Into the Uncanny

Title: Into the Uncanny

Author: Danny Robins

Published in: 2023

Date read: 5th February 2024

Score: 5/5

Genre: Supernatural

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Into the Uncanny" by Danny Robins is a non-fiction book that serves as a "real-life investigation into the paranormal," drawing on Robins' extensive experience as a writer, broadcaster, and journalist specializing in supernatural phenomena. Robins is well-known for his popular BBC podcasts like "The Battersea Poltergeist" and "Uncanny," and his Olivier Award-nominated West End play, "2:22 - A Ghost Story."

In "Into the Uncanny," Robins expands on his approach from the podcasts, presenting a series of meticulously researched real-life cases of alleged paranormal activity. He explores these stories with a balanced perspective, acknowledging the experiences of the people involved while also engaging with sceptical explanations. He positions himself as an "interested sceptic," genuinely wanting to understand whether ghosts exist and what these experiences mean, both for those who live through them and for our broader understanding of reality.

The book typically features four to five main case studies, often drawing from new material not fully explored in his previous work, though some themes and approaches will be familiar to fans of his podcasts. These cases cover a range of supernatural occurrences, including:

Poltergeist activity: One prominent case mentioned in reviews involves a poltergeist at a medieval apartment in Rome used by the Australian embassy, with strange occurrences like objects moving and food being displaced.

Haunted houses: Accounts of chilling events in ordinary homes, rather than grand, historic mansions, emphasizing that paranormal experiences can happen to anyone.

Ouija board predictions: Stories of seemingly accurate or unsettling messages received through Ouija boards.

UFO sightings and strange encounters: Exploring cases that push the boundaries of conventional explanation, including alien encounters.

Possible contact with the dead: Tales of individuals believing they've communicated with deceased loved ones.

Throughout the book, Robins often travels to the locations where these events occurred, conducting interviews with the witnesses and attempting to gather details and nuance that might not be apparent from initial testimonies. He presents the stories in a compelling, narrative style, aiming to create the same immersive and chilling atmosphere as his audio work.

Beyond just recounting the events, "Into the Uncanny" also delves into Robins' personal reflections on belief, fear, and the human mind. He explores why people believe in ghosts, the psychological impact of these experiences on individuals (many of whom have been reluctant to share their stories for fear of ridicule), and the broader implications for our understanding of consciousness and existence. He encourages readers to consider if they are "Team Believer" or "Team Sceptic," fostering a dialogue rather than presenting definitive answers.

The book is praised for its engaging prose, its respectful treatment of those who share their stories, and its ability to be genuinely unsettling while maintaining a journalistic rigor. It's a journey of both external investigation into mysterious phenomena and internal self-discovery for Robins as he grapples with the question of whether we are truly alone.

Comments:
I am a huge fan of the podcasts (Haunted, Battersea Poltergeist, The Witch Farm & Uncanny), been to see a live show so I just had to read the book. It is a great read, I am not as much of a fan of the alien episodes but the paranormal parts were excellent. Really enjoyed all of it.

Books that we've read by Danny Robins (1):
Into the Uncanny (2023)