Providing Context And Complexity to 80s Slasher Classic: Sleepaway Camp: The Novelization by B. R. Flynn

 Sleepaway Camp: The Novelization by B. R. Flynn

Sleepaway Camp book cover

Many thanks to Encyclopocalypse Publications and Book Sirens for allowing me to read an advanced copy of their newest novelization Sleepaway Camp by B. R. Flynn. First, the film version of Sleepaway Camp is one of the most brutal and nasty 80s slashers. I always remember seeing the VHS case at video stores, but never really getting to watch this film until a few years ago. I wasn’t really prepared for how vicious and complex the film is. First, the killings in the film are brutal and nasty, but they also rise to the level of brutality that the campers inflict on one another through their bullying and name calling. There’s also the underlying themes of sexuality, identity, shame and acceptance running throughout the film, which aren’t exactly subtle, but also raise complicated questions. I can see how this film was possibly underestimated at the time of its release in the early 80s, but has since received another critical perspective over the past few years. B. R. Flynn’s novelization also helps to provide a new and important perspective on these issues and reframe the film in these important themes that may have been hacked away in the 80s with the desire for inventive kills and quirky twists for slashers following the success of Halloween and Friday the 13^th.

I’ve read a few of the novelizations from Encyclopocalypse Publications (Chopping Mall, Plan 9 From Outer Space), and Sleepaway Camp ranks up there with the best of them. What I enjoyed most about this novelization was that it is not just a retelling of the film, but rather a complementary adaptation where we learn more about Angela’s perspectives and motivations. Flynn has made a few changes in this novelization, but they work well to provide a new perspective for the story and delve into the themes that the movie doesn’t exactly spend much time with. The biggest change is that the reveal at the end of the film happens earlier on in the book; however, this allows us to understand why Angela is more withdrawn and reserved at the camp, and how her lack of interactions with other campers are a result of her identity and confusion. Flynn also includes a kind of serpent symbolism throughout the novel that serves as an apt metaphor for Angela’s transition and change. It works well as both a myth for the camp, and a way to understand Angela. I loved how the snake shows up at certain parts, and I wondered whether it was real or imagined. Furthermore, in this novelization, we are able to read Angela’s thoughts and struggles with accepting who she is, while also seeing how the words and actions of other campers, especially the other female campers and counselors, affect her. Flynn adds a second Angela, one who is full of anger and rage and emerges at these challenging moments, to explain Angela’s behavior and reactions to her bullying. I appreciated this kind of perspective in understanding Angela since the film doesn’t allow for that kind of interiority and complexity in Angela’s character. We may feel sympathetic towards her, but we don’t always understand her motivations and struggles. Nevertheless, Flynn’s novelization retains much of the brutality of the campers as they regularly name-call and pick on one another. I forgot how mean-spirited they are to one another in the film and how shocking it was to see such young kids be so brutal and vicious. Furthermore, Flynn’s descriptions of the kills and bloody and gory, yet never overly done. We often see or read the last views and thoughts of each victim as their lives gradually expire. Flynn provides vivid and gory details that left me gasping and gagging, a great way to complement the vividness of this slasher classic. The only downside about reading this book was that I didn’t get to read it during the summer. Nevertheless, this is a great quick read that is appealing at any time of the year. Furthermore, the book comes with a great set of stills and promotional posters from the film. Once again, Encyclopocalypse Publications has created an excellent tribute and complement to a great 80s slasher classic. Highly recommended!