Burnside, John: 1955 - 2024

The Devil's Footprints, 2007 - Before Reading

Before you read the novel it helps to know a few things that make the story easier to understand and more enjoyable.
- 1. It’s Inspired by a Real Historical Mystery
  The novel is loosely based on the strange Devil's Footprints of 1855 in Devon, United Kingdom.
  - In February 1855, mysterious hoof-like footprints appeared overnight in the snow
  - They stretched for over 100 miles (160 km) across towns, rivers, and rooftops
  - People believed they might be the Devil’s tracks, though many explanations were proposed (animals, weather, hoaxes)
  The novel fictionalizes this event.
- 2. The Book Is Not a Fast Thriller
  Even though the premise sounds mysterious, the book is more literary and psychological than action-driven.
  Expect::
  - Slow pacing
  - Reflective narration
  - Focus on atmosphere and human psychology
  It explores fear, belief, and how communities react to the unknown.
- 3. Setting Matters
  The story takes place mainly in 19th-century rural England, especially around Devon.
  Important context:
  - Strong religious beliefs
  - Limited scientific explanations
  - Superstitions and folklore influencing people’s reactions
  This environment makes the mysterious footprints much more frightening to the characters.
- 4. Themes to Look For
  Key ideas in the book include:
  - Mass hysteria and rumor
  - Faith vs. reason
  - Human fascination with evil
  - The power of stories and myths
  The “Devil” may be literal, symbolic, or psychological.
- 5. Narrative Style
  John Burnside writes in a lyrical, descriptive style.
  Expect:
  - Detailed descriptions of landscapes
  - Reflective passages
  A focus on mood rather than solving the mystery quickly.
- Read it as a mysterious historical atmosphere piece rather than a traditional mystery novel.