Take a photo of a barcode or cover
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was so unsettling throughout. Deeply horrifying in a way that makes you question reality along with the characters. The frequent and sometimes sudden shifts in the emotional and mental states of the characters are so off-putting. And it's short, and a total page-turner!
*MAJOR spoiler ahead*
Though I pretty much saw the ending (Eleanor's suicide) coming before I was halfway through the book, I was not expecting the misdirect from the tower followed by the joyful mania of Eleanor as she gleefully sped to her death. And then the brief moment of clarity before she hit the tree. So damn creepy, and a tragic end to a tragic character.
Would like to re-read someday to see if I pick up on anything I missed the first time.
*MAJOR spoiler ahead*
Would like to re-read someday to see if I pick up on anything I missed the first time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
the haunting of hill house holds a special place in my heart. the first scene with the knocks will have you holding your breath. while there are some things that i wish the tv show would have included, i think the tv show did a good job of expanding on an already great idea.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Death
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Death of parent
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Toxic friendship
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this is such a good book!!! definitely deserves all of the hype and the classic title, shirley jackson is a phenomenal writer
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed reading this. It took me a little bit to get used to the writing style as it’s a little aged compared to my usual stuff. The flow of writing was well done however sometimes it’s was hard to understand what the characters were talking about as their conversations felt nonsensical. The atmosphere was amazing and I enjoyed the pacing. Loved the main character and would super recommend reading!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Suicide, Death of parent
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Big thanks to my newest literary heroine Shirley Jackson for yassifying the ghost story. You truly were ahead of your time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment
Minor: Confinement, Gun violence, Mental illness, Sexism, Blood, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicide, Car accident, Toxic friendship
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A perfect Halloween read. Not too long and Shirley Jackson has a great way of telling a story that creates a growing sense of dread and 'wrongness' without having to spell out/describe the actual haunting. It leaves the reader guessing at what is real or imagined and whether the narrator is reliable. Even the abrupt ending that can be considered a little unsatisfying, is one that's kept me thinking about it for days and it will continue to be be picked apart and talked about by readers for years to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Blood, Toxic friendship