Review: Horror "The Dweller on the Threshold" by Robert Smythe Hichens

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The reader is told in the first few sentences of this novel that when the psychical researcher Evelyn Malling first met the eminent clergymen, the Rev. Marcus Harding, the latter was still the successful rector at St. Joseph’s in London’s West End. While walking one day, Malling chances upon Harding with his senior curate (or main associate pastor), Henry Chichester. He met them as the stood on Westminster Bridge, deep in conversation. Malling is acquainted with Chichester, but has not seen him for some two years, having been on his estate in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The three men walk for a while. Chichester goes his way, leaving Harding and Malling to walk alone together. Knowing that Malling knew Chichester a couple of years earlier but hasn’t seen him until that day, Harding, who seems uncomfortable despite a prepossessing appearance, asks, “Do you or do you not see a great change in Henry Chichester?” This long-winded drama is a character study of the two clergymen as seen by Malling. The rector and curate are locked in what would now be regarded as a toxic relationship. Under the guise of helping his underling build self-confidence, Harding began holding séances and other spiritualist exercises he claims he learned from an old Hindu schoolmate. He later confesses to Malling he regarded Chichester as little more than clay in his hands, as someone he could completely dominate. However, he soon wishes to discontinue the sittings. For his part, Chichester has come to enjoy them and likes the new-found feeling of confidence. He wants the exercise to continue. He insists they continue. And so they do. The novel involves much self-revelation and some gossip. Humor appears at time, but mostly what the reader finds is sadness and the characters slowly moves toward revelations of what should be obvious. The reader is not forced to sit through a séance, happily, but is dragged through the ever deteriorating relationship between the two clergymen. The one woman who plays a major part in the story, Harding’s wife, is referred to as a “sunflower.” She turns to whomever she sees as radiating power. Several times, she’s portrayed as being “slavishly” devoted to her husband. But when his star starts to fade, and Chichester’s starts to rise, well— The title, The Dweller on the Threshold, never directly referred to in the text, refers to a concept used in the Theosophical Movement to describe a spiritual entity or obstacle that is perhaps malevolent. This is a long road and a slog of a read. The ending makes sense. It brings no joy, however. Author Robert Smythe Hichens was a novelist, short story writer, poet and critic. His writing is infused with the fantastic and often deals with spiritual bondage. I bet he was the life of the party. Text available archive.org ______ Title: The Dweller on the Threshold Author: Robert Hichens (1864-1950) First published: March 1911 Source: ISFDB *An earlier version of the review appeared on another site that has disappeared into the ether. The review has been updated and expanded for its inclusion in myLot*