In Christopher Bollen’s latest psychological thriller, “Havoc,” we are transported to a fading luxury hotel on the banks of the Nile, where an elderly widow’s compulsion to “fix” other people’s lives leads her down an increasingly sinister path. The novel masterfully blends elements of classic psychological thrillers with contemporary themes of isolation, pandemic anxiety, and intergenerational conflict.
The Setting: A Hotel in Crisis
The Royal Karnak Palace Hotel serves as more than just a backdrop—it becomes a character in its own right. Bollen’s rich descriptions bring to life this once-grand establishment now struggling to maintain its dignity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel’s decaying grandeur mirrors the psychological deterioration of our protagonist, while the suffocating heat of the Egyptian desert amplifies the mounting tension.
Complex Characters and Unreliable Narratives
At the heart of the story is Maggie Burkhardt, an 81-year-old widow whose seemingly benevolent interference in others’ lives masks a deeply disturbing past. Bollen excels at crafting an unreliable narrator whose perspective becomes increasingly questionable as the story unfolds. The gradual revelation of Maggie’s true nature—from kindly grandmother figure to something far more sinister—is handled with remarkable subtlety.
The introduction of eight-year-old Otto and his mother Tess creates a perfect foil for Maggie’s machinations. Otto, in particular, emerges as a fascinatingly ambiguous character—is he truly the demon Maggie perceives him to be, or is he simply a child caught in the crossfire of adult dysfunction?
Themes and Symbolism
Throughout the novel, Bollen weaves several compelling themes:
The battle between youth and age
The nature of truth and perception
The devastating impact of unprocessed grief
The thin line between helping and controlling
The isolation and paranoia of the pandemic era
Writing Style and Pacing
Bollen’s prose is elegant yet accessible, with a growing sense of unease that builds to a crescendo. The author demonstrates particular skill in maintaining tension while allowing the story to unfold at a deliberately measured pace. The narrative structure, which includes flashbacks and unreliable memories, adds layers of complexity without becoming confusing.
Critique
While the novel is largely successful, there are moments where the pacing in the middle section could be tighter. Some readers might find Maggie’s descent into paranoia and violence somewhat abrupt, though this could be interpreted as intentional, reflecting the character’s fragmented psyche.
Comparative Analysis
Fans of Patricia Highsmith’s psychological thrillers will find familiar territory here, particularly in the way Bollen explores the darkness lurking beneath polite society. The novel also shares DNA with Shirley Jackson’s work, especially in its exploration of isolation and psychological deterioration.
Impact and Relevance
“Havoc” by Christopher Bollen is particularly relevant in its exploration of isolation and mental health during the pandemic era. The novel’s examination of how loneliness and grief can warp perception feels especially timely.
Final Verdict
“Havoc” is a compelling psychological thriller that succeeds on multiple levels. While it works as a straightforward suspense novel, it also offers deeper insights into aging, family dynamics, and the nature of truth itself. The novel is a good read, with its few minor pacing issues overshadowed by its psychological complexity and atmospheric richness.
Who Should Read This
Readers who enjoy:
Psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators
Stories exploring complex family dynamics
Hotel-set mysteries
Character-driven suspense
Literary fiction with darker themes
Author Background
Christopher Bollen has previously written several acclaimed novels including “A Beautiful Crime” and “Orient,” establishing himself as a master of psychological suspense. “Havoc” by Christopher Bollen represents a continuation of his exploration of human nature’s darker aspects while breaking new ground in its examination of age-related themes.
Reading Experience
The novel is best consumed in long, uninterrupted sessions to fully appreciate its building tension and psychological complexity. The Egyptian setting and pandemic backdrop add layers of claustrophobia that enhance the reading experience.
“Havoc” stands as a testament to Bollen’s growing mastery of psychological suspense, offering readers a disturbing yet compelling exploration of how our attempts to help others can sometimes lead to devastating consequences.