUniHateExams

So, I finished reading Let The Right One In about three weeks after I bought it. Yeah, it's great.

I really wanted to know what happened to Oskar and Eli so I bought Let The Old Dreams Die which is a collection of short stories. The title story, Let The Old Dreams Die, hints at what becomes of the pair. Eli and Oskar mix their blood and therefore Oskar becomes a vampire. Awww, how sweet 🥰

But seriously John Ajvide Lindqvist is a great writer as far as I can tell. 👍

LoveUniHateExams

Both the novel and 2008 film are very rereadable/rewatchable.

The way romantic relationships are presented is fascinating.

I've noticed that all the adult relationships are dysfunctional to some degree.

There is Lacke, an alcoholic, and his on-off girlfriend Virginia. They have drunken bust-ups.

There are Yvonne and Erik, Oskar's parents. Yvonne is a single mum who works nights, so she isn't around for Oskar half the time. Erik likes to drink too much, and sometimes prefers to drink with his buddy when his son visits.

Haakan's relationship with Eli is the most disturbing of the lot. Haakan is a paedophile. His relationship with Eli is not sexual, although Haakan probably wants it to be. He also lusts after young boys.

Pretty much the only romantic relationship in the novel that is 'normal' is the one that develops between Oskar and Eli. 🤣

carla

Hey Love Uni, can you please see your messages? thanks

Let The Right One In (novel)

Share this