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cosmic_kid40's review against another edition
5.0
I have not read many novels that are specifically considered horror, and I found this to be, so fun. I absolutely enjoyed playing, exploring, and even being fearful, right alongside the characters. I loved their banter and their immediately-found camaraderie and community. “The Haunting of Hill House” illustrates the need for and natural tendency to reach towards togetherness, especially when taking on horrors. Despite never having met, so at a sort of clean slate, the characters find themselves immediately knowing one another. They accept one another in the present, knowing very little to nothing about the backgrounds of their fellow residents.
I was particularly touched by the sisterhood between Eleanor and Theodora. Eleanor, who has a sister back home, moves in tandem with Theodora, like they were meant for one another. Between the two, there seems to be a pretty constant thread of competition (even jealousy and, quite frankly, disgusting considerations), but they continuously show up to protect, support, and love one another. I appreciated the author giving us Eleanor’s thoughts and behaviors, which were sometimes surprising, and often overwhelming. Even if the more negative thoughts were House-induced, it felt like I, as the reader, was in on it, like even my more negative thoughts are human, too.
I am very excited to read more horror, and more of Shirley Jackson’s pieces!
I was particularly touched by the sisterhood between Eleanor and Theodora. Eleanor, who has a sister back home, moves in tandem with Theodora, like they were meant for one another. Between the two, there seems to be a pretty constant thread of competition (even jealousy and, quite frankly, disgusting considerations), but they continuously show up to protect, support, and love one another. I appreciated the author giving us Eleanor’s thoughts and behaviors, which were sometimes surprising, and often overwhelming. Even if the more negative thoughts were House-induced, it felt like I, as the reader, was in on it, like even my more negative thoughts are human, too.
I am very excited to read more horror, and more of Shirley Jackson’s pieces!
maggi__'s review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
satyaraaj's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The story begins with quick introductions of each of the main characters and then meanders leisurely for the first four chapters until the crew reach the Hill House. Things pick up but then plateau again until 70% of the book is finished when things finally escalate and the real 'fun' begins.
Overall, it's a short but slightly tedious read that delivers much of what it promises in the last few chapters. Its largely psychological horror focused on one individual's dealing with their personal emotional repression and the history and circumstances surroundings the Hill House and how they both collide in the end. Btw, the whole paranormal investigations angle is a farce here.
Ultimately, it's a one time classic read. 3.5 stars!
Overall, it's a short but slightly tedious read that delivers much of what it promises in the last few chapters. Its largely psychological horror focused on one individual's dealing with their personal emotional repression and the history and circumstances surroundings the Hill House and how they both collide in the end. Btw, the whole paranormal investigations angle is a farce here.
Ultimately, it's a one time classic read. 3.5 stars!
spooksoups's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lateromantic's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bhuppenthal's review against another edition
5.0
once i had the time and space to properly sit with it, i could not put it down.
absolutely incredible, and imo queer as hell.
absolutely incredible, and imo queer as hell.
reading_since_10's review against another edition
4.0
This was not a horror story, at least I didn't perceive it that way. There were some creepy moments but I can't say I was even tense reading it, much less scared.
On the other hand, I totally loved the way the book was written, the poetic and playfull dialogs between the characters certainly made for a great atmosphere. Though it looks a bit unrealistic for 4 people that meet for the first time to click so great that they can finish of each others' sentences, over and over again.
The ending left me with a big question mark above my head. I am not sure what to make of it to be honest, but I suppose that was the plan.
On the other hand, I totally loved the way the book was written, the poetic and playfull dialogs between the characters certainly made for a great atmosphere. Though it looks a bit unrealistic for 4 people that meet for the first time to click so great that they can finish of each others' sentences, over and over again.
The ending left me with a big question mark above my head. I am not sure what to make of it to be honest, but I suppose that was the plan.
archipelagophoto's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
4.25
doxybite's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0