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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Burnt Offerings summary
Stephen Graham Jones
Robert Marasco
Brief summary
Burnt Offerings is an eerie and suspenseful novel by Robert Marasco. It delves into the sinister secrets of a haunted mansion and the terrifying price its inhabitants must pay for their stay.
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Table of Contents
Burnt Offerings
Summary of key ideas
The Start of a Sinister Summer
In Burnt Offerings, we are introduced to the Rolfe family, who are looking for a summer getaway from their cramped Brooklyn apartment. They find a seemingly perfect mansion in upstate New York, offered at an unbelievably low price by the mysterious and reclusive siblings, Arnold and Roz Allardyce. The only condition is that they must take care of the Allardyce's elderly mother, who resides in the mansion's upper floor.
Despite the mansion's eerie atmosphere and the strange behavior of the Allardyces, the Rolfes decide to take the offer. As they settle into their new summer home, they begin to notice odd occurrences. The mansion seems to have a life of its own, with the house itself appearing to be rejuvenated while the Rolfes themselves start to feel drained and exhausted.
The House's Sinister Influence
As the summer progresses, the mansion's influence on the Rolfes becomes more pronounced. Ben, the patriarch, becomes increasingly obsessed with the house, spending more and more time on its maintenance. Marian, his wife, starts to exhibit strange behavior, becoming more and more attached to the mansion and its history. Their son, David, also falls under the house's spell, developing an unhealthy attachment to the pool.
Meanwhile, the Allardyces remain elusive, with their mother never seen or heard. The only interaction the Rolfes have with them is through the daily delivery of Mrs. Allardyce's meals, which are always left untouched. The mansion's sinister influence continues to grow, and the Rolfes find themselves unable to leave, despite their growing fear and unease.
The Mansion's Dark Secret
As the summer nears its end, the mansion's malevolent nature becomes impossible to ignore. Ben and Marian age rapidly, their health deteriorating at an alarming rate. David, on the other hand, remains untouched, seemingly immune to the house's influence. The family's only hope lies in uncovering the mansion's dark secret and breaking free from its grip.
They begin to investigate the Allardyces and the history of the mansion, uncovering a series of tragic events that have occurred over the years. They learn that the mansion feeds on the life force of its occupants, rejuvenating itself at the cost of their lives. The Allardyces, who are actually the house's caretakers, have been luring families to the mansion for decades, offering them the same deal they offered the Rolfes.
The Final Sacrifice
As the truth about the mansion is revealed, the Rolfes realize that they are running out of time. Marian, now completely under the mansion's control, attempts to sacrifice David to the house in a desperate bid to save herself and Ben. In a heart-stopping climax, Ben manages to break free from the mansion's influence and saves David, but at a terrible cost.
In the end, the mansion claims its final victims, with Marian willingly sacrificing herself to the house in a last-ditch effort to save her own life. Ben and David escape the mansion, but the horror of their summer at the Allardyce house will haunt them forever. Burnt Offerings leaves us with a chilling reminder that some deals are too good to be true, and some houses are best left unexplored.
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What is Burnt Offerings about?
Burnt Offerings is a chilling novel written by Robert Marasco. It tells the story of a family who rents a secluded mansion for the summer, only to discover that the house itself is consuming their sanity and their lives. As the eerie events escalate, the family must uncover the dark secrets of the house before it's too late. A haunting and atmospheric read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Burnt Offerings Review
Burnt Offerings (1973) is a thrilling horror novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here's why you should pick it up:
- With its haunting atmosphere and chilling storyline, the book creates a sense of unease that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
- It masterfully combines elements of psychological suspense and supernatural terror, delivering a nail-biting reading experience that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
- The book's slow-burn tension and unexpected twists make it an engaging and suspenseful read that is definitely not boring.
Who should read Burnt Offerings?
- Horror enthusiasts looking for a chilling and atmospheric read
- Fans of haunted house stories and supernatural suspense
- Readers who enjoy exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown
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Burnt Offerings FAQs
What is the main message of Burnt Offerings?
The main message of Burnt Offerings is a chilling exploration of the dark side of human nature.
How long does it take to read Burnt Offerings?
The reading time for Burnt Offerings varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Burnt Offerings a good book? Is it worth reading?
Burnt Offerings is a gripping and haunting story that is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Burnt Offerings?
The author of Burnt Offerings is Robert Marasco.
What to read after Burnt Offerings?
If you're wondering what to read next after Burnt Offerings, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
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