The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
By Washington Irving
- Release Date: 1859-01-01
- Genre: Short Stories
Description
Sleepy Hollow’s most famous supernatural phenomenon is the ghost of the Headless Horseman, said to be a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a cannon ball during the Revolutionary War. The Horseman is seen most often riding by the church, where local historians say he was buried. He is believed to be always in search of his head. Ichabod is fascinated by this story, being especially interested (and prone to believe) in tales of the supernatural.
Reviews
Eerie and compelling... perfect for Halloween!
5By ES the horror fanIf you read my headline, it’s obvious that I should have written this review in October. I digress. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is a terrific ghost story! WARNING: As another reviewer made perfectly clear, this story is very different from the 1999 movie Sleepy Hollow, directed by Tim Burton. That is actually a great movie that happens to be one of my favorites, but it has so little in common with the book that any readers who first saw, and liked, the movie just might be disappointed with the book—or, at the very least, completely surprised. I read this as a paperback (are YOU surprised) and my only complaint can best summed up with a simple question: Why is this a BOOK??? It’s a short story! Shouldn’t it be part of a collection of ghost stories, or something?? Well, anyhoo, it’s really a fun and spooky book with wondrous characterizations and details! I highly recommend it for Halloween reading! It’s not too late this year because a spooky story can be enjoyed on ANY day of the year. But, if you read it now, you just might have a fun and frightful Halloween traditi🎃n for next year and every year that follows!A classic is a classic for a reason
5By lottsapoppa1953I read this every year in October. It is well worth anyone’s time . I especially enjoy how people talked differently all this time ago.A classic short story that is overshadowed by its last 10 pages.
5By MraaronhdFirst, for those who are/were expecting a true horror story or close to the 1999 movie directed by Tim Burton and even the recent TV series, you will be disappointed. The focus of this story is not on the Headless Horseman, but instead on Ichabod, his character, and his rivalry with Brom Bones for the affection of Katrina Van Tassle. The horseman is mentioned several times throughout the story, but he is never the main character or the main focus. It’s actually more of a romantic drama in a sense than a ghost tale (which only comprises only about the last 10-15 pages of the book). The best adaptation of this story can actually be found in Disney’s animated version from the 40’s starring Bing Crosby since it stays the closet to the story and does not focus entirely on the Headless Horseman. With that being said, here is my review. The story itself seems to be broken into 3 parts: 1. Detailing the setting of Sleepy Hollow, and Ichabod Crane’s character, 2. Ichabod and Brom Bones’ rivalry for Katrina Van Tassels’ affection, 3. Ichabod’s encounter with the Headless Horseman: One aspect of the story that I enjoy is I like how Irving describes Ichabod’s character from a 3rd person point of view, and you do get a sense of Ichabod’s character and what his goals are. You start to realize that he’s somewhat of schemer by not exactly wanting to marry Katrina because he loves her, but more for the fact that he wants her wealth. And although Brom Bones is portrayed as being a rough, and tumbling kind of person who reminds me of high school football jock that maybe he is the more admirable protagonist. Irving goes into great detail to explain the setting, and the characters’ lives which a lot of people might find to be boring since there isn’t much action per say (or at least not what they were expecting). And I will admit that some of Irving’s descriptions can be somewhat difficult to understand. However, I appreciate his descriptions since they reflect an older period of time when he wrote his stories. As stated before, I feel that most people will be disappointed if they only read it expecting it to be a true ghost story or similar to the movie. This seems to be the major qualm that I can find that most people seem to exhibit when expressing their criticism of the story in that it isn’t a full ghost story, and only the last part of the story is. However, I do not believe that warrants a good enough reason to give it a 1 Star review just because their expectations were different from the actuality of the story. As I said, Disney’s animated adaption is by far the best adaptation of the story.Glad it wasn’t too long
3By Purpah JesusMight be an unpopular opinion, but this was brutal. I found it tough to read but thankfully it only took a couple of lunch breaks to get through. Definitely picks up in the middle so if you start it, stick with it.Who knew
3By What is readingWell I mean they put in a good effort but just noBoouk
1By Biggie FunSizeNice n dankA Good, Slow Burn
5By Adam Sandler HimselfIf you’re looking for a quick chill down your spine, you’ve found the right story. Probably makes for a good campfire story if you live in the East or Midwest USA.Awesome
5By Braxton ColeCoolUnderstanding?
1By Alps.selmanThe over all look and story of the book is great I love it but those words were so old I could barley read the book. I hate to look up a summary because I had no idea what was going on.Sleepy hollow
5By GKB SchoolsIt is a great bookIt was ok, but very boring.😩😟😳
1By #CrazyPineapple100I just finished this book today, I thought it was so boring. All it was a narrator telling you about the place and people. I only read this book for a language arts assignment. I thought interesting but turns out it wasn't. I wouldn't suggest this book to anyone. It was a total snoozer.😴My review by Elora DeAnda
5By LalaLoo05I loved this book you should read itWorst book
1By VZUPOThis is literally the worst book I've ever read. It makes no sense, it talks about the most random stuff I can't keep track of where I am without thinking of other stuff because this book is boring.A Quick Fun Ghost Story Read
5By mrjunuhA must read for those going through classic literature. Irving's description of Crane alone is a fantastic study of a three-dimensional character who the reader empathizes with yet at the same time despises for he reflects our own prideful, covetousness and pathetic character.Sleepy Hollow
5By Sahiyena89I love this classic taleTHIS BOOK BLOWS
2By CRAPpy book reviewsHello fellow Americans, I thought this was going to be a heartwarming horror story but instead its complete crap. I thought me and my family could sit around the fire and read this legend of sleepy hollow book together.The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow
4By laxlady27I liked this book it was very interesting to meClassic tale
3By Mrsmac09I always knew bits and pieces to this story but finally read it and as it is enjoyable, it's not as frightening as I assumed it to be.The legend of the sleepy hollow
5By Amazing super awesomeness gameThis was a very good book, I believe they should make one for children so they can actually understand it. Otherwise I think this book was very well writen, Washington urging is my favorite author I love reading his books! They are so in order and I want everybody epwho love ghosts should read this book Thanks, Maddy Irwin
