Suffer the Children (novel)

Suffer the Children is a 1986 horror novel by British author John Saul. The story revolves around a series of child deaths in a small New England town, linked to a mysterious new school and a disturbing secret from the town's past.

The novel explores themes of repressed memory, guilt, and the corruption of innocence. It is characterized by Saul's signature blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and psychological horror. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, gradually revealing the sinister forces at play and the connection between the seemingly unrelated tragedies.

Suffer the Children was a commercial success and contributed to Saul's reputation as a master of horror fiction. While not critically acclaimed for literary innovation, it is remembered for its effective use of atmosphere, suspenseful plotting, and exploration of dark themes related to childhood trauma. The novel is representative of the horror genre trends prevalent in the 1980s, focusing on supernatural threats manifesting in everyday settings.