"House of Leaves" is a complex narrative that intertwines multiple stories, primarily focusing on a family living in a house that is larger on the inside than it appears outside. The story is presented through various documents, including a film analysis, journal entries, and interviews, creating a layered and immersive reading experience. The exploration of the house's bizarre and seemingly infinite dimensions serves as a metaphor for fear and the unknown, which deeply affects the characters' psychological states.
The book also delves into the themes of obsession and the nature of reality. One of the main characters, Johnny Truant, becomes increasingly consumed by the story he is investigating, which leads to his own unraveling. This adds a meta-narrative element, as Truant's footnotes and commentary create a parallel experience that reflects the disorientation of the original story. The structure of the text itself, with unconventional formatting and use of color, enhances the reader's involvement in the unsettling atmosphere.