Reviews with content warning for Racism - Lotre dan Cerita-Cerita Lainnya

Some of the stories didn't match the quality of the others, which is often the case in short story collections, of course. It was great to read "The Lottery" for the first time (for me), and a number of the other stories reached or even exceeded that level of creativity and engagement for me. Well worth reading for the quiet tension-building I've come to associate with Shirley Jackson.

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thewoodlandbookshelf's review against another edition

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dark reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.25

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rcsreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced

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

3.75

This was a little disappointing but it was mainly the publishers fault rather than the book. If you use both the words "terror" and "terrifying" on the back of the book people are going to expect scary stories. There's not any. Also, bigging up the titular story and then putting it last means by the time you get to it it's going to be disappointing.
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I did like Jackson's writing style though and once I shifted my expectations away from horror and more towards depressed, suburban housewives I enjoyed the stories more. My favourites were "Charles" (hard relate 🤣) and "Pillar of Salt".

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amymcphrsn's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.5

One of the best short story collections I’ve read! But due to the nature of short story collections there’s always a couple duds hence the 3.5 stars.

The Lottery itself is so tense and distressing, especially not knowing exactly what this ritual entails right until the end. Other favourites were The Daemon Lover, The Renegade, After You My Dear Alphonse, Charles, The Tooth and Got A Letter From Jimmy.

I really enjoy the way Shirley Jackson brings horror elements into everyday life and situations, and the focus of psychological distress in seemingly mundane and not distressing situations. A great deep dive into the classic Shirley Jackson themes and tropes.

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