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A review by mateoj
Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Shirley Jackson was a genius.
What's so great about Hangsaman isn't necessarily the plot (which I can admit is fairly minimal and not especially concrete) but the way Jackson so perfectly describes the thoughts and feelings Natalie has about her life and the events and people therein. There is almost a kind of meta-narrative happening, where Natalie's internal narration of her life nestles within Jackson's external narrative of Natalie.
What's so great about Hangsaman isn't necessarily the plot (which I can admit is fairly minimal and not especially concrete) but the way Jackson so perfectly describes the thoughts and feelings Natalie has about her life and the events and people therein. There is almost a kind of meta-narrative happening, where Natalie's internal narration of her life nestles within Jackson's external narrative of Natalie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Rape