Thomas Tryon’s The Other: Rediscovering a Classic Novel of Horror with Dan Chaon

Tuesdays, March 4-25

Class Type: Reading Group

Price: $150

Patron Price: $125

In this course we’ll be looking at Thomas Tryon’s 1971 horror novel The Other. The novel was a smash bestseller and—along with Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist—ushered in the horror craze of the 1970s. But it’s no mere potboiler. I’d argue that it stands alongside previously undervalued genre books such as those by Shirley Jackson, Patricia Highsmith and Jim Thompson, both for its innovative plot mechanics and for its depth of feeling and emotional nuance.

The course is for both readers and writers. We’ll explore the various narrative devices the novel employs, as well as its themes and its relationship to earlier and more contemporary books. Reading group sessions will be recorded.

Students will need a copy of The Other by Thomas Tryon to take the course. We recommend the NYRB Edition.

About Dan Chaon:

Dan Chaon’s most recent book is Sleepwalk (2022). He is the author of six previous books, including Ill Will, a national bestseller, named one of the ten best books of 2017 by Publishers Weekly. Other works include the short story collection Stay Awake (2012), a finalist for the Story Prize; the national bestseller Await Your Reply; and Among the Missing, a finalist for the National Book Award. Chaon’s fiction has appeared in the Best American Short Stories, the Pushcart Prize Anthologies, and the O. Henry Prize Stories. He also wrote the afterword for the New York Review of Books reissue of Thomas Tryon’s The Other. He dwells in Cleveland. Photo: Geraldine Aresteanu

Schedule

All sessions will take place on Zoom. Sessions will be recorded. 

Session 1: Tuesday, March 4, 7-9pm ET

Session 2: Tuesday, March 11, 7-9pm ET

Session 3: Tuesday, March 18, 7-9pm ET

Session 4: Tuesday, March 25, 7-9pm ET

FAQ

When can I register for this class?

Registration will open soon and will close on Monday, 2/24, or when the class reaches its cap.

How does the class work?

This class meets weekly for live Zoom discussions for the duration of the course. There may be the opportunity to respond to prompts on the discussion boards.

Is there homework?

The class will include reading assignments.

How much time will the class take?

Live lessons run for two hours. Students will read approximately 50 pages per week.

How many students are in the class?

This class is capped at 50 students.

Can I take the class on my phone?

Yes, the class can be taken on a phone, but we recommend a computer or tablet to get the most out of the experience.

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships for this class?

Yes, we have a limited number of scholarships for the class. Scholarships cover 50% of tuition. Recipients will be selected at random. You can apply for one here. The deadline to request a scholarship is Tuesday, February 18. We will notify all entrants by Tuesday, February 25.

Discounts & Policies

Our online classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes.

Patron Discount: In order to qualify for our patron discount, you must be a member of our patron circle at the time of registration. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in our non-profit organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers or supporters are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patron, you can do so here.

Refund Policy: Students can receive full refunds through Monday, February 24, and 50% refunds from February 25-March 3. Class payment is non-refundable on or after the class’s start date. For questions about the refund policy, or if you are unable to take the class after you have registered, please contact maribeth@one-story.com.

If you have any questions, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.