The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is such an iconic piece of literature, I was really surprised to recall that I hadn't read the actual story! It's talked about so much, and everyone knows about the Headless Horseman. Since it's almost Halloween, it seemed like the perfect time to go through some classics that have escaped me.

Obviously, this is an older work, and as such the style is very different from what modern readers now expect. I was prepared for that (and for the derogatory terms used). However, I was still expecting a creepy, hair-raising tale...and honestly, was a bit disappointed. The lead up was great! Ichabod is SO ripe to be scared out of his wits, whether by normal or supernatural means...but nothing really happens. It seems that nothing too horrible went on, that maybe it was after all just a joke. The best part of course is the slight feeling of “what if...” we are left with, and the locale that Irving has built up. His descriptions of the place, the stories of hauntings, and the general feelings of creepiness for the place that he gives us are worth far more than the actual main incident (which is astonishingly short, even given the short story form). Yawn.

3/5 stars. It was okay, but I was expecting better. Was this really THAT creepy when it was first published? I wonder.

This was a fun little story, but not what I expected given all the adaptations I've seen over the years. It was less spooky and more descriptive of other elements (particularly nature and food). There was a distinct atmosphere that I enjoyed, and the writing is very digestible. But man, Ichabod Crane is kind of a douche.

I have never read the story or seen any of the film adaptations. I thought it fitting, however, to finally read before heading to Sleepy Hollow to see a live production of the short story. Irving's description of the place is spot on – Sleepy Hollow certainly hasn't lost its beauty and charm since the story was published almost 200 years ago. The ending made me chuckle.