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themarinabox's review against another edition
4.0
What can I say? This collection of short stories were more than I thought it would be. Expect for many a couple, I thoroughly loved every stories. Some more than others.
From the eerie recurring of James Harris to death by stoning, this was such a well-rounded collection. It makes you question the humanity and feel uncomfortable. Malicious behaviour, racism, mindless tradition - just some of the topics that were covered. Even though this is fiction and was set and written in a different time, you can still apply all of the meaning of each stories today.
Don't skip on any of the stories. Read them all. I promise you won't regret it.
From the eerie recurring of James Harris to death by stoning, this was such a well-rounded collection. It makes you question the humanity and feel uncomfortable. Malicious behaviour, racism, mindless tradition - just some of the topics that were covered. Even though this is fiction and was set and written in a different time, you can still apply all of the meaning of each stories today.
Don't skip on any of the stories. Read them all. I promise you won't regret it.
cassieemaree's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Violence, Xenophobia, and Abandonment
ajlweb93's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
hjswinford's review against another edition
4.0
Shirley Jackson really specializes in that kind of horror where you think, "Aren't humans the worst?" But not even always in an exaggerated, dramatic way. Like, really realistic ways. Spooky stories that hinge on the darkest of human emotions. Jealousy, anxiety, mob mentality...she really nails those characteristics in her stories.
Not all these short stories are created equal, but most of them were really solid. I enjoyed the read overall.
Not all these short stories are created equal, but most of them were really solid. I enjoyed the read overall.
yaqbox's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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
4.25
tbechtel29's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
It's always extremely difficult to rate a collection of short stories. This collection is very impressive and Shirley Jackson can truly compete as one of the best horror writers of all time. Beyond The Lottery's fame, there are many other stories in the collection that excelled at the quiet, uncomfortable tone Jackson has mastered. Some of my favorites included The Witch, Charles, Flower Garden, and Elizabeth. I didn't love every story, but they all are impressive and speak to Jackson's talents as a writer.
It's always extremely difficult to rate a collection of short stories. This collection is very impressive and Shirley Jackson can truly compete as one of the best horror writers of all time. Beyond The Lottery's fame, there are many other stories in the collection that excelled at the quiet, uncomfortable tone Jackson has mastered. Some of my favorites included The Witch, Charles, Flower Garden, and Elizabeth. I didn't love every story, but they all are impressive and speak to Jackson's talents as a writer.
grandmaleah's review against another edition
5.0
Rating this 5 because of the sheer number of short stories I liked. From most to least favourite:
The Renegade
Mrs Spencer and the Oberons
The Lottery
The Order of Charlotte's Going
The Tooth
The Daemon Lover (the real horror is cishet men!)
The Very Strange House Next Door (the real horror is our closeminded neighbors!)
Nightmare
The Little House
Journey with a Lady
Mrs Anderson
One Ordinary Day, with Peanuts
The Witch
I wouldn't count these works as horror, but more the horror of being alive. A lot of stories touch upon the horror of isolation, especially when one is around others.
At this point, it's safe to say that Shirley is one of my favourite authors.
Edited 19/01/2024 because 'Mrs Spencer and the Oberons' is still haunting me so I had to move it up on the list.
The Renegade
Mrs Spencer and the Oberons
The Lottery
The Order of Charlotte's Going
The Tooth
The Daemon Lover (the real horror is cishet men!)
The Very Strange House Next Door (the real horror is our closeminded neighbors!)
Nightmare
The Little House
Journey with a Lady
Mrs Anderson
One Ordinary Day, with Peanuts
The Witch
I wouldn't count these works as horror, but more the horror of being alive. A lot of stories touch upon the horror of isolation, especially when one is around others.
At this point, it's safe to say that Shirley is one of my favourite authors.
Edited 19/01/2024 because 'Mrs Spencer and the Oberons' is still haunting me so I had to move it up on the list.
thoughton98's review against another edition
3.0
An intriguing short story about a lottery that you really don’t want to win, but at times does seem somewhat jumbled and confused.
andieevalee's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0