The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson was first published in 1959 and it’s the first book by the author that I’ve read. Lots of bloggers seem to have been reading this book recently and so I thought I would give it a go.
I have to say that I was less than enthralled by the book, but you know what it’s like, maybe it just wasn’t the right time for me to be reading something like this. With everything that’s going on politically at the moment it might be best if I stick to comfort reads for a while!
If you haven’t read the book – it’s about an old house situated in a remote area and the people in the nearest town won’t even admit the place exists. Doctor Montague has been interested in paranormal experiences for years and he arranges for two young women – Eleanor and Theodora – to stay with him at Hill House along with Luke the young owner of the place.
The house has been built strangely, it’s all a bit out of kilter and that goes quite a long way to promoting a strange atmosphere. It wasn’t strange enough for me though. If you’re going to write a ghost story then there’s no point in being niminy-piminy (dare I say spiritless) and restrained about it.
I must admit that I might have been influenced by the fact that I’ve actually lived in a house that was spookier than Hill House, and it didn’t freak me out! Well not much.
I’ll try a couple more of Shirley Jackson’s books sometime though.
I read this a few years ago and didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d hoped to either. I would still recommend trying We Have Always Lived in the Castle – I thought that one was much better!
Helen,
Thanks. I’ll definitely read that one next!
It may be one of those books that makes a bigger impression on the reader depending on when it’s read. I read it as a teenager and loved it. I’ve re-read it a couple of times as an adult and it hasn’t lost that first impression. I think watching the movie, the one with Julie Harris and Claire Bloom, helped cement the eerie atmosphere.
Joan,
I suspect it is one of those ones that will just hit the right spot at a particular time. I’ve definitely not seen the film. Have you read all of her books?
I’ve read Hill House, We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Raising Demons, and Life Among the Savages. I also read a biography of her quite a few years ago. I believe there is a new one out.
Joan,
I borrowed We Have Always Lived in the Castle today as so many people seem to have loved that one.
I’m so glad you’ve read and have commented on his one. I read The Haunting of Hill House in October 2015, as I recall. I’ve found that to my mind Jackson is not a traditional horror writer, as Stephen King might be considered to be. Jackson’s stories and novels are not truly horror, to my mind. Her freakiness, if it can even be called that, is in the odd, peculiar relationships that develop among the varied, rather strange individuals in the group that goes to convene at Hill House.. Very odd indeed, these people. And then we have the crazy things that happen (but not too horrific) that sets the odd people off-balance in peculiar ways, and in relationship to each other. Group dynamic freakiness, I guess I’d call it. I actually was in awe of her mastery in creating this off-balance situation for the reader. It’s one of those books that is indelible in my mind.
Judith,
I rarely read anything that could be considered horror or supernatural, so I don’t have much to compare it with, but you’re right about the quirky characters and relationships, those were the best part of the book for me.
I love this book! I am horror averse, the likes of Stephen King give me nightmares, but Jackson was perfect — scary and chilling without being nightmare inducing. So sorry you didn’t like it. Maybe something like The Sun Dial would be more appealing? Not horror, lots of delightful sarcasm and satire.
Stefanie,
I’m horror averse too, but as I say – I did live in a spookier house for 26 years so spooky became normal! I wouldn’t read a Stephen King book. I’ll give The Sun Dial a go as I fancy the idea of delightful satire and sarcasm!