The story was all too real-indeed this classic was inspired by the real-life story of Ed Gein, a psychotic murderer who led a dual life. Alfred Hitchcock too was captivated, and turned the book into one of the most-loved classic films of all time the year after it was released. Norman Bates loves his Mother. She has been dead for the past twenty years, or so people think. Norman knows better … though. He has lived with Mother ever since leaving the hospital in the old house up on the hill above the Bates motel. One night Norman spies on a beautiful woman that checks into the hotel as she undresses. Norman can’t help but spy on her. Mother is there though. She is there to protect Norman from his filthy thoughts. She is there to protect him with her butcher knife.
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This is really a book to give you the hebbie jeebies.
This old book is a classic, and not only because of the superclassic Hitchcock film. The book can stand on its own.
Psycho, Robert Bloch, 1959
My favorite quote: “She’d thrown something at the mirror, and then the mirror broke into a thousand pieces and she knew that wasn’t all; she was breaking into a thousand pieces, too.”
Notable characters: Norman Bates, the motel manager; Mary Crane, the first customer in a while; Mother, the woman behind it all …
Most memorable scene: The death of Mary Crane — it’s different than in the movie
Greatest strengths: Character development, psychological twists
Standout achievements: This one gets into your head almost as powerfully as Mother gets into Norman’s
Fun Facts: One of the reasons the movie was filmed in black and white was to prevent the infamous shower scene from being “too gory” for audiences and ratings
Other media: The Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name starring Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, and Janet Leigh
What it taught me: That when it comes to developing characters, you can’t go wrong with crazy — and the crazier, the better
How it inspired me: I saw the movie long before reading the book and I have to say that Psycho, both the novel and the film, have taught me a lot — most notably, the power of quiet, psychological terror
Additional thoughts: This is one of those very rare books that, in my opinion, isn’t as good as the movie — just by a little
My rating: 4 of 5
Haunt me: alistaircross.com
Psycho is the story of Norman Bates, the ultimate “Mummy’s Boy” with serious issues. I love the films and the TV show, Bates Motel. Saw the first Alfred Hitchcock film when I was a teenager. It gave me nightmares. For me, the film is better than the book, even though it is now dated. When reading the book, I found myself constantly thinking about how great Anthony Perkins was in the role. That last shot of Norman in the film is the part I always remember. That sly smile he gives at the end —- so creepy!!!!
Not as expected
After years of wanting to read Psycho, I have to say I found it rather lackluster. I wanted so badly to love it but the characters were so one dimensional, I found it difficult to sympathise with any of them. Except maybe for Mrs. Bates, thanks to her nutty son, she’s not able to rest in peace.
For the record I found the movie to be nothing special either. I think my mind just naturally assumed the book would be better.