Reviews

“Hangsaman” is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that dives deep into the mind of 17-year-old Natalie Waite. The story follows Natalie as she transitions from her stifling home life to a college, grappling with her identity and mental health along the way.

Jackson’s portrayal of Natalie’s inner world is both vivid and unsettling. The novel begins with her life at home, where her relationships with her controlling father and indifferent mother leave her feeling isolated. This sense of isolation only intensifies when she goes to college, struggling to connect with others and finding solace in her vivid imagination.

One of the most intriguing aspects of “Hangsaman” is the way Jackson blurs the lines between reality and Natalie’s hallucinations. The novel’s climax is surreal and ambiguous which is something I personally do struggle with. “Hangsaman” is not a straightforward read, but its complexity and psychological depth make it a compelling story. Jackson’s skilful storytelling and rich prose create an immersive experience that stays with you and I did enjoy it.

mloc's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad 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? Yes

3.5

lucyblack's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Hangsaman is a bad dream book about being unsure of what and who are real. Natalie is a teenager with a messy head, constant internal monologue and she lives in a plastic academic world. This novel is about disassociating over cocktails with your professor and depersonalisation - is Natalie a victim? Is she the dormitory thief? Her college is preppy and intense, Is she talking to herself? Is she even real?
The untrustworthy, slippery nature of Hangsaman causes frustration and endless questions. There’s numbing sentences about how disconnected she feels from her domestic life and entrancing chapters about her friend Tony who lives in a pack of tarot cards. Read this alone on still nights in your own room and don’t go into the woods.