This was my second book by Oscar Wilde, after reading “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. I have to admit that I didn’t fully enjoy “Dorian Gray”. It was brilliant in parts but not really my favorite. Because of that, I approached “The Canterville Ghost” with a mix of curiosity and reluctance.

„When the Americans Mr. and Mrs. Otis and their four children move into Canterville Chase, its previous occupant Lord Canterville warns them that the ghost of his ancestor still haunts the house. Their disbelief is soon shattered by the nightly sound of rattling chains in the hallways and the appearance of mysterious bloodstains in the living room. However, the ghost struggles to intimidate his new victims, as they counter his ghoulish behaviour with typically transatlantic pragmatism, offering lubricator for his chains and cleaning up the stains with detergent. As the spirit is deserted by his capacity to scare, Virginia, the Otises’ daughter, gets to know him and learns the tragic tale behind his sad fate.“

Blurb

What I didn’t know beforehand was that this is far more of a comedy than a horror story. That came as a surprise, but a very pleasant one. I immediately enjoyed Wilde’s witty writing style and sharp sense of humor. The lightness of tone worked perfectly here, and it’s clear that Wilde is having fun playing with the conventions of the ghost story.

Poor Sir Simon really stood out to me as a character. He just wants to frighten the new residents of his ancestral home, and he certainly puts effort into it, after all, he has centuries of experience and many “performances” to be proud of. But the Otis family remains utterly unimpressed, meeting his attempts with either indifference or practical solutions. My favorite moment was their first encounter, when Mr. Otis calmly suggests that Sir Simon should oil his chains so they won’t be quite so noisy. That mixture of practicality and absurdity made me laugh out loud.

I also loved the Otis family as a whole. Their cool indifference to the ghost gave me strong Wednesday Addams vibes, and it was a delight to read. Despite the humor, there’s also a layer of sympathy for Sir Simon, whose weariness and longing for peace become increasingly apparent. That balance of comedy and melancholy is, in my opinion, one of Wilde’s greatest strengths.

It’s a very short story, easily read or listened to in a single sitting, but it manages to pack in atmosphere, clever satire, and surprisingly touching moments. For anyone curious about Wilde beyond “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, I can definitely recommend this one. A charming, witty, and unexpectedly moving tale.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️