About the book – House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

Q: What is House of Leaves about?

A family discovers a house with shifting interior space while a manuscript analyzes a film called The Navidson Record and Johnny Truant compiles the notes. See /summary/.

Q: Is House of Leaves horror?

It blends postmodern fiction with horror elements. Dread and questions about truth shape the tone. See /themes/.

Q: Why do many readers prefer print?

Page geometry and rotation influence meaning, so print helps. See /layout-typography/.

Q: Which format should I buy first?

Paperback fits many first reads. Hardcover suits gifts and desk use. Compare at /compare/hardcover-vs-paperback/ or visit /buy/.

Q: Is it good for students or book clubs?

Yes. The form invites discussion. A shared note system helps. See /study-annotation-guide/.

Key facts, story context, entities, themes, layout, and how to start. This hub links to the summary, reading order, how to read, layout and typography, and The Whalestoe Letters. Entities include Zampanò, Johnny Truant, Will Navidson, Pelafina, The Navidson Record, and The House. Publisher is Pantheon.

Summary Reading order How to read Layout and typography The Whalestoe Letters Buy hub

House of Leaves at a glance

House of Leaves is a postmodern and metafictional novel with ergodic features. The central thread concerns a house on Ash Tree Lane that breaks interior space. A manuscript by Zampanò analyzes a film called The Navidson Record and is later compiled by Johnny Truant. Other key voices include Pelafina and the family of Will Navidson.

Form: documentary notes, nested footnotes, typographic shifts
Motifs: labyrinth and Minotaur, media and truth, home and intimacy, unreliable narration
Best format for most readers: print, due to page geometry and rotations

Title	House of Leaves
Author	Mark Z. Danielewski
Publisher	Pantheon
Publication date	March 7, 2000
Language	English
Typical length	Hardcover about 736 pages, Paperback about 709 pages
Formats	Hardcover, Paperback

More identifiers live in the collector guide.

Start with these pages

Summary

Story setup, core entities, tone, and why readers talk about the house on Ash Tree Lane.

Characters and entities Themes and motifs

Reading order

Main text with notes in sequence, then appendices and exhibits, then Whalestoe Letters.

How to read Layout and typography

How to read

Two bookmarks, tabs for motifs, and quick methods for note chains and cross links.

Study and annotation guide Glossary

Layout and typography

Rotated pages, sparse spreads, layered notes, faux citations, and shifting fonts with reading implications.

Hardcover vs paperback Buy hub

The Whalestoe Letters

Companion letters that expand character arcs. Often read after appendices and exhibits.

Summary Reading order

Characters and entities

Profiles for Zampanò, Johnny Truant, Will Navidson, Pelafina, The Navidson Record, and The House.

Themes and motifs Summary

Themes and motifs

Characters and entities Study and annotation guide

Regional info

Storefronts can route by country. If a different region opens after a click, switch the region in the header, then pick your format again.

Where to buy hub US UK Canada Australia

About the book – FAQ

What is House of Leaves about?

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A family discovers a house with shifting interior space. A manuscript by Zampanò analyzes a film called The Navidson Record. Johnny Truant compiles the notes and adds his own. See the summary.

Who are the main characters and entities?

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Zampanò, Johnny Truant, Will Navidson, Pelafina, The Navidson Record, and The House. Profiles live on characters and entities.

Is House of Leaves horror?

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It blends postmodern fiction with horror elements. Dread, disorientation, and questions about truth carry the tone. See themes and motifs.

Why do many readers prefer print?

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Page geometry matters. There are rotated pages, sparse spreads, and dense note chains. See layout and typography.

What is the best reading order?

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Main text with notes in sequence, then appendices and exhibits, then The Whalestoe Letters. See reading order.

Do I need The Whalestoe Letters?

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They expand character arcs and reframe parts of the story. Many readers finish the main text and appendices first. See Whalestoe Letters.

Which format should I buy first?

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Paperback fits most first reads due to weight and flexible pages. Hardcover suits gifts and long desks. Compare on hardcover vs paperback or go to the buy hub.

How long is the book?

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Hardcover is often listed around 736 pages and paperback around 709 pages. See identifiers in the collector guide.

Is it good for students or book clubs?

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Yes. The form invites discussion. A shared system for notes helps. See the study and annotation guide.

Last updated October 18, 2025