Book Review: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons!

  The new year seems to have started off with horror for me. Having just finished one scary book, I decided to delve into a classic haunted house tale. What I found was a slick and well-written horror novel that was the embodiment of spooky.

  The Haunting of Hill House is written by author Shirley Jackson, and it is published by Penguin Classics, an imprint of the Penguin Group. This 1959 classic horror novel introduces us to Dr. John Montague, a man seeking knowledge of the paranormal. He has arranged to stay at the infamous Hill House where he intends to study the home's reported supernatural activity. But to do so he must first gather a team that will help him document any activity that may prove without a doubt that Hill House is haunted.

  Miles away Eleanor Vance is adjusting to life without her demanding mother. Having taken care of her in her final years, Eleanor has known a life of servitude and beratement. Her sister, Carrie, had barely lifted a finger to help Eleanor with their mother. And her domineering personality is a constant struggle for Eleanor. When she receives a letter from a Dr. John Montague, she feels that the invite is what she needs to get away from her family. But Carrie refuses to let her drive their mothers car, of which was bequeathed to both of them. In a bold move Eleanor steals the car and heads to Hill House. When she arrives she encounters the caretaker and his wife, both of whom are very odd. Mrs. Dudley seems frightened to even divert from her daily routine. Mr. Dudley is somewhat crazy with a penchant for skulking about watching the new arrivals. Eleanor later meets up with Theodora, a posh-looking store owner with a flamboyant flair. Soon Luke Sanderson, the son of Hill House's current owner joins them as Doctor Montague also arrives. 

  As the hours wear on, Montague finally explains the reason why Eleanor and Theo are present at Hill House. Shrugging off their past paranormal experiences, the two women are struck with a sense of silliness that the scholar believes them to be the key to opening up Hill House's spirit activity. But Montague is firm in his belief that their past experiences do have merit. As the days continue on and their investigation begins, the house seems to change. Things move, doors close, and an artic chill begins to manifest on the floor where the team is sleeping. Eleanor is frightened. And she begins hearing her name being whispered to her by child-like voices. Fists seem to pound the walls at night. And unseen hands turn door knobs.

  What is haunting Hill House. And why does it seem to want Eleanor more than anyone else in the house. Is Eleanor going mad or is a sinister force at work? Together they must discover the secrets of one of the most infamous haunted houses the world has ever seen. But will they survive?

  The Haunting of Hill House was an excellent example of a creepy haunted house tale. Atmospheric and riddled with shadowy corners, Shirley Jackson did indeed write a classic. I genuinely loved Eleanor's character, who after decades of abuse from her family, emerged out of her shell as she made friends at Hill House. The character development was excellent for such a short novel. I loved the creepy elements of the Hugh Crain story and tumultuous past of his relatives. It made me more invested in what was haunting Hill House. And Jackson loved to toy with my imagination as the pages turned. When the finale arrived and the unthinkable happened I was stunned. This is one story that I will remember for a very long time.

  I read the Haunting of Hill House in part with the narration of actress, Bernadette Dunne. Her soothing and often husky voice added a different level to the tale. I felt as if the house was telling the story to me. Her voice work was amazing, even capturing Eleanor's mousy personality perfectly. She made this story very entertaining. Dunne also reads another of Jackson's novels, of which I look forward to reading.

  In the end the Haunting of Hill House was a four star novel of terror. Extremely creepy and often heartwarming, I loved this novel so much I read it in a day. Shirley Jackson has definitely piqued my interest in her other works. I was very excited to continue on with this story and at the end I wanted more. This is a fantastic tale to read when you are in the mood for a creepy good time. Enjoy! 

    



  Have fun reading this week. Let me know in the comments below what you are reading.

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