The Thing from the Lake

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23738

Title

The Thing from the Lake

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A man purchases a dilapidated Connecticut farm haunted by a mysterious presence. As he investigates the supernatural threats, he forms a deep bond with the enigmatic Desire Michell, whose heritage connects her to the evil entity. The narrative blends gothic horror with romance, exploring themes of fear, love, and the conflict between scientific rationality and ancient superstition.

Summary up to 500 words

In Eleanor M. Ingram's *The Thing from the Lake*, Roger Locke purchases a neglected New England farm, captivated by its potential for restoration. Upon moving in, he is immediately plagued by terrifying hallucinations and a malevolent presence known as the 'Thing from the Lake.' One night, he discovers a mysterious woman with a magnificent braid of hair in his room: Desire Michell, the last of a line cursed by a demonic entity. Despite her warnings, Roger remains curious and defiant. Over time, he learns of Desire's family history and her unique ability to perceive the supernatural, while his friend Ethan Vere and his daughter Phillida attribute the phenomena to marsh gas and psychological suggestion. Desire insists on the reality of the evil spirit, explaining that she knows of it through sympathy rather than direct communication, as the entity claims her by bloodline. Roger eventually realizes that the entity targets Desire, yet through courage and an unwavering will, he protects her, mastering the entity's influence. The story concludes with the couple leaving the haunted house, their love having triumphed over centuries of dread. The narrative explores themes of faith versus science, the power of heredity, and the strength of human will against supernatural forces. While rational explanations like swamp gases and landslides are proposed, the story maintains a tone of gothic mystery, suggesting that some forces transcend scientific understanding. Roger's journey transforms him from a skeptical city man into a brave protector, demonstrating that love and courage can conquer even the most ancient and terrifying evils.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-04 21:30 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Horror