What's the book about, and what age range is it suitable for?

Our Yard is a horror novel that explores themes of trauma, mental health, and the supernatural. It's suitable for readers 16 and older due to graphic content and mature themes.

Is the book part of a series, or a standalone novel?

Our Yard is a standalone novel, but the author may explore similar themes and ideas in future works.

What inspired the author to write this book?

Daria Bobyleva drew inspiration from her own experiences with trauma and mental health, as well as classic 80s horror movies and literature.

Can I expect a happy ending, or is the book a total downer?

Our Yard is a horror novel, so it's not exactly a happy ending. However, the author does provide a sense of closure and resolution for the characters.

Is the book available in other formats, like audiobook or e-book?

Yes, Our Yard is available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats from popular retailers like Amazon and Audible.

Can I return the book if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, you can return the book within a reasonable time frame if you're not satisfied with your purchase. Check the retailer's return policy for details.

Is the book part of a larger literary movement or trend?

Our Yard is part of the contemporary horror movement, which explores themes of trauma, mental health, and the supernatural in a more realistic and thought-provoking way.

Can I expect a sequel or continuation of the story?

There are no plans for a sequel or continuation of Our Yard at this time, but the author may explore similar themes and ideas in future works.

Our Yard by Daria Bobyleva: A Chilling 80s Horror Story

Hello to all who've stopped by.

I was expecting to read about the 'neighborhood' from Varum's song, but instead, I stumbled upon a dark corner where they tell scary stories - the kind we used to share with each other in the dark when we were kids.

I'm not even sure where I heard about this book's mention. I thought it was like Kachur's prose - everyone knows about it, and they'll probably read it someday.

So, I bought it.

And now, let's get to the good stuff - what's the book about, and what did the author come up with?

Title: "Our Yard"

Author: Daria Bobyleva

Publisher: AST

Genre: Horror

Number of pages: 349

Year of publication: 2021

Age restrictions: 16+

Where I bought it: Chizhik store

On the cover design

The book's cover is interesting, but not exactly terrifying. Yeah, there's a shadow in the night on the cover, but who knows what it could represent - from the main characters' sadness to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Everyone will see something different in it, even before reading the content.

cover The yard where the story takes place is pretty much like the cover - it's a mix of different houses, some of which match the image, while others don't.

The yard was surrounded by houses that were a real mishmash - there was the majestic house with a mosaic on the facade, the cozy yellow-and-white 'khrushchevka', the younger buildings that were just plain brick, the old mansion in the center of the yard, occupied by the housing management, and the 'barracks' - a four-story building that looked like it had been gnawed by mice, a piece of cheese that was hard to identify.

I have to admit, the cover of this book is a real head-turner - it's a bright yellow hardcover that adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the whole thing.

coverAt first glance, the design seems pretty standard, but it's actually really pleasant to hold this book in your hands.

The paper is white, but it's got a slight transparency to it - almost like it's 'breathing'.

paperThe top header has the book's title on the left and the current chapter on the right.

The contents page is neatly laid out at the back of the book.

contentsThere are no illustrations, which is actually a good thing - it lets the reader's imagination run wild.

After reading the blurb and contents, I was still left wondering what to expect from the book.

back of the book

What's inside

Who hasn't heard those old urban legends about the creepy old lady in the flat next door being a witch, or the cellar in the old house being locked for a reason? Don't pick anything up from the ground, don't look in old mirrors, don't mess with strange kids, don't wake up anything that's better left sleeping in its underground lair, don't call in the cavalry, and don't look up at the sky when the moon is full and orange.

Because in this neighborhood, legends come to life.

The author has created a really immersive atmosphere - the nine stories in this collection are all unique and explore the theme of the supernatural world.

There are tales of fortune tellers, witches, sorcerers, weird real estate agents, a swamp monster, and even an alien sighting.

I have to admit, at first I thought I'd never get into this book. But as I turned each new page, I found myself wondering what would happen next and how it would all end.

The author does a great job of balancing mystery, sarcasm, and beautiful language. It's like you're reading a bunch of crazy stuff, but it's written in a way that's engaging and not for the faint of heart.

⛔️ The book is full of dark moments. We're not talking about just broken lamps or everyday problems - we're talking about death, ghosts, and the supernatural.

⛔️ The descriptions are detailed and unsettling. Some parts are more well-done than others, but it's a big part of the book.

⛔️ Almost every story ends on a negative note.

⛔️ Kids are often portrayed as victims of violence or simply dead.

...at an old daycare center in the next neighborhood, where a teacher once hung seven kids during quiet time, and then hung herself.

Against this backdrop, it's hard to remember what good things they had going for them. They're either losing their minds, being thrown out, or trapped in a mirror with no escape. The negativity is relentless and detailed.

At the same time, the author laughs at their characters.

It had been a few more days of peace, unless you count the time the police and firefighters came with a ladder to take down a naked, 70-year-old war veteran named Pavel Gavrilovich from a tree in our courtyard. Pavel Gavrilovich was shouting that he'd seen a UFO over our courtyard again and that now no one would live to tell the tale. He was crying and cursing Gagarin.

- You've got to be kidding me! You're serving up Soviet-era snacks and they smell like salami! - Pavel Gavrilovich shouted. - In hell, Yuri's going to be fried on a skillet for all eternity!

The firefighters figured out that Pavel Gavrilovich was hungry, so they lured him with a sandwich.

🤝 I loved the way the author would mention something in one story and then go into detail about it in another.

The stories can be read separately, but they complement each other.

One of the things that stood out to me was the sheer number of main characters - over 100 people are described by the author. It's a diverse cast of both living and non-living individuals who all play a role in the story.

"Salt of the Earth" is a fascinating tale about a lone philosopher who becomes a victim of Agafya Trofimovna's ruthless pursuit of a Moscow apartment. She lures him in with promises and then ultimately kills him.

"The Scab" is a completely unbelievable but still intriguing story about a boy who transforms into a monster and flees from his grandmother.

"The Great Umbr" is about a girl who finds an old newspaper ad and brings a monster back to life by reassembling its parts.

"Through and Through" is a dark tale about the experiments conducted by the director at an institution for children with intellectual disabilities.

"Rose of Hell" is about two girls, one of whom possesses a strong energy.

"The Disguised" is a negative story about fortune-telling through mirrors. You can guess where it's headed.

"Living Conditions" is about a communal apartment where strange things start to happen. Can the residents figure out the cause of the creaking cabinets and bursting pipes?

"Resumes" is about an alien invasion. It's written in a way that's so cheesy, it sounds like it's from a 90s newspaper about flying saucers. The mission on Earth is carried out through brainwashing children and finding soft toys on the street.

"The Bank" is about what can happen when you don't coordinate your actions with the residents of the courtyard, living or not.

I specifically broke down the theme of each chapter because they're all specific.

The source of the events is evil, not a person.

Therefore, it's hard to pinpoint a main character - it's different people with their own families, thoughts, and goals. However, there are recurring elements in each chapter that are essential to completing the story - the fortune-tellers with cards, rings, candles, skulls, who all lived in the same courtyard. When things got really bad, people would run to them, each with their own offerings - a duck, apples, money.

A Glimpse into the Past I have to say, it was a huge relief when we finally understood that some things remain constant, no matter what. Like the fortune tellers in the corner of the building, who've been there through thick and thin. They're a reminder that some things are timeless, and that's something to be cherished.

For all eternity.

Some interesting facts:

✔️ The 80s, Soviet era.

Those were the days when everyone knew everything about each other, and the gossip mill was always grinding.

As I stepped into the world of Soviet-era schools, Pioneer camps, and urban courtyards, I was transported back to a time when kids were often sent out to play in the fresh air. I saw grandmothers sitting on benches, mosaics adorning the walls, and a sense of prosperity that seemed to be at its peak.

✔️ The early 90s: a time of change not just in the government, but also in people's minds. How they adapted to the new reality and navigated this tumultuous period.

90s ✔️ Everyday life, Moscow, and communal living. There were so many vivid descriptions of how people lived, what the basements were like, and the interesting things about the buildings and the world outside. I learned what a communal apartment, a barracks, and a Stalin-era building were like in detail.

A description of a Stalin-era basement ✔️ The people and their characters. Each one was described in a way that was both concise and detailed.

✔️ The first emotions, betrayal, and the pain of loneliness. The author wove these feelings into the characters' descriptions with ease. The heroes felt real and relatable, like people you'd meet in everyday life.

A Book for Two Girls I've got to warn you, this book is not for the faint of heart. It's definitely not your average read. If you're easily disturbed, you might want to steer clear. I'd say the recommended age limit is definitely 18+. But if you're someone who can filter out the not-so-great stuff, it's actually a pretty well-written book. Just don't say I didn't warn you!

Thanks for reading, and I'll catch you in the next review!