The Witch’s House – The Diary of Ellen

The Diary of Ellen is a book by Fummy based on his RPG Maker horror game The Witch’s House. It tells the story of Ellen prior to the game. Seven-year-old Ellen wants nothing more than to play outside like a normal child, but an illness that has afflicted her since birth prevents her from doing so. Not wanting to burden her parents, she remains isolated in her room, but soon tragedy strikes and her parents abandon her. With nowhere to return to, Ellen meets a strange cat that makes a tempting offer she cannot refuse — a safe place to live in exchange for becoming a witch. To her delight, when she awakens in her new home, she is no longer afflicted with sickness; however, she soon discovers that leaving the house is not an option — one step outside and she will revert back to her former sickly self. Ellen is unhappy being bound to the house, but things look up when the cat promises to teach her a spell that will be able to heal her completely in return for feeding him souls. Despite her wish being childish and forgivable, Ellen’s quest for a healed body will kill many, and take far more from them than just their lives.

Original Publisher

Unknown

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on The Witch’s House – The Diary of Ellen ### First Impressions Going into "The Witch's House – The Diary of Ellen," I was immediately intrigued by its blend of drama, fantasy, horror, and the supernatural. The premise, based on a video game and adapted into a manga, promised a rich and potentially disturbing narrative, particularly with its focus on abandoned children, witches, and demons. I was eager to see how the author would weave these elements together, especially with a child protagonist navigating such dark themes. ### What Works Well The strength of this novel lies in its ability to delve into the tragic backstory of Ellen. The story does a fantastic job of fleshing out her motivations and the events that led her down a dark path. The exploration of her relationship with her parents, marked by neglect and a lack of love, is genuinely heart-wrenching. The moment she makes a deal with a demon is both chilling and understandable, given the circumstances. I also appreciated the added depth given to Viola. The narrative provides context to her initial draw to the Witch’s House and the witch's fixation on her body. The author paints a vivid picture of a decaying Ellen yearning for a life beyond her grim reality, making her actions, however monstrous, somewhat sympathetic. The writing style is evocative, and I could easily visualize the eerie atmosphere of the Witch's House and the suffering within its walls. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning The following section contains spoilers about the plot of "The Witch's House – The Diary of Ellen." Proceed with caution if you haven't read the novel or played the game. The novel explores Ellen's past, revealing the abuse and neglect she suffered at the hands of her parents, leading to her drastic actions. The deal with the demon and the body swap with Viola are also key plot points that are explored in detail. ### Final Verdict Overall, "The Witch’s House – The Diary of Ellen" is a compelling and disturbing prequel that enriches the original story. While some of the plot points might be predictable for those familiar with the game, the journey is well worth it. The novel effectively explores the themes of abandonment, desperation, and the corrupting influence of power. It's a dark and unsettling read, but one that I would recommend to fans of the game and those who enjoy delving into morally grey characters and tragic backstories.