Sweet OR Sour?
- Melani Redmiles-Quinley
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
RED: Reading, Eating & Drinking Book Club
There's something deliciously wicked about curling up with a ghost story on a winter evening. Even better when you've got some killer snacks and a cocktail that'll knock your socks off. Welcome to this month's RED session, where we're diving into Henry James's psychological thriller "The Turn of the Screw," armed with some seriously good dips and a drink that packs as much punch as our haunting tale.
READ: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
This Victorian ghost story opens on a cozy Christmas Eve, with friends gathered around sharing spooky tales. But that's just the appetizer. The main course is a manuscript that tells the story of a young governess who takes a job at a remote country estate called Bly. Two adorable kids, one gorgeous mansion, what could go wrong? Oh honey, everything.
Our governess soon finds herself caught in a psychological maze where innocence and corruption dance an unsettling waltz. Are the ghosts real? Are the children sweet angels or are they sour devils? Is the governess losing her mind? James keeps us guessing, which is exactly why this book has been keeping readers up at night since 1898.
Reading tip: Pay attention to what's not said as much as what is. This story's like an iceberg – the real scary stuff is lurking beneath the surface.
EAT: Double Dip Delight
Because one dip is never enough when you're stress-eating through a ghost story, we're doing two. First up is a ridiculously easy sour cream and onion dip that'll make you swear off the store-bought stuff forever. Pro tip: let it chill overnight. Trust me, something magical happens in that fridge – kind of like what happens at Bly Manor after dark.
To balance out our savory situation, we're adding a creamy pumpkin dip that's basically autumn in a bowl. Serve it with apple slices, graham crackers, or if you're feeling fancy, those pie crust cutouts. Because nothing says "I'm about to read a Victorian ghost story" like pumpkin-spiced anything.
DRINK: The French 75
The French 75 got its name because it hits as hard as a French 75mm field gun – which feels appropriate for a book that's been knocking readers sideways for over a century.
This classic cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped with champagne. It's sweet, it's sour, it's sophisticated. Just remember to sip slowly; like the ghosts at Bly, this drink sneaks up on you.
Discussion Questions to Ponder While Sipping:
Are the ghosts real, or is our narrator just losing it? (Take another sip before answering)
What's with those creepy kids? (Dip break recommended)
Why do we love unreliable narrators so much? (Mix another drink first)
Remember, book club friends: sometimes the scariest stories are the ones that leave room for doubt. Just like you'll doubt whether you should have that second French 75 – but you'll do it anyway.
Happy reading, eating, and drinking! And maybe keep a light on tonight. Just in case.
P.S. If you start seeing ghosts after your third French 75, that's on you, not Henry James.
Please note that these recipes were not created by me. I am just a hungry and thirsty reader with an appreciation for the finer things!
REFERENCES AND PHOTO CREDITS:
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