A review by archangelesq
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The main thing you need to know before reading this is that it is a SLOW BURN. The spookiness from the house does not start until 100+ pages in. The first part is the setup of everyone trying to exist in Hill House. Eleanor has a mysterious past, and makes the perfect target for the nefarious dwelling. Her slow decent into madness was so well crafted. The creeping dread turns to fear as Eleanor begins a to lose it more and more. Then, when forced out by the other inhabitants, she wrecks her car on the property, hoping to remain forever. 

This book was on top of so many lists of best horror novels of all time. I am on a horror kick, so I was trying to read more from women. Ms. Jackson did not disappoint. Once I knew it was a slow burn, I was hooked. I highly recommend this book.