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dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To be honest, I didn't expect to like this so much. I knew it was different from the Netflix show and classics are always a hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one a lot. The writing is great, the atmosphere fantastic, I liked the characters and their dynamics. I didn't like the ending that much, though. But the more I think about it, the more I understand and appreciate it. There is just something that bothers me about it. Maybe it was too abrupt, maybe I needed a little more time at the end? Maybe I was identifying with Eleanor too much?
I kind of wish I had read the book before I watched the show. It is a different story, but it still influenced my reading of the book, my expectations, and the way I saw the characters. Can't say I was surprised by most of the things that happened here. I'm curious how I would have felt the other way around.
I kind of wish I had read the book before I watched the show. It is a different story, but it still influenced my reading of the book, my expectations, and the way I saw the characters. Can't say I was surprised by most of the things that happened here. I'm curious how I would have felt the other way around.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
dark
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Minor: Child death, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Death of parent
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Death, Suicide, Blood, Car accident, Gaslighting
dark
mysterious
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicide, Car accident
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am very impressed by the writing of The Haunting of Hill House. Jackson does and artful job at making the novel itself reflect the setting of Hill House. The text is beautiful, but there is a darkness to it too. I also love an unreliable narrator which we get beautifully in Eleanor. It's fascinating to watch her sense of reality denigrate more and more every chapter. I like how the characters all interact with each other and the whimsical nature to some parts. It was a very enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicide, Car accident
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Blood, Death of parent
There is a good amount of unreality in this novel.
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is among the most somnolent books I've ever read. The plot is bleh and the characters were impenetrable. It definitely wasn't for me. It made me appreciate WHALITC's writing a lot more, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is a masterclass for writing terror. This book isn’t very “scary” in a traditional sense, but it’s terrifying because you never actually see anything scary. You just feel the characters fear and are unsure of what’s real and what’s in Eleanor’s head.
Speaking of Eleanor, she might be one of my favorite protagonists ever. All of the characters in this short book are fleshed out and interesting, but Eleanor is perfectly written. Her struggles with anxiety, depression, and disassociation are relatable and it’s tragic to see her completely spiral by the end of the book.
Her (romantic?) relationship with Theodora is also a highlight of the book for me.
Despite being horror, this book is also very funny. The dialogue is quick and witty and the chapter that introduces Mrs.Montague was laugh out loud funny.
This might be my new favorite horror novel and I’m so glad that I read it.
Speaking of Eleanor, she might be one of my favorite protagonists ever. All of the characters in this short book are fleshed out and interesting, but Eleanor is perfectly written. Her struggles with anxiety, depression, and disassociation are relatable and it’s tragic to see her completely spiral by the end of the book.
Her (romantic?) relationship with Theodora is also a highlight of the book for me.
Despite being horror, this book is also very funny. The dialogue is quick and witty and the chapter that introduces Mrs.Montague was laugh out loud funny.
This might be my new favorite horror novel and I’m so glad that I read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Death of parent
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'd probably rate this higher after a re-read. It was very atmospheric, which I enjoyed. However, I found it hard to follow at times. I believe that was intentional, and a smart choice on Jackson's part considering the direction she took the story in.
It wasn't very scary, more creepy and unsettling. Which is what I was hoping for because I am a soft, anxious marshmallow and need to be careful about the content I consume. If you're not a fan of gore/murder/body horror in spooky books I think this is a good option, but do check out the content warnings.
It wasn't very scary, more creepy and unsettling. Which is what I was hoping for because I am a soft, anxious marshmallow and need to be careful about the content I consume. If you're not a fan of gore/murder/body horror in spooky books I think this is a good option, but do check out the content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Blood, Suicide attempt, Abandonment
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had a hard time rating this book. When the spooky elements came in, the story was compelling. The author paints a vivid picture of the various haunts. I also loved the questions of whether it was a possession or mental breakdown. The theme of fears personified vs. skepticism and reality is well explored throughout.
The issue with this book was how long it took to build. While I am aware of the slower nature of gothic horror, it, Jackson's execution left little room for the climax of the story. Overall, however, I enjoyed the story and Jackson's writing style. I gave me the spooks I was craving without and excessive or gory violence. I would like to read more of her works.
The issue with this book was how long it took to build. While I am aware of the slower nature of gothic horror, it, Jackson's execution left little room for the climax of the story. Overall, however, I enjoyed the story and Jackson's writing style. I gave me the spooks I was craving without and excessive or gory violence. I would like to read more of her works.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicide
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship