Susan Barker’s Old Soul is a novel that transcends traditional horror conventions, weaving an intricate tapestry of psychological depth, historical resonance, and existential inquiry. A work that melds elements of literary horror, thriller, and speculative fiction, Barker crafts a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and profoundly unsettling. With a meticulous blend of historical research and deft storytelling, Old Soul is a novel that compels readers to confront the very nature of identity, power, and fate.

Barker, best known for The Incarnations, a novel that explored reincarnation across centuries of Chinese history, once again constructs a story that delves deeply into temporal and existential themes. Old Soul took her eight years to complete, a testament to her dedication to research and narrative complexity. In an interview, she acknowledged her unconventional writing approach: “I tend not to plot in advance. The eight years it took me to write Old Soul could be a cautionary tale about this approach.” This organic method of storytelling allows for a rich, layered structure that unfolds in a non-linear, immersive fashion.

Barker also bucks typical horror genre conventions by making her central antagonist a woman. “Most monsters in horror are male, and the female characters are either tormented victims or the plucky final girl,” she notes. “Centering the story around a female monster subverts all the norms.” This subversion allows for a nuanced examination of female agency and power, challenging traditional horror archetypes.

The novel follows Jake, a middle-aged teacher haunted by the inexplicable death of his best friend. When he meets Mariko, a woman with a strikingly similar loss, they uncover a connection to an enigmatic woman—an entity who has existed for centuries, preying upon her victims in a way that transcends conventional mortality. This figure, who goes by various names and identities, does not simply kill; she alters reality itself, leaving behind victims whose internal organs have been reversed in a disturbing, unnatural transformation.

Jake embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery, traveling across continents and through layers of testimony from those who have survived encounters with the Old Soul. Meanwhile, the entity herself continues her predatory cycle, preparing for her next victim. The interplay between Jake’s search and the woman’s inexorable pursuit of sustenance creates an atmosphere of relentless tension.

Barker’s Old Soul is a sophisticated examination of memory, agency, and existential dread. Her treatment of history as something that actively shapes the present is central to the novel’s structure. She observes, “Looking back at the past is like looking through a kaleidoscope.” This perspective underscores a thematic concern with the fluidity of identity and the subjective nature of memory.

The novel also raises compelling questions about power and control. The Old Soul, as an antagonist, is both terrifying and captivating—not merely a force of destruction, but a figure shaped by history and survival. Barker remarks, “She’s only out for herself, and many of her victims are vulnerable girls and women who she robs of agency to secure her own.” This speaks to a broader commentary on exploitation and autonomy, blurring the lines between predator and victim.

Additionally, Old Soul engages with elements of cosmic horror. The entity’s ability to manipulate physical and metaphysical realities ties into Barker’s fascination with the fourth dimension. “The fourth dimension has always fascinated me,” she states, reflecting on how the concept has informed her writing since her debut novel. This existential horror—where free will is questioned and higher-dimensional forces manipulate human lives—adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Barker’s prose is deliberate, evocative, and unsettling. Unlike conventional horror that relies on overt shocks, she builds dread gradually, allowing tension to accumulate through psychological unease and philosophical contemplation. “I like writing in the area of terror,” she explains, referring to the slow-burn fear that permeates the novel.

The novel’s structure—alternating between testimonies from survivors and the present-day pursuit of the Old Soul—creates a documentary-like effect. The fragmented narratives contribute to the theme of subjective memory and the unknowability of truth. This technique, while demanding of the reader, ultimately enriches the novel’s depth.

Strengths:

• Atmosphere and Psychological Depth: Barker crafts a deeply immersive world where horror is as much an internal experience as an external threat.
• Subversion of Horror Tropes: The decision to center the narrative around a female predator offers a fresh and compelling perspective.
• Philosophical Undertones: The novel provokes thought about the nature of existence, memory, and agency, elevating it beyond traditional horror.
• Multi-Narrative Complexity: The use of testimonials creates a layered, almost investigative feel, drawing the reader deeper into the mystery.

Critiques:

• A Slow-Burning Narrative: While not a problem for this reader, some may find the slow burn nature of the novel trying.
• Ambiguous Conclusion: The ending resists easy interpretation, which, while intellectually satisfying, may leave some readers seeking more resolution.

Old Soul is a masterfully constructed novel that lingers on the mind. Susan Barker has created a work that not only chills but challenges, compelling readers to question the nature of reality, identity, and moral ambiguity. It is a novel that demands engagement, rewarding those who appreciate horror that operates on both a visceral and intellectual level.

G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Published January 28, 2025