Here’s something that’s uncanny in its own way: that I have now established, beyond doubt, that any essay that starts off by revisiting a guilt-filled Catholic childhood overseen by domineering nuns is going to be rubbish. Funnily enough, the one essay in this otherwise excellent collection that does so uncannily proves my theory. Unfortunately, it’s the second essay in the book and, having read it, I was minded to put the collection aside. However, I persevered and I’m glad I did: the other essays are all at least worthwhile and some are quite brilliant. I particularly enjoyed Robert Shearman’s deep dive into the uncomfortable connection between comedy and horror.

For writers seeking to write uncanny fiction, it’s worth pointing out that there’s not much in here about specific writing techniques designed to evoke the uncanny; the essays are more reflective and personal than that. But for interesting glimpses into how different writers view, and try to write, uncanny fiction, it’s invaluable.