The HORlA

by Guy De Maupassant

4 Likes

A quiet life. A beautiful home. And a presence that should not be there…

In the calm of the French countryside, a man begins to sense something just out of sight—something watching, something waiting. At first, it's only small things: a missed glass of water, a restless night. But soon, the peace of his days begins to crumble as the unseen visitor draws nearer.

Told through intimate journal entries, The Horla is a deeply atmospheric tale of isolation, uncertainty, and the strange fear that comes not with loud knocks—but with silence.

A classic from one of France’s greatest storytellers, this short tale is perfect for a quiet evening, a warm blanket, and just a touch of goosebumps.

# French # horror # supernatural
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  • Published
  • Jan. 1, 1887
  • Genre
  • Language
  • English
  • Total pages
  • 20

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3.00/5

2 reviews for The HORlA

S

3/5

Scarlet - Aug. 15, 2025, 2:12 p.m.


The story captures a strong sense of dread and uncertainty, and the diary-style narration makes the descent into possible madness feel intimate. Still, the pacing felt uneven for me—moments of genuine tension were stretched out with sections that slowed the momentum. The ambiguity of whether the events are supernatural or psychological is intriguing, but at times it left the ending feeling more unresolved than satisfying.

J

3/5

Jane - Aug. 13, 2025, 3:31 p.m.


I appreciated the eerie build-up in The Horla—it’s undeniably atmospheric and unsettling—but the cliffhanger ending left me unsatisfied. I prefer a clear resolution, and here I felt like Maupassant left too much hanging, which made the payoff less rewarding for me.