Haunted, cursed, and divided: exploring race and privilege in Del Sandeen’s This Cursed House

When Jemma Barker leaves 1960s Chicago for a new life in New Orleans, she doesn’t expect to uncover centuries-old curses, deadly family secrets, and the brutal realities of colorism and privilege. In This Cursed House, Del Sandeen takes readers into the dark, secret-laden corridors of a New Orleans family through the eyes of Jemma Barker, a young Black woman fleeing her life in Chicago. Desperate for a fresh start and haunted by the spirits she’s always been able to see, Jemma accepts a job with the enigmatic Duchon family—only to discover that their charm hides centuries-old curses and shocking prejudices.

Sandeen’s debut is steeped in Southern gothic flair, with a plot that twists around supernatural secrets, family betrayal, and the fraught complexities of race. The novel does an especially striking job of exploring how white-passing Black characters navigate privilege and fear, often at the expense of their darker-skinned relatives. It’s a sharp and unsettling examination of racism, colorism, and the extremes some will go to protect a tenuous hold on societal acceptance.

That said, the book’s tone is a curious mismatch with its content. Despite the horror of curses, murder, and long-buried secrets, the narrative often reads as almost cozy. Even moments that should shock or unsettle—characters cursing, eerie apparitions, or grotesque family betrayals—come across as softened, lacking the grit or menace one might expect from a story so steeped in darkness. For readers who enjoy horror but prefer it on the milder side, this is a plus. If you want a visceral, teeth-gritting scare, you may find yourself wishing for more bite.

The novel also leans heavily on the theme of forgiveness, sometimes to the point of feeling preachy. Jemma is constantly urged—both by herself and the narrative—to forgive relatives and an ex-boyfriend for deeply hurtful actions. While forgiveness is powerful, the story raises the question of whether it’s always warranted. There are situations where the wiser path may be acknowledgment and moving on rather than absolution. Sandeen doesn’t always leave room for that nuance.

Despite these tonal mismatches, the writing itself is strong. Characters are engaging, the Southern setting richly realized, and the plot compelling enough to keep pages turning. The story’s intrigue, the layered family secrets, and the exploration of racial dynamics make it a thought-provoking read that lingers after the final chapter.

This Cursed House is best suited for readers who enjoy Southern gothic storytelling, appreciate thoughtful explorations of race and privilege, and want a horror story that leans toward atmospheric unease rather than visceral terror.

Related Content

• Del Sandeen: Rejections are part of a writer’s life (Writer’s Digest)
• Southern gothic: Shadows, superstition, and the supernatural (Uncanny)
• Author spotlight: Del Sandeen and This Cursed House (Write Out Loud Pod)
• Can’t-wait Wednesday: This Cursed House by Del Sandeen (A Kernel of Nonsense)

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