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A review by unalasa
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
5.0
First of all, a stellar spooky season read. Absolutely loved the writing and will be reading more from the self-proclaimed witch Shirley Jackson.
Second—what's with the bad reviews?
Sure, the book isn't scary. But neither is "It" the movies, and they're still a masterpiece. Haunting of Hill House is exactly as the introduction says: it leaves a constant clammy, eerie feel. The occasional humor and the whole flow of the book are amazing, which is unexpected for such an old literary masterpiece.
"It's the home I've always dreamed of," Theodora said. "A little hideaway where I can be alone with my thoughts. Particularly if my thoughts happened to be about murder or suicide or—"
It's not just about the paranormal, ghostly terror of a haunted house. It's about what a heartbroken place does to a person, the psychological pressure and tension that you just can't explain.
Yes, the Netflix series was perfect. But it still owes all its success to this book.
The ending gives the perfect mixture of closure and mystery. Which reminds me, I know opening lines are somewhat of an obsession for bookworms, but may I just highlight what a great closing sentence this book has?
Within, its walls continued upright, bricks met neatly, floors were firm, and doors were sensibly shut; silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of Hill House, and whatever walked there, walked alone.
Saying Haunting of a Hill House is a great book is a hill I'm willing to die on (all the puns intended).
Second—what's with the bad reviews?
Sure, the book isn't scary. But neither is "It" the movies, and they're still a masterpiece. Haunting of Hill House is exactly as the introduction says: it leaves a constant clammy, eerie feel. The occasional humor and the whole flow of the book are amazing, which is unexpected for such an old literary masterpiece.
"It's the home I've always dreamed of," Theodora said. "A little hideaway where I can be alone with my thoughts. Particularly if my thoughts happened to be about murder or suicide or—"
It's not just about the paranormal, ghostly terror of a haunted house. It's about what a heartbroken place does to a person, the psychological pressure and tension that you just can't explain.
Yes, the Netflix series was perfect. But it still owes all its success to this book.
The ending gives the perfect mixture of closure and mystery. Which reminds me, I know opening lines are somewhat of an obsession for bookworms, but may I just highlight what a great closing sentence this book has?
Within, its walls continued upright, bricks met neatly, floors were firm, and doors were sensibly shut; silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of Hill House, and whatever walked there, walked alone.
Saying Haunting of a Hill House is a great book is a hill I'm willing to die on (all the puns intended).