Returning home from a visit to a client late one summer's evening, antiquarian bookseller Adam Snow takes a wrong turning and stumbles across the derelict old White House. Compelled by curiosity, he approaches the door, and, standing before the entrance feels the unmistakable sensation of a small hand creeping into his own, 'as if a child had taken hold of it'. Intrigued by the encounter, he determines to learn more, and discovers that the owner's grandson had drowned tragically many years before. At first unperturbed by the odd experience, Snow begins to be plagued by haunting dreams, panic attacks, and more frequent visits from the small hand which become increasingly threatening and sinister ...
The Small Hand
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Review
`A superbly chilling ghost story - a metier that Hill has made her own' Bookseller --Bookseller
`Superior chills from the author of The Woman in Black' -- Woman & Home
`A distinguished modern exponent of the genre... This beautifully written novel may be short, but not one word is wasted' --Spectator
`On chilling form' -- Vogue
`If the proof of a good ghost story is a bad dream, this one worked for me' --Intelligent life
`On top form' --Good Housekeeping
`This is a wonderful piece of storytelling that does what a good story ought to do: pulls you in' --Jeremy Dyson, Guardian
`Seductive as it is disquieting, atmospheric and brilliantly suspenseful' --The Lady
`Short and crisply told ... The tension is built up gradually until it is taut and physical' --Independent
`Precise and stylish' Big Issue -- Big Issue
`Classic' -- Mail on Sunday
`As seductive as it is disquieting, atmospheric and brilliantly suspenseful' -- The Lady
`It's hugely enjoyable and a perfect read for a couple of hours by the fireside on a dark winter's evening' -- Daily Mail
`Short and crisply told ... The tension is built up gradually until it is taut and physical' -- Independent
`Masterfully done ... subtle, elegant' -- The Times
`A beautiful volume housing a chilling take on the good old-fashioned ghost story' -- Red
`Most definitely suited to reading beside a roaring fire while fingering the thick cream pages of this well-produced hardback' -- Observer
'An elegant entertainment for a winter's night' --Financial Times
`Superior chills from the author of The Woman in Black' -- Woman & Home
`A distinguished modern exponent of the genre... This beautifully written novel may be short, but not one word is wasted' --Spectator
`On chilling form' -- Vogue
`If the proof of a good ghost story is a bad dream, this one worked for me' --Intelligent life
`On top form' --Good Housekeeping
`This is a wonderful piece of storytelling that does what a good story ought to do: pulls you in' --Jeremy Dyson, Guardian
`Seductive as it is disquieting, atmospheric and brilliantly suspenseful' --The Lady
`Short and crisply told ... The tension is built up gradually until it is taut and physical' --Independent
`Precise and stylish' Big Issue -- Big Issue
`Classic' -- Mail on Sunday
`As seductive as it is disquieting, atmospheric and brilliantly suspenseful' -- The Lady
`It's hugely enjoyable and a perfect read for a couple of hours by the fireside on a dark winter's evening' -- Daily Mail
`Short and crisply told ... The tension is built up gradually until it is taut and physical' -- Independent
`Masterfully done ... subtle, elegant' -- The Times
`A beautiful volume housing a chilling take on the good old-fashioned ghost story' -- Red
`Most definitely suited to reading beside a roaring fire while fingering the thick cream pages of this well-produced hardback' -- Observer
'An elegant entertainment for a winter's night' --Financial Times
Book Description
The chilling tale of a man in the grip of a small, invisible hand ... A superlative ghost story by the author of The Woman in Black and The Man in the Picture, to be read by the fire on a cold winter's night.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By Clive A. H. Still
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
This is a beautifully produced book but, sadly, the contents are a disappointment. Adam Snow, a blameless antiquarian book seller, has a series of supernatural experiences : a small hand grasps his, sometimes passively and sometimes with malevolent intent. Wherever he travels he is almost certain to encounter this ghostly phenomenon but in spite of the high quality of Suan Hill's writing, it is difficult to become engaged with the story and none of the characters is particularly endearing.
The descriptions of the various locales (particularly the monastery of Saint Mathieu and the overgrown garden) are superb but somehow this story never takes off.
The descriptions of the various locales (particularly the monastery of Saint Mathieu and the overgrown garden) are superb but somehow this story never takes off.
137 of 147 people found the following review helpful
By Simon Savidge Reads
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
Adam Snow, an antiquarian book dealer, narrates the tales of his dealings in `The Small Hand' after one night journeying back from a client he decides to take the back quieter routes `through the Downs' on his commute back to London only to discover himself completely lost. Eventually he happens upon a drive way and a sign saying `garden closed' and knowing there must be some kind of large house he decides this would be the best place to find directions. The house he discovers however is in a mild state of dereliction yet it seems he is not alone for as he turns back to the car a small hand takes hold of his only no one is with him.
After his first bemusement to what takes place and dismissal as his imagination due to the atmosphere things start to take a turn for the more sinister when Adam starts to become gripped by fear for no apparent reason. Initially thinking this must be some kind of series of panic attacks he becomes more concerned when on a trip abroad he starts to see things and a presence seems to be dragging him closer and closer to danger when ever it can find opportunity. I shall leave it there because if I give any more away I would say too much and part of the joy of this book, and the chilling factors too, is the fact that things happen when you aren't expecting them too and there is an interesting back story and good few twists that all add to the experience it wouldn't do to ruin.
You might have guessed but I did really enjoy this book. I curled up with it on a Saturday evening when it had gone dark and I had the house all to myself. I can report that it had the desired effect too as the random house noises I don't normally notice started to make me jump. I think it's in part the fact the story is in first person and so you read on as if it is happening to you. In the main I think it's all down to Susan Hill's writing and the atmosphere she subtly builds as the story goes on. Its not a book that scares you like a sudden 'BOO' would, its one that initially chills and then builds and builds on that.
After his first bemusement to what takes place and dismissal as his imagination due to the atmosphere things start to take a turn for the more sinister when Adam starts to become gripped by fear for no apparent reason. Initially thinking this must be some kind of series of panic attacks he becomes more concerned when on a trip abroad he starts to see things and a presence seems to be dragging him closer and closer to danger when ever it can find opportunity. I shall leave it there because if I give any more away I would say too much and part of the joy of this book, and the chilling factors too, is the fact that things happen when you aren't expecting them too and there is an interesting back story and good few twists that all add to the experience it wouldn't do to ruin.
You might have guessed but I did really enjoy this book. I curled up with it on a Saturday evening when it had gone dark and I had the house all to myself. I can report that it had the desired effect too as the random house noises I don't normally notice started to make me jump. I think it's in part the fact the story is in first person and so you read on as if it is happening to you. In the main I think it's all down to Susan Hill's writing and the atmosphere she subtly builds as the story goes on. Its not a book that scares you like a sudden 'BOO' would, its one that initially chills and then builds and builds on that.
28 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I read this story on my new Kindle, which I think may have detracted slightly as other reviewers have mentioned the quality of the cover and presentation of the book. I can't comment on those, but as a reading experience, I was a little underwhelmed by The Small Hand.
The premise is excellent and follows in the established tradition of ghost stories. An antiquarian book dealer becomes lost one night and ends up in the 'closed' garden of a house that used to be a tourist attraction. This is where he has his first encounter with 'the small hand' and it's genuinely thrilling and very creepy.
Very soon after this though, the story becomes less traditional and more stereotypical. I guessed almost immediately why the narrator was being haunted and was hoping I'd guessed wrong, but I hadn't.
The writing is wonderful, sparse and precise. Ms Hill doesn't use a dozen words where one will do and I really admire her for this. I just feel the story, on this occasion, is a little too thin. It would have made a good short story, but stretching it out to novel-length feels wrong.
It's a beautifully written book, and you won't want to put it down.
The premise is excellent and follows in the established tradition of ghost stories. An antiquarian book dealer becomes lost one night and ends up in the 'closed' garden of a house that used to be a tourist attraction. This is where he has his first encounter with 'the small hand' and it's genuinely thrilling and very creepy.
Very soon after this though, the story becomes less traditional and more stereotypical. I guessed almost immediately why the narrator was being haunted and was hoping I'd guessed wrong, but I hadn't.
The writing is wonderful, sparse and precise. Ms Hill doesn't use a dozen words where one will do and I really admire her for this. I just feel the story, on this occasion, is a little too thin. It would have made a good short story, but stretching it out to novel-length feels wrong.
It's a beautifully written book, and you won't want to put it down.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spooky and compelling
Unsettling from the start, the story builds up the tension without any graphic violence or horror. A really gripping ghost story.
Published 1 month ago by Buffy
5.0 out of 5 stars
thrilling and suspensful reading
this book lives up to susan hills reputation. it is really well written and makes the hairs on your neck stand up!!. I found it really hard to put down.
Published 2 months ago by penny pettengell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good use of atmosphere but much of a muchness
This is a very similar offering from Susan Hill as "The Woman in Black". One can't help but wonder if she's planning on starting her own franchise for Hammer Horror, because this... Read more
Published 2 months ago by V. G. Harwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
Susan Hill never disappoints
As always Susan Hill never disappoints. All the ingredients of a ghost story well told the only problem was it was too short and way to expenses I thought !
Published 3 months ago by ChristineC
1.0 out of 5 stars
Ladies and gentlemen, a small hand for Susan Hill
If there is any supernatural mystery about The Small Hand (the only reason I didn't guess the ending was because I'd long since given up caring what happened in the end, and made... Read more
Published 3 months ago by steerpike
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ghost story?
Beautifully written as one would expect from Susan Hill, creepy, mysterious, menacing and interesting. I found the ending a little disappointing however.
Published 3 months ago by Robin
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Small Hand
A gripping tale told lucidly. An easy read with vivid imagery. Well constructed but the ending is an easy guess but that really doesn't matter.
Published 3 months ago by JJ Dunne
4.0 out of 5 stars
sinister and creepy, better than I thought.
Susan Hill, who wrote the woman in black (not that i've read it or seen the film due to my aversion to a certain Daniel Radcliffe) is the author of this little ghost story. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sarah Smith 1986
2.0 out of 5 stars
Small Hand
Sadly predictable and a rather leaden prose. No real narrative tension and a style that was remarkably lacking in dynamic.
Published 3 months ago by William Lyons
4.0 out of 5 stars
It kept me interested.
I did read through to the end of this book although I don't think it is on the same level as 'Woman in Black'. Read more
Published 3 months ago by L. D. Miller
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