[Ad Free] Episode 290 – Liam Higginson & Awful Things in Lonely Farmhouses
Summary
Neil Mrober and author Liam Higginson discuss Higginson’s debut novel, The Hill in the Dark Grove, set in the rugged landscapes of North Wales. They explore how the story blends folk horror with themes of Welsh nationalism, examining the tension between preserving local heritage and the dangers of nostalgic radicalization. The conversation also covers the novel’s origins during the 2020 lockdown and its ambiguous, atmospheric approach to horror.
Topics discussed
Introduction, sponsorships, and book promotion
Setting the scene in North Wales
Plot summary: The farm and the blizzard
Genre discussion: Horror vs. Love Story
Origin story: The beach and the tomb
Character development and real-life inspirations
The Shining comparison and domestic life
Writing style and the editing process
Podcasting experiences and social anxiety
Welsh folklore and local history
Nationalism and historical ignorance
The Fey and anthropological theories
Oral tradition and the 'bad eyesight' theory
Ambiguity and the horror in the blank space
Historical vignettes and narrative structure
Nationalism, nostalgia, and distorted heritage
Folk horror tropes and preservation
Christianity as a camouflage for older beliefs
Layers of history and modern centralization
Why men become obsessed in horror
Isolation, macabre history, and childhood reading
Legacy, monuments, and character perspectives
Book recommendations and author shoutouts
Public speaking fears and regional attitude
Outro, corrections, and final thoughts
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