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kflinn182's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled to read this. I’m glad I finished it but sheeeesh it was a bit of a slog. Still a fan of Shirley Jackson, but I’m not sure I’d read this one again. Still, the characters are well written and it’s a unique tale.
3/5.
3/5.
purplepumpkin77's review against another edition
4.0
While more gripping throughout than The Haunting of Hill House, I felt a tiny bit disappointed in the end. However it's still a great character study again, into someone manipulative and mentally unwell. Constance is so forgiving and people pleasing to the point of enabling her younger sister, which in turn lets Mary do vile things knowing that her sister will somehow feel responsible.
lmkanne96's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful, quick, engaging listen as an audiobook. As a reader, you were left questioning what was real for the duration of the story, which I loved! The distinct characters and strong narration helped throw you so deep into the story that you felt as though the villagers were judging you along with the main characters. Highly recommend for a short thriller.
froggiendie's review against another edition
5.0
This is a classic book in the gothic novel genre. Written in a POV of an 18 years old girl, the story was unsettleing from the first pages.
Living in their family's castle with her older sister and their uncle, this girl has such a disturbing way of thinking. Isolated from the village and considered as parias, the three of them never leave their house. Since a tragedy killed all their family, they cut all contact with the world outside. They are bullied, hated and seen as a family of murderers.
Their everyday life is described as a never changing habits, with the same daily routine. And for me, the main theme was about being content with the life they had, because that made them feel safe. When a change came, struggles began for them.
This book played with my head. Horrible things happened in that house. The main characters act like they lose all contact of reality, and that vibe gave me the chills. All of this atmosphere of neurosis made this book beautiful and so well written.
Living in their family's castle with her older sister and their uncle, this girl has such a disturbing way of thinking. Isolated from the village and considered as parias, the three of them never leave their house. Since a tragedy killed all their family, they cut all contact with the world outside. They are bullied, hated and seen as a family of murderers.
Their everyday life is described as a never changing habits, with the same daily routine. And for me, the main theme was about being content with the life they had, because that made them feel safe. When a change came, struggles began for them.
This book played with my head. Horrible things happened in that house. The main characters act like they lose all contact of reality, and that vibe gave me the chills. All of this atmosphere of neurosis made this book beautiful and so well written.
meganstreb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Absolutely gripping, despite so little happening.
A book about how much comfort and terror can be found in everyday moments. Or at least that's what I took from it.
A book about how much comfort and terror can be found in everyday moments. Or at least that's what I took from it.
dmarrast's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
le_no_na's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
eeriekeri's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
_lily_'s review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
this book was so wonderful oh em gee. i love merricat and constance so much. their dynamic and everything about them is just so amazing i luv them. my only complaint is the lack of commas & the absurd amount of ands in some sentences... but other than that, this book was very very good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Dementia, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Child abuse, and Child death