Come Closer summary

Unsettling Beginnings

In Come Closer by Sara Gran, we are introduced to Amanda, a successful architect who seems to have it all. However, her life takes a dark turn when she starts experiencing strange occurrences in her apartment. She hears unidentifiable noises, receives obscene messages, and even finds herself inexplicably burning her husband with a cigarette. These incidents, coupled with vivid dreams of a woman with pointed teeth, begin to unravel Amanda's sense of reality.

As the story progresses, Amanda's behavior becomes increasingly erratic. She starts smoking again, shoplifting, and engaging in risky sexual encounters. She is aware of her actions but feels powerless to stop them. Her husband, who initially dismisses her concerns, becomes increasingly worried about her mental state.

Unraveling Reality

Seeking answers, Amanda turns to a book on demon possession, and the more she reads, the more she becomes convinced that she is being haunted by a demon named Naamah. According to the book, Naamah is a demon from Jewish mysticism, known for her seductive powers and her ability to possess individuals. Amanda begins to suspect that she is not suffering from a mental illness but is, in fact, being controlled by this malevolent entity.

Despite her growing fear, Amanda is hesitant to seek professional help. She worries about being labeled as insane and losing everything she holds dear. Instead, she tries to fight the demon on her own, resorting to extreme measures such as self-harm and isolation in an attempt to rid herself of Naamah's influence.

The Demon's Grip

As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly unclear whether Amanda is truly possessed or suffering from a severe mental illness. Her husband, who initially stands by her, begins to doubt her claims and seeks help from a psychiatrist. Amanda, feeling betrayed, becomes more isolated and desperate, convinced that Naamah is the source of her torment.

Naamah's influence over Amanda intensifies, leading to a horrifying climax. Amanda's husband, unable to comprehend her actions, decides to leave her. In a final, desperate attempt to rid herself of the demon, Amanda performs a ritual she believes will banish Naamah. The novel ends ambiguously, leaving the reader to question whether Amanda was truly possessed or if her descent into madness was a result of her own psychological turmoil.

Exploring the Depths of Horror

Come Closer is a chilling exploration of psychological horror and the thin line between sanity and madness. Sara Gran masterfully blurs the boundaries between the supernatural and the psychological, leaving the reader in a state of unease and uncertainty. The novel delves deep into the terrifying consequences of losing control over one's mind and the haunting possibility that the true source of our fears may lie within us.

In conclusion, Come Closer is a haunting and thought-provoking read that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page. Whether Amanda's torment was a result of demonic possession or a severe mental breakdown, the novel serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our own sanity and the terrifying potential of the unknown.