182 pages
English language
Published Sept. 10, 2006 by Penguin Books.
First published in 1959, Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror. It is the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly pile called Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a "haunting"; Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable phenomena. But Hill House is gathering its powers—and soon it will choose one of them to make its own.
There are a couple legitimately scary scenes in this but it ends abruptly.
Entrancing and captivating tour de force of point of view.
This marks the second time I’ve read Shirley Jackson’s masterwork of haunted house fiction, though describing it as a haunted house story is a serious oversimplification. One might think that, having already read the book, it couldn’t be anywhere near as unsettling or outright frightening as it was the first time. Yet it turns out that I found my second vicarious visit to one of literature’s most malevolent abodes even scarier than the first. Perhaps because I already knew the story, knew what was going to happen during each strange day and each malefic night, I was able to soak up more of Jackson’s finely crafted atmosphere and pay closer attention to the actions of and interactions between her characters. I’m even less certain now about how much of the sinister goings in Hill House were the work of the house itself or were members of the small group of …
This marks the second time I’ve read Shirley Jackson’s masterwork of haunted house fiction, though describing it as a haunted house story is a serious oversimplification. One might think that, having already read the book, it couldn’t be anywhere near as unsettling or outright frightening as it was the first time. Yet it turns out that I found my second vicarious visit to one of literature’s most malevolent abodes even scarier than the first. Perhaps because I already knew the story, knew what was going to happen during each strange day and each malefic night, I was able to soak up more of Jackson’s finely crafted atmosphere and pay closer attention to the actions of and interactions between her characters. I’m even less certain now about how much of the sinister goings in Hill House were the work of the house itself or were members of the small group of strangers, brought together with the purpose of exploring its labyrinthine halls, messing with each other. Or, perhaps one of their party was simply the perfect vessel for the malevolence that resides within the corrupt walls of Hill House. That I’m even more unsure this time around just makes me love the book and appreciate Shirley Jackson’s mind and skill even more.
This might not be a book to read late at night if you have an active imagination.
Have you ever been in an old house and felt some strange energy? The feeling of eyes on you while your back is turned? Of unexplained sounds, shadows, or smells? Older houses can have a sense of presence that isn't found in newer homes, whether it be from the residual energy of the lives lived in it over the years, or a collection of old items filled with memories. Welcome to Hill House, perfectly drawn with a turret, doors and windows that shut on their own, mazes of rooms, and an oppressive presence around every corner.
A classic story of psychological terror, the Haunting of Hill House tells the tale of an old mansion which holds many secrets. Supernatural researcher Dr. Montague rents Hill House in an attempt to prove, or disprove, the …
This might not be a book to read late at night if you have an active imagination.
Have you ever been in an old house and felt some strange energy? The feeling of eyes on you while your back is turned? Of unexplained sounds, shadows, or smells? Older houses can have a sense of presence that isn't found in newer homes, whether it be from the residual energy of the lives lived in it over the years, or a collection of old items filled with memories. Welcome to Hill House, perfectly drawn with a turret, doors and windows that shut on their own, mazes of rooms, and an oppressive presence around every corner.
A classic story of psychological terror, the Haunting of Hill House tells the tale of an old mansion which holds many secrets. Supernatural researcher Dr. Montague rents Hill House in an attempt to prove, or disprove, the claims of a haunting. He invites a collection of people who have been rumored to have past experience with the supernatural, but only 2 join him: Eleanor Vance, a shy woman who has spent her life caring for her invalid mother until she passed away, and Theodora, a free-spirited, bohemian artist. They are all joined by Luke Sanderson, the heir to Hill House and who must be present as part of the terms of the lease.
Soon after arriving, Eleanor and company begin having unexplainable experiences. Whether or not all of these events are supernatural is left up to the reader to decide, but the circumstances seem to be centered around Eleanor, and the book is very much about her and her journey. Gothically dark and spooky, Jackson takes us on a ride full of twists and turns, and it all culminates is an ending that leaves you wondering, but is still strangely satisfying.
Dripping with ambiance and a foreboding feeling (you're just waiting for something to happen), the book offers frights while not being predictable. A few things that I expected to take place (a seen in countless horror movies) either didn't happen, or didn't happen as I expected.
The book is exactly how I would imagine a real-life haunted house experience to go down. Not a glamorized, Hollywoodized, cheap-scare-tactics-to-shock-you story. It feels real throughout the entire book.
Best haunted house story that I've read so far.
