I know we are just coming out of the happiest and most joyous time of the year, so those of you who familiar with my Author Spotlight for this month might be somewhat confused. Thomas Tryon. He is well-known for his psychological thriller/horror novels and his acting. I mean when we mention the horror, thriller, psychologically disturbing genre, usually people will mention Stephen King if you were born in the 80's or later. This is why I am bringing you Thomas Tryon. He essentially was BEFORE Stephen King. Also, it is a new year when we begin to plan our reads and he is an author that can be read any time of the year aside from Christmas, unless you are into that kind of vibe. I also, feel like I understand him a bit, since we come from the same state, so I understand his books a bit regarding the personalities of the people and the locations. Now, let's get to know Tom.
Thomas Tryon was born January 14, 1926 in Hartford, Connecticut. Prior to writing, he was a pretty well-known actor. He worked with Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe (film never completed) and Director Otto Preminger, who was known to be very difficult to work with and Tom was no exception to endure the pain and physical illness by working with him. After the physical hassle of the movie The Cardinal (1962) and the absolute fail of Something's Gotta Give (1962), he gave his hand at writing upon being inspired by the film Rosemary's Baby (1968). So, under a pseudonym of Alfred Knopf he penned his first horror/psychological thriller, The Other (1971).
The Other (his first novel written), was written 3 years BEFORE Stephan King's first novel, Carrie (1974). Not to mention, this book was then turned into a film in 1973. He then wrote the following novels:
Harvest Home (1973)
Lady (1974)
Crowned Heads (1976)
All That Glitters (1986)
The Night of the Moonbow (1989)
The Wings of the Morning (1990)
In the Fire of Spring (1992)
The Adventures of Opal and Cupid (1992)
Night Magic (1995)
If you want a book that is more than a "jump scare", or something that really gets you thinking, then Tryon's novels are definitely ones you need to read. He is less known today amongst the average population. But his books are truly great works of literature. He sets his books in New England, the mysterious and old charms come through in his writing. The books are in a way very disturbing, but he does it in such a way that you don't realize how disturbing until the end of the book when everything finally makes sense. They are filled with mystery. Who is actually behind the at times gruesome or simply just odd behavior and acts? You find out in the end and usually it very unexpected, in my opinion, especially in Harvest Home. I'll do a review of that book soon, so keep an eye out because man it is a doozy!
His character development, I mean it is very unmatched. The way he can bring such realism of the demented and mentally hurt parts to life is amazing. By reading about his life, it seems he reached down into his own feelings in a way as he had a struggle in life with living a double life and having to hide who he really was left him internally suffering. He died of AIDS in early 90's. He suffered greatly physically, but also I feel mentally. Writing was his outlet. The torment was able to be passed on through his writings of these psychological thrillers. Then the settings, from his personal experience of being born and raised in New England, he describes it well by giving it life. It is a place that when people think of New England, we think Salem, Mass, Amityville Horror or Sleepy Hollow. The foggy, dreary, ominous forests and houses. He really pin points this in his books.
To be honest, I didn't think I would enjoy this genre. I attempted to read Stephen King and I was not a fan, despite all the rave reviews of Stephen King and his standing in the social scene regarding this particular genre. But something with Thomas Tryon's writings got me hooked, and I think it is the lack of fanfare love and having to please the masses as with Stephen King, it was expected of him to produce another FAN favorite book. The pressure was not on Tryon to be this type of writer. To be a socially loved author, was not his goal. To be part of the "fan"-genre (anything that is hyped by popularity, like fan-fiction for example). He just wanted to write, which makes his writing comes to life.
If you want a good book or books that seem like everything is normal, then BAM in your face psychological thriller happens, Thomas Tryon's books are for you. He is a good progression from poet, Edgar Allan Poe to being similar to Stephen King. It gives you those vibes, where you should be sitting by a window, looking out at the rolling foggy and gray woods with your favorite hot drink in hand, and candles lit. Total creepy, yet peaceful vibe. I love it! Let me know what you think after you give this author a try. Happy reading, everyone!
*Tryon photo is from Movie Database website: https://www.themoviedb.org/person/30778-tom-tryon