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kate_arts's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book isn’t scary per se,but it sticks with you. Definitely more psychological than actual jump scares, though those are present as well. Nothing really like the tv show. I especially like that Eleanor’s tone changed as a narrator as the book went along you can see her loose her sense of self in how the different occurrences are described. I also really like how you get to the last evening and you have to second guess yourself about all the crazy things that have happened so far. Like the blood in Theon’s room but also the knocking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, and Blood
Moderate: Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic friendship
mlewis's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Alcohol, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Blood, Child death, Chronic illness, and Suicide
jmeyers888's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Blood, and Dysphoria
lilifane's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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: Mental illness, Blood, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Car accident, Death, Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, and Grief
dannilmp's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
3.0
A venture back to the classic horror genre for me and my first haunted house read. A slow burn story which focuses far more on atmospheric horror than graphic horror. I'd make sure to keep the lights on while you read this one.
For being written quite a while ago, I found the language easy to read and understand, there were a couple of times I had to get the dictornary out but aside from that it was easy to immerse myself in the story. The focus on the atmosphere and the slow and gradual build up of the horror aspects kept me on my toes throughout the whole novel. While it was a relatively short novel, the suspence felt like a lifetime. I was not expecting the ending and I still can't quite figure some aspects of the story out. Who really was haunting Hill House if there even was anyone there?
The only letdown for me was my lack of understanding of certain plot points and character behaviour. There was the odd occasion where I wasn't certain which character was speaking and I would have to go back and re-read some sections. This didn't detract too much from the pace of the story.
For being written quite a while ago, I found the language easy to read and understand, there were a couple of times I had to get the dictornary out but aside from that it was easy to immerse myself in the story. The focus on the atmosphere and the slow and gradual build up of the horror aspects kept me on my toes throughout the whole novel. While it was a relatively short novel, the suspence felt like a lifetime. I was not expecting the ending and I still can't quite figure some aspects of the story out. Who really was haunting Hill House if there even was anyone there?
The only letdown for me was my lack of understanding of certain plot points and character behaviour. There was the odd occasion where I wasn't certain which character was speaking and I would have to go back and re-read some sections. This didn't detract too much from the pace of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death, Toxic friendship, and Car accident
Moderate: Blood and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcohol
kennedyevermore's review against another edition
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
5.0
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: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Death
Minor: Death of parent
mallory10100's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
i wanted to pick this up because i’m a huge fan of the netflix show and i’m so glad i did!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Bullying, Death, Mental illness, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide
aimeecdo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
4.5
Great work of fiction and a fun read. Shirley has a unique style and you feel pulled into the character’s experience. Not what you would expect!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Suicide and Mental illness
finch77's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book is beautiful, Eleanor's voice throughout is so unique. I loved all of it until the last 5ish pages, hence the 4 stars.
But If you are looking for a paranormal book with answers as to what is causing the hauntings this is not for you. A lot of the paranormal activity is up to interpretation.
But If you are looking for a paranormal book with answers as to what is causing the hauntings this is not for you. A lot of the paranormal activity is up to interpretation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Dementia, and Death of parent
Moderate: Grief, Suicide, and Alcohol
Minor: Abandonment and Panic attacks/disorders
emilymbrown's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
one of my favorite books of all time!!! love to read in the winter, and it’s great for someone who is new to horror. i personally am a very sensitive person who enjoys horror and this book is perfect for me! i’ve read it too many times to count but it’s such a classic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders