Horror and Love

Who'da thunk horror?.... except those who read widely within the genre.

Unlike other genres bound by content, horror is about the effect. And while certain content is associated, it need not be present. And, aside from generating the effect in the reader, almost anything else can come under discussion.

I don't have much to add to your amazing observations. And you certainly added to mine with your's that Karras' love is deeper than Merrin's.

But I liked another thing you said;

"Håkan seeks sex with Eli even though he knows Eli doesn't want it; when it is refused, he will settle for as much as Eli is prepared to give him, but it's a relationship of bargains and deals."

And that is why Lolita isn't about us as well.

Dante