Is 'The Silent Companions' Based On A True Story?

2025-06-28 17:02:37 301

3 Answers

Fiona
Fiona
2025-07-03 11:35:42
I've read 'The Silent Companions' multiple times, and while it feels chillingly real, it's not based on a true story. The novel draws inspiration from historical elements like Victorian spiritualism and the creepy trend of 'companion dolls' from that era. The author, Laura Purcell, masterfully blends these facts with fiction to create an atmosphere so authentic it tricks you into believing it could be real. The haunted house trope feels fresh because she roots it in actual fears of the time—class disparity, isolation, and the unseen dangers of industrialization. If you enjoyed this, try 'The Corset' by the same author—another historical horror that plays with perception and reality.
Violet
Violet
2025-06-30 20:34:51
As someone who digs into the research behind horror novels, I can confirm 'The Silent Companions' isn't fact-based—but its genius lies in how it mimics truth. Purcell uses real historical details as scaffolding: the 1866 setting mirrors the rise of séances, and the wooden 'companions' echo Dutch waxwork dolls called 'poppen' that were sometimes used as mourning objects. The protagonist's hysteria diagnosis? Straight from Victorian medical texts. The story feels plausible because it's built on period-accurate paranoias.

What fascinates me is how Purcell subverts expectations. Unlike typical ghost stories tied to documented hauntings, she invents a folklore-esque backstory for the companions that *feels* like it could be pulled from an obscure historical record. The pacing mimics Victorian gothic novels too—slow burns with payoff that hits harder because of the buildup. For readers who like this blend, 'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield does something similar, weaving faux history into its narrative fabric.
Weston
Weston
2025-07-01 08:05:55
Let’s settle this—'The Silent Companions' isn’t a true story, but it *gets* why we crave that idea. Horror hits harder when it feels grounded, and Purcell nails that by anchoring supernatural elements in tangible history. The protagonist’s pregnancy fears? Rooted in real Victorian maternal mortality rates. The decaying estate? Inspired by actual 'folly' houses built by wealthy eccentrics. Even the companions’ uncanny smiles mimic 17th-century memento mori art.

What makes it stand out is the psychological realism. The gaslighting of women as 'hysterical' mirrors real historical treatment, making the supernatural threats feel like extensions of societal ones. If you liked this approach, check out 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia—it uses a similar blend of factual oppression (colonialism) with fantastical horror. Both books prove the scariest stories aren’t about ghosts, but about the very real systems that enable them.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Silent Scars
Silent Scars
When Lauren Woods realized that her family's lost glory was dependent on her marriage to some wealthy old skunk, she agrees to her stepmother's plan to impersonate her stepsister, who had turned down the marriage, and get married in her place. after all, love was something she lost years ago when her stepsister, Michelle, set her up and made her lose the one guy who loved her deeply. Willing to sacrifice even herself so her father would love her, she is secretly married to the old skunk but on arriving at her new 'husband's' house with a mask, poised as Michelle Byrne, she discovers the 'old skunk' with a disgusting pot belly was only a fragment of her imaginations and that she was actually married to Malcolm Knight, the most powerful billionaire in the entire country. Just when she thought she had seen it all, she discovers Malcolm was actually the father of her secret little friend, Bunny. Michelle is enraged when she realizes her no-good stepsister is married to the world most eligible bachelor and not to some old skunk in her name and decides to take her rightful place... And just in the midst of all the chaos, the past comes calling.
9.3
100 Chapters
Silent Addiction
Silent Addiction
"We always underestimate the hearts but they will never cease to show us what exactly they want, my heart wants only you my silent Gift " Marco Di Martino, is heartless, second in command of Gaetano Di Martino Ruthless Cold Murderer and proud He doesn't know what to expect when he finds a broken, silent girl in the middle of the road at night. Is it bad to be vulnerable around her? To show how broken he is in front of her ?
10
40 Chapters
The Silent Omega
The Silent Omega
Aria's mother died while giving birth to her which led her father to hate her. She's to work for herself and the fact that she is wolfless make him hate her more while everyone at school bullies her. Aria has accepted the life of a loser. She thinks that's how she's always going to live— alone and bullied. But one day, she’s cornered by the future Beta of the pack in the restaurant where she works, and seethes at her, "How can you be my mate? You're a loser!" Heartbroken and emotional, Aria runs away from there... Only to bump into the Alpha Male, who catches her in his arms and smirks at her flirtatiously, "Ah, Aria, we meet again?" While her mate and the Beta hate her and want to reject her, the Alpha wants to date her. But there's a problem!— They both are enemies! Now Aria is caught in a foreboding situation. Should she reject her mate, the Beta, and give the Alpha a chance? Or... Should she ignore them both and get on with her life as associating with either can lead to dire consequences for her?
10
129 Chapters
SILENT DESIRES
SILENT DESIRES
Matt Bradford and Dash black are best friends, rich, handsome, irresistible and sexy. Going around the world to make their fortunes. Now, though they have money, power and success, they discover those things mean nothing without a special person to share them. As destiny throws two unique women into their paths, these driven men discover that achieving material success is easy compared to the challenge of forging a close, passionate relationship that will last a lifetime. -------------- Matt Bradford knows his ex, Savannah Carson can't be trusted. He knows that because one year ago, she cheated on him with his brother...and he doesn't think he can ever forgive her for that. But the problem is that, he can't seem to stop thinking about her. Even after a whole year. It doesn't help matters that she seemed to drop out of the face of the earth after their, break up.... And he is worried about her.. Even if he shouldn't be. So he hires an investigator to find her... And he does... But he's not prepared for the attraction he still feels towards this woman who cheated on him... Will he be able to put the past behind him and move on?? Dash Black has a business deal with Neal Patchett and he really doesn't want to loose it. Everything seems to be going well, but Neal Patchett has made one final condition. Dash has to marry his daughter Tess Patchett. Dash thinks it's ridiculous. Who the hell still does this arranged marriage nonsense. He is going to go through with this plan just to get this business deal. And then after that he plans to divorce Tess. But will he be able to go through with his plan when he meets the beautiful and innocent Tess Patchett?
9.9
109 Chapters
The Silent Scream
The Silent Scream
---Cali is an international and an expensive runway model and was married to Hadrian Calypso Forbes, a multi-billionaire guy based on Dubai, after refusing to marry the son (Luca Amadeus Turner) of her dad’s bestfriend. She then lived a happy and financially better life with her husband and son, but just as they say-life is like a ball, you will not stay in your place or position forever, but always remember that just as the ball, never forget to bounce back. ---Calista Payne Aurellian, just like her name she’s been completely surrounded by pain throughout her life. After spending 10 years in prison and paid 2 billion dollar penalty for being accused with such a heinous crime that she never did. She will bounced back to get her life, her son, her company and image she had a decade ago. With the mission and plan she had, would she be able to restore again everything or will she continue to mourned and silently scream in the middle of the night forever?
10
74 Chapters
Silent Amour
Silent Amour
Braylon Rhys is a young master of the Rhys family who is studying forensic Criminology. Eryx Silvester the young master of the Silvester family, studying the Same course with Rhys become best friends. Braylon left the country for his further studies before Eryx knows anything about Braylon's feelings. After 3 years, Braylon comes back to the country with his family as a professional in Forensic Criminology having one case in his hand. The two friends who had no connection in those 3 years, When Braylon saw Eryx as ahead of his criminology team, his heart flutters. the feelings he hides for more than 6 years now killing him. After becoming the leader of the team which had Braylon's friends, they unsolved the untold mystery of the devil's prey. Being young officers, they were promoted and had another case in their hands. Working together and with the help of someone important to Braylon, they solved that case as well. And He did something in another country that turned the country's rulership upside down and made himself an enemy of the undefeated royal family. He still hid the fact of Alan's birth. His first love as well as his best friend who misunderstood the situation, will he be alright? How is he going to handle the situation? On one side he was on the wanted list of the royal family while on the other side, his love was getting trampled again and again. Let's see how is Braylon going to face the potential risks. With the crime cases in his hand, how is he going to make his love stay? How is going to fight against the royal? How is he going to solve the cases? In between how is he going to help his friends to get together?
10
121 Chapters

Related Questions

Who Wrote 'The Silent Companions' And When Was It Published?

3 Answers2025-06-28 06:45:35
I remember picking up 'The Silent Companions' during a spooky reading challenge last Halloween. The author is Laura Purcell, a British writer known for her gothic historical fiction. She published this chilling tale in 2017, and it quickly became one of my favorite horror novels. Purcell has a knack for blending psychological terror with supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after you finish reading. The book follows a Victorian widow who discovers eerie wooden figures in her ancestral home, and the way Purcell builds tension is masterful. If you enjoy atmospheric horror with a historical twist, this is a must-read.

Are There Any Jump Scares In 'The Silent Companions'?

3 Answers2025-06-28 23:27:39
I just finished 'The Silent Companions' last week, and let me tell you, it’s more about creeping dread than cheap jump scares. The horror builds slowly through eerie details—those wooden figures moving when you aren’t looking, whispers in empty rooms. There’s one scene where the protagonist turns around and finds a companion suddenly inches from her face, but even that’s more unsettling than shocking. The book excels at psychological tension, making you question every shadow. If you want heart-stopping jumps, this isn’t it. But if you love horror that lingers, making you check over your shoulder days later, this delivers perfectly. For similar vibes, try 'The Woman in Black'—same gothic chills without loud surprises.

What Is The Ending Of 'The Silent Companions' Explained?

3 Answers2025-06-28 19:24:49
The ending of 'The Silent Companions' is a masterclass in psychological horror that leaves you questioning reality. Elsie, the protagonist, is revealed to have been trapped in an asylum the entire time, her memories of the eerie wooden figures and haunted house being fragments of her fractured mind. The final twist shows that the 'companions' were never supernatural—they were manifestations of her trauma and guilt over her husband's death. The last scene implies she's become one of them, frozen in silence, as a new doctor walks past her room. It's bleak but brilliant, suggesting madness was the real haunting all along.

Where Can I Buy 'The Silent Companions' At The Best Price?

3 Answers2025-06-28 15:56:53
I've hunted down deals for 'The Silent Companions' like it's my job. The cheapest spot right now is usually Amazon, especially if you grab a used copy from their marketplace sellers. Prices fluctuate, but I consistently see it for under $10 there. ThriftBooks is another goldmine where I've snagged copies as low as $5, though shipping takes longer. Always check AbeBooks too - they aggregate independent sellers worldwide, and I've found first editions there for less than new paperbacks. For digital, Kindle deals drop it to $2 occasionally. Sign up for price alerts on BookBub to catch those sales. Physical bookstores rarely compete on price, but sometimes Barnes & Noble's clearance section surprises me.

How Does 'The Silent Companions' Compare To Other Gothic Horror Novels?

3 Answers2025-06-28 08:24:53
I've devoured countless Gothic horror novels, and 'The Silent Companions' stands out with its unique blend of psychological terror and historical depth. Unlike classic Gothic tales that rely heavily on atmospheric dread, Laura Purcell's masterpiece delivers creeping horror through mundane objects—those eerie wooden companions. The dual timeline structure adds layers of mystery, making it feel more intricate than straightforward haunted house stories like 'The Turn of the Screw'. What really got under my skin was how it subverts expectations. No jump scares, just slow-burning unease that lingers. Compared to 'Rebecca', which thrives on romantic tension, this book weaponizes isolation and maternal grief in a way that feels fresh yet timeless.

Why Does Alicia Remain Silent In 'The Silent Patient'?

4 Answers2025-06-26 23:41:36
Alicia's silence in 'The Silent Patient' is a fortress built from trauma and defiance. After shooting her husband five times, she retreats into muteness as both a shield and a scream—a refusal to perform for a world that reduced her pain to spectacle. Her childhood wounds, buried beneath layers of artistic expression, resurface violently. The novel suggests her silence mirrors the voicelessness of abuse survivors, echoing how society often dismisses women's rage as madness. Her therapist Theo uncovers a chilling truth: Alicia's muteness isn’t just psychological armor but a calculated act of revenge. By denying explanations, she forces others to confront their own complicity in her suffering. The twist reveals her silence as the ultimate power play—a way to control the narrative, just as her husband once controlled her. It’s a haunting critique of how we demand victims speak on our terms.

Shadowheart Romance Vs Other Companions In BG3?

2 Answers2025-06-04 20:48:54
Shadowheart's romance in 'Baldur's Gate 3' is like peeling back layers of a mysterious, thorny rose. She’s guarded, almost cold at first, but beneath that surface is a vulnerability that makes her arc deeply satisfying. Her story is tied to Shar’s cult, which adds this delicious tension—you’re literally romancing someone who might betray you or herself at any moment. The slow burn of her trust feels earned, especially when she finally opens up about her lost memories. Unlike some companions who wear their hearts on their sleeves, Shadowheart makes you work for every scrap of affection, and that makes the payoff so much sweeter. Comparing her to other romances is wild because they’re all so different. Lae’zel’s romance is all fire and immediate passion—no subtlety, just raw intensity. Gale’s feels like a cozy fantasy novel, full of poetic declarations and bookish charm. Astarion? Toxic but irresistible, like a vampire soap opera. Shadowheart’s romance stands out because it’s not just about love; it’s about faith, identity, and choice. Her pivotal moment in Act 3, where she must decide her loyalty, hits harder if you’re romancing her. It’s personal, not just plot.

What Is The Significance Of The Silent Theme In 'Demon Slayer: The Silent Journey'?

3 Answers2025-06-09 10:21:11
The silent theme in 'Demon Slayer: The Silent Journey' adds a haunting layer to the storytelling that few anime dare to attempt. Silence isn’t just absence here—it’s a weapon. The protagonist’s muteness forces him to communicate through actions, making every sword swing and glance carry emotional weight. This contrasts sharply with the demonic screams and chaotic battles, creating a poetic balance. The theme also mirrors Japanese aesthetics like 'ma' (negative space), where what’s unsaid matters as much as what’s spoken. Fans of atmospheric storytelling should check out 'Mushishi', another series that masters silent narration.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status