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A review by cosmic_kid40
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
5.0
I have not read many novels that are specifically considered horror, and I found this to be, so fun. I absolutely enjoyed playing, exploring, and even being fearful, right alongside the characters. I loved their banter and their immediately-found camaraderie and community. “The Haunting of Hill House” illustrates the need for and natural tendency to reach towards togetherness, especially when taking on horrors. Despite never having met, so at a sort of clean slate, the characters find themselves immediately knowing one another. They accept one another in the present, knowing very little to nothing about the backgrounds of their fellow residents.
I was particularly touched by the sisterhood between Eleanor and Theodora. Eleanor, who has a sister back home, moves in tandem with Theodora, like they were meant for one another. Between the two, there seems to be a pretty constant thread of competition (even jealousy and, quite frankly, disgusting considerations), but they continuously show up to protect, support, and love one another. I appreciated the author giving us Eleanor’s thoughts and behaviors, which were sometimes surprising, and often overwhelming. Even if the more negative thoughts were House-induced, it felt like I, as the reader, was in on it, like even my more negative thoughts are human, too.
I am very excited to read more horror, and more of Shirley Jackson’s pieces!
I was particularly touched by the sisterhood between Eleanor and Theodora. Eleanor, who has a sister back home, moves in tandem with Theodora, like they were meant for one another. Between the two, there seems to be a pretty constant thread of competition (even jealousy and, quite frankly, disgusting considerations), but they continuously show up to protect, support, and love one another. I appreciated the author giving us Eleanor’s thoughts and behaviors, which were sometimes surprising, and often overwhelming. Even if the more negative thoughts were House-induced, it felt like I, as the reader, was in on it, like even my more negative thoughts are human, too.
I am very excited to read more horror, and more of Shirley Jackson’s pieces!