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A review by awanderingweasel
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” is a timeless masterpiece of psychological and ghostly horror. Set within the foreboding walls of Hill House, the novel grips readers from its beginning, refusing to give away its secrets even as the plot advances.
What impressed me the most was Shirley Jackson’s writing, which I find truly unparalleled. Her meticulous attention to detail and evocative prose makes for a chilling read, as readers are left to their own devices in the navigation of a labyrinthine and uninviting home. Eleanor is one of the most interesting characters I’ve ever encountered in fiction, though I have a soft spot for Theodora.
This book was my favorite read from 2023, and a great way to ring in the new year. After thinking about it non-stop for 3 months, I decided to post about it. The Haunting is a story I was extremely familiar with — my parents showed me the 1999 film adaptation when I was younger, and it made me scared of my own shadow. But I always meant to return to this story later. And when I did, I loved it.
What impressed me the most was Shirley Jackson’s writing, which I find truly unparalleled. Her meticulous attention to detail and evocative prose makes for a chilling read, as readers are left to their own devices in the navigation of a labyrinthine and uninviting home. Eleanor is one of the most interesting characters I’ve ever encountered in fiction, though I have a soft spot for Theodora.
This book was my favorite read from 2023, and a great way to ring in the new year. After thinking about it non-stop for 3 months, I decided to post about it. The Haunting is a story I was extremely familiar with — my parents showed me the 1999 film adaptation when I was younger, and it made me scared of my own shadow. But I always meant to return to this story later. And when I did, I loved it.