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shellydav's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I ranked this so high in appreciation of Jackson's writing skill and for the message that the book communicates. I am a Shirley Jackson admirer. Others may not feel satisfied by the ending, nor enjoy this book as I did.
I discovered Jackson like most do--through her much-anthologized short story, "The Lottery." I read the Haunting of Hill House as a teen and admit that then, I was too green a reader to afford her the appreciation she deserves. Recently, I picked up a used copy of We Have Always Lived in the Castle and devoured it in a day. I was hooked by Jackson's word choices, use of symbols, and keen ability to communicate the darkest elements of our humanity. I decided to dive into the author's oeuvre.
Enter Hangsaman.
Rather than rehash the synopsis, I'll share some key themes and observations. At its core, Hangsaman is about an observant and creative young-woman trying to discover herself and her place in the world. Natalie Waite goes away to college without a plan other than to move away from her family. The story is her self-discovery. But Natalie isn't a trope character. Let's just say that she has an unusual imagination...
The story meanders through universal themes and characters: self-absorbed people, "Mean girls," classism; and the loner's struggle with isolation, false friendships and fitting in. And today's readers, who have likely watched an episode or two of Law & Order: SVU, will no doubt analyze Natalie's mindset and situation more sharply than perhaps readers could in 1951.
I discovered Jackson like most do--through her much-anthologized short story, "The Lottery." I read the Haunting of Hill House as a teen and admit that then, I was too green a reader to afford her the appreciation she deserves. Recently, I picked up a used copy of We Have Always Lived in the Castle and devoured it in a day. I was hooked by Jackson's word choices, use of symbols, and keen ability to communicate the darkest elements of our humanity. I decided to dive into the author's oeuvre.
Enter Hangsaman.
Rather than rehash the synopsis, I'll share some key themes and observations. At its core, Hangsaman is about an observant and creative young-woman trying to discover herself and her place in the world. Natalie Waite goes away to college without a plan other than to move away from her family. The story is her self-discovery. But Natalie isn't a trope character. Let's just say that she has an unusual imagination...
The story meanders through universal themes and characters: self-absorbed people, "Mean girls," classism; and the loner's struggle with isolation, false friendships and fitting in. And today's readers, who have likely watched an episode or two of Law & Order: SVU, will no doubt analyze Natalie's mindset and situation more sharply than perhaps readers could in 1951.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Rape
beccabarpel's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
More people should talk about the insane homoeroticism in Jackson's work?? Natalie and Tony are gay af. Also so mentally ill. Good god, imagine being a college girl in the 50s. The misogyny.
Anyway I'm interested in reading literary criticism of this because I felt like I missed crucial components.
Anyway I'm interested in reading literary criticism of this because I felt like I missed crucial components.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
another_dahlia's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
- 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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Rape
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Mental illness, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Abortion, and Suicide
aignerloren's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
maddy_smith's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
gptrll's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Sexual violence, and Rape
kelseak96's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Mental illness, and Rape
mateoj's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
Shirley Jackson was a genius.
What's so great about Hangsaman isn't necessarily the plot (which I can admit is fairly minimal and not especially concrete) but the way Jackson so perfectly describes the thoughts and feelings Natalie has about her life and the events and people therein. There is almost a kind of meta-narrative happening, where Natalie's internal narration of her life nestles within Jackson's external narrative of Natalie.
What's so great about Hangsaman isn't necessarily the plot (which I can admit is fairly minimal and not especially concrete) but the way Jackson so perfectly describes the thoughts and feelings Natalie has about her life and the events and people therein. There is almost a kind of meta-narrative happening, where Natalie's internal narration of her life nestles within Jackson's external narrative of Natalie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Rape
supem1ly's review against another edition
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts