Dathan Auerbach's Penpal received mixed reactions. Reviewers praised its eerie atmosphere and gradual buildup of suspense, making it a captivating read for horror enthusiasts. However, some criticized its fragmented narrative and occasionally confusing structure. The ending garnered divided opinions, with some finding it satisfying and others deeming it lackluster. Overall, Penpal succeeds in delivering chills despite its structural flaws.

A reader who enjoys Penpal by Dathan Auerbach would likely appreciate suspenseful psychological thrillers with an undercurrent of horror. Fans of Stephen King’s It or Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects will find similarities in the eerie atmosphere and compelling, unsettling storytelling. Suitable for readers who enjoy unraveling dark, mysterious pasts.

Penpal by Dathan Auerbach follows a man recounting his eerie childhood experiences that began with an elementary school penpal project and unravel into a series of unsettling events. These memories lead him to uncover disturbing truths about his past and the people involved.

Mysterious / Unnerving / Dark / Suspenseful / Melancholic

- Penpal originated from a series of popular stories posted on Reddit's "NoSleep" subreddit by Dathan Auerbach, which gained a considerable following and encouraged the author to expand them into a full-length novel.
- Dathan Auerbach utilized a Kickstarter campaign to fund the self-publishing of Penpal, successfully raising over $15,000, far exceeding his initial goal of $1,500.
- The novel blends elements of horror and psychological suspense, and it gained significant attention for its method of storytelling, which unfolds through a collection of interconnected, first-person narratives.

**The Narrator**  
The protagonist and an unnamed adult reflecting on his childhood experiences, which include time spent with his pet kitten, Boxes, and his friendship with Josh. His quest for truth about past events shapes the novel's structure.

**The Narrator's Mother**  
A supportive yet complex figure in the narrator's life, whose protective instincts lead her to withhold key information from him. Her rules and absence grant the narrator freedom, impacting his ventures into the woods.

**The Pen Pal**  
The central antagonist, characterized by anonymity and menace, seemingly connected to the narrator's Balloon Project. He engages in surveillance and has a particular interest in both the narrator and Josh, leading to impactful events.

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