Reviews

The Road Through the Wall by Shirley Jackson

aaronlindsey's review

5.0

A typical 1940's neighborhood spins toward tragedy in this beautifully written novel. Shirley Jackson certainly had a way with words. Reading this one, I felt as if I were a part of the neighborhood, among friends, and that made the tragedy even more horrible.

lotusnbooks's review against another edition

3.0

Didn't think I'd get sucked into a small suburban town in the 30s, but...
The ending is shocking, but I think that's the point.

pywacket's review

dark funny reflective 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? Yes

3.25

libraryofcalliope's review against another edition

4.0

The Road Through the Wall by Shirley Jackson (1948)

nikki_in_niagara's review against another edition

3.0

Shirley Jackson's first book was an engrossing tale. Genre-defying I'd label it as psychological fiction. At its heart, it is a neighbourhood drama. The plot takes place on one street and includes the inhabitants and their comings and goings, especially the children. Everything seems idyllic but there are slight indications that each has a darker story kept private. Until the last fourth of the book, it is a slow story. The rising action and climax happen close to each other and leave an ending with many questions. My third book by the author is my least favourite but an edgy, enjoyable read. 

readingtheend's review

3.5

a bunch of simmering suburban rage and prejudice culminates in the death of a little girl. this isn't an amazing Shirley Jackson book as those things go, but you can certainly see the seeds being planted for her to write The Lottery, whew.

boytrouts's review against another edition

dark reflective tense slow-paced

4.5

Read this as part of the Four Novels of the 40s and 50s collection. Jackson's first novel and a masterpiece of slow burn horror. She keeps you on edge for the entire book until the very end when everything drops out from under you.

toadoverload's review

dark reflective tense medium-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

4.0

subpolka's review

3.0

Shirley Jackson has been one of my favorite authors since high school - like, read and re-read and read again times infinity - and while this book hits the marks I know and love, it is...not my favorite Jackson offering.

Three stars - good enough, but not one I'd necessarily pick up again.

phil629's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.75

“The Road Through the Wall” is essentially an exploration of suburban life in small-town America. Jackson peels back the veneer of normalcy and social conformity to reveal and expose the darker undercurrents and intolerance that exist therein. The novel was a little ponderous and I was bit confused by the number of characters and found it difficult to link children to parents in the early stages but overall I found it to be an enthralling read. There is no doubt that Jackson has a keen insight into human nature which made for a thought-provoking read that has lingered in my mind since finishing the book. It was the first Shirley Jackson novel I have read. I now aim to read her others most likely in the order they were published.