Reviews

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

rodent_scribbles's review against another edition

dark emotional 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? Yes

5.0

Shirley Jackson's take on the haunted house, not as a mere site of tragedy, but as a character that is itself evil on its own is beautifully executed.
Definitely a more psychological horror where the presence is more felt than seen that might not appeal to everyone but I enjoyed it.
The characters are interesting and Jackson's prose is fantastic.
Highly recommend this book for fans of Gothic and psychological ghost stories.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol

Moderate: Chronic illness, Car accident, Suicide, and Death of parent

lewipoint's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

3.5

So interesting to read the descriptions of the house and how Jackson used it as a character in its own right. There was so much atmosphere. Unfortunately I found the plot a bit underwhelming - not much happened and what did happen was dealt with very quickly. It was good to see the inspiration for the show though.

wolfat_thedoor's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

kalin_grace's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

novabird's review against another edition

5.0

Subversive in many ways. The way that held me closest like a dreaded welcome lover was I found it to be a commentary on homelessness. Some, even, ghosts go to extremes to stay where they feel most welcome and for most that's a place we call home.

jw2212's review against another edition

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

From the descriptions of this book I was expecting it to be scarier, so I was a bit disappointed in that aspect. That being said, I thought Eleanor’s thoughts and mindset throughout were very realistic and the real focus of the book. And the ending was ✨chef’s kiss✨

desireerose's review against another edition

mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

terrym10's review against another edition

3.0

I rather enjoyed listening to this book. I had tried to read it a few years ago, but the pace bored me. Listening to it was much more enjoyable. It's set in the 1950's in a rural area. I don't necessarily believe in ghosts, but I do believe in "energy" remaining locked to a specific place. I'm not sure who was haunting Hill House, but it was definitely a psychic hot spot. I feel so sorry for poor Eleanor. All she wanted was to be happy, and instead the house made her drive into a tree so she couldn't ever leave. The doctor was completely inept in my opinion, and I just wanted to smack his wife as soon as she came into the book (thankfully towards the end). Theodora started out nice, but ended up being one of the typical "mean" girls. I'm glad I read this book, as it's considered a horror classic. Overall the plot was simple, but effective.

clonegarden's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

<3 no one believes nell <3

auntiejamie's review against another edition

mysterious tense

4.0