Book Review: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

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“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a well-known short fantastical horror story perfect to read during the Halloween season.

Buy “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” follows the town of Sleepy Hollow, known to be haunted by ghost stories of a terrifying figure called the Headless Horseman – yes, literally. Yet, Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher finds these stories to be rather captivating, well that’s until he’s met with this dangerous figure on his night walk through Wiley’s Swamp.

I desperately wanted to love “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” but the short story felt too short and incomplete. (Yes I know that’s the point.) The tale is lackluster with long-winded boresome descriptions. I will admit probably the only two things I enjoyed are 1) the concept and 2) the moments in which the historian of the story allows himself to comment and be witty:

“I want breath and time to discuss this banquet as it deserves, and am too eager to get on with my story. Happily, Ichabod Crane was not in great a hurry as the historian, but did ample justice to every dainty.”

As we’re uncovering Ichabod Crane’s desire to marry the rich Katrina Van Tassel, he quickly vanishes, never to be found again. A more compelling story would be to have him return to society once more – to reinforce the terrors – and then disappear for good. Alas, I am not the writer of this famous horror short story.

I’d love to watch Tim Burton’s 1999 movie adaptation featuring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci to see how that version holds up. I remember briefly watching it as a child but I definitely forgot everything that’s ever happened. You can watch the trailer of this adaption down below:

Also, I read this book as part of a Spooky Reading Vlog. You can watch it here.

“I profess not to know how women’s hearts are wooed and won. To me they have always been matters of riddle and admiration.”

“Villainy wears many masks, none so dangerous as the mask of virtue”

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