THE FAN by Bob Randall Review by Robg.

The 1977 novel for THE FAN written by Bob Randell came highly recommended to me by a friend and after literally devouring it in two short sittings, I can proudly say this is one of my all time favorite books now. (It would’ve been one sitting had I not initially started reading the book so late at night.)

The story revolves around former movie star Sally Ross, who’s about to begin a new career on Broadway in New York. The original and unique thing about this novel is the way the story is told. It’s all presented to us in a series of letters, mostly between Sally and several key people in her life, such as her secretary/ assistant of 6 years/ best friend Belle Goldman, her ex-husband/ still close friend Jake Burman and of course Douglas Breen, the fan.

By reading Sally’s letters to and from the various people in her life, it very easily opens up to us, the reader the world around her. It’s very simple to get drawn into her close friendships and relationships simply by reading her letters and imagining these people’s personalities from their words. You can see how they relate to Sally’s life. Occasionally, a fan letter from Douglas slips in and at first they’re unalarming. Usually simple requests such as asking for an autographed picture. But slowly, as the letters become more frequent and the replies come less-frequently, Douglas begins to get very angry and more threatening. It’s in this unconventional way that we are drawn into this story, and wondering what is going to happen next. The main intrigue comes by making us be the voyeurist to the intertwining story of these people’s lives. Each letter is a further step back into who each person is, and in someone like Doug’s case, what he’s capable of. The further along the book gets, the more creepier the words and actions of Douglas become. It gets to the point where Doug begins to do things to the people close to Sally, just to prove he can. Eventually the police get involved, but the interesting thing about the book is the time it’s set in. (It’s the late 70’s.) These are all hard letters. It’s not like today, the age of the internet and email. So, at the beginning of the book, for example, Douglas Breen signs his full name and gives his address with each unthreatening letter he sends along. It’s very easy to see how he’s just another fan letter among the pile. But as he gets closer and his obsession starts to become more violent, he leaves out that essential information, thinking that Sally truly loves him and doesn’t want to give away his identity to the police. If only his original letters weren’t thrown out, it’d make the task of catching this nut easier! But alas, that’s what makes this book so suspenseful. And you WILL be in suspense, right until the very end. (Which resolves itself in an unexpected yet totally satisfactory way.)

I’ve heard that there was a movie version made out of this, but I’d find it rather difficult to see a proper adaptation of this story, especially considering the unique format of the book. I seriously give this one my strongest recommendation.

THE FAN is the fastest read I’ve ever read, and will keep you enthralled from the first letter to the very last. –Robg.

Buy it on Amazon.com!