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bellacate's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
libriny's review against another edition
4.0
Di Shirley Jackson leggerei anche la lista della spesa. Scrittura divina
littlemissdynamite's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
3.5
readwithanna's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I should pick up more Shirley Jackson.
There was a anticlimactic sense to the endings. I get these are micro stories but the tension built an then it just went popped.
There was a anticlimactic sense to the endings. I get these are micro stories but the tension built an then it just went popped.
danteandvirgil's review against another edition
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I’m already a big fan of Jackson’s writing. She nails it here too! That semi-surreal way of writing that her stories have gets me so hooked. The sense of tension and mystery but a lighthearted feel and tongue in cheek kind of humor that I like.
The Missing Girl: this gave me some moderate spook. She’s missing but also who is she? She was found and presumed to be Martha but the questions linger. Betsy (same name as my grandma, shout out Betsy) was funny in how unhelpful she was to the incompetent cop (redundant I know.)
Journey with a Lady: this was so fun! Be gay, do crime! She stole that money, good for her. He went along with that plot and got free food, good for him. Loved this.
Nightmare: She describes dream reality almost in a way magical realism is described. Things are, because they are. There is no reason needed for why elephant show up in a parade in Times Square. Why would there be a need for one? The panic being searched like that was well written. I don’t totally understand the end reveal 🤔 maybe someone can elaborate for me. My favorite of the three I think.
The Missing Girl: this gave me some moderate spook. She’s missing but also who is she? She was found and presumed to be Martha but the questions linger. Betsy (same name as my grandma, shout out Betsy) was funny in how unhelpful she was to the incompetent cop (redundant I know.)
Journey with a Lady: this was so fun! Be gay, do crime! She stole that money, good for her. He went along with that plot and got free food, good for him. Loved this.
Nightmare: She describes dream reality almost in a way magical realism is described. Things are, because they are. There is no reason needed for why elephant show up in a parade in Times Square. Why would there be a need for one? The panic being searched like that was well written. I don’t totally understand the end reveal 🤔 maybe someone can elaborate for me. My favorite of the three I think.
prettyliteraryy's review against another edition
2.5
If I had to rank all of the stories I have ever read by her, these would be at the bottom. Read the lottery, if you want to read a short story by Shirley Jackson.
tisana's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0