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jamiezaccaria's review
3.0
This is Jackson's first novel which makes sense and to me not nearly as good as her others but still a good read due to her impeccable writing and ability to create suspense and tension. The pacing was a bit too end-heavy for my liking but overall, this is a chilling story that shows how dangerous suburbia can really be.
shuashwa18's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
itspeachie's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 4 stars
The Road Through the Wall is not a great Shirley Jackson book, but it is good for a literary debut. Jackson’s potential is obvious from the first couple chapters—her writing’s charming and her satirical sense of humor is both clever and sly.
The story itself is fascinating and it’s told in a series of unsettling vignettes about a “picture perfect” suburban neighborhood. Naturally, the inhabitants are NOT perfect and may or may not be mentally unhinged, slightly murderous, downright terrible people.
So that’s… fun.
For the downsides, the book has a lot of loose ends and it can be incredibly confusing. The families are hard to keep track of (and none of them really stand out on their own); and all of the nasty truths of the neighborhood are hinted at subtlety, but never further expanded on.
All in all, I was a wee bit disappointed when I finished this but it was still an interesting, somewhat disturbing read and I enjoyed it for what it was. However, I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who’s new to Shirley Jackson.
TW: There are implications of shady activity, such as infidelity between the married couples (I could not remember who was supposedly having an affair with whom by the end LOL) and a single mother selling herself to pay the bills. Also, a handful of mild curse words and one racial slur.
The Road Through the Wall is not a great Shirley Jackson book, but it is good for a literary debut. Jackson’s potential is obvious from the first couple chapters—her writing’s charming and her satirical sense of humor is both clever and sly.
The story itself is fascinating and it’s told in a series of unsettling vignettes about a “picture perfect” suburban neighborhood. Naturally, the inhabitants are NOT perfect and may or may not be mentally unhinged, slightly murderous, downright terrible people.
So that’s… fun.
For the downsides, the book has a lot of loose ends and it can be incredibly confusing. The families are hard to keep track of (and none of them really stand out on their own); and all of the nasty truths of the neighborhood are hinted at subtlety, but never further expanded on.
All in all, I was a wee bit disappointed when I finished this but it was still an interesting, somewhat disturbing read and I enjoyed it for what it was. However, I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who’s new to Shirley Jackson.
TW: There are implications of shady activity, such as infidelity between the married couples (I could not remember who was supposedly having an affair with whom by the end LOL) and a single mother selling herself to pay the bills. Also, a handful of mild curse words and one racial slur.
the_rita's review against another edition
dark
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
2.75
sdeeim's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
katewhite77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
<strong>A creepy tale about keeping up with the Jones'</strong>
Neighbourhood politics in 1940's USA. Clostraphobic dark and twisted.
This was a debut novel, and it shows here I feel. Plot jumps around a bit and hard to keep track of everyone and everything.
This is an uncomfortable exploration of how dark human nature can become if not challenged.
Neighbourhood politics in 1940's USA. Clostraphobic dark and twisted.
This was a debut novel, and it shows here I feel. Plot jumps around a bit and hard to keep track of everyone and everything.
This is an uncomfortable exploration of how dark human nature can become if not challenged.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Antisemitism, Child death, Chronic illness, Classism, Fatphobia, Suicide, and Toxic friendship
another_dahlia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
3.5
Interesting concept, way too many characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Child death, Suicide, Violence, Classism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Racism
Moderate: Body shaming, Misogyny, and Fatphobia
Minor: Alcohol