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Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,
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 Eleanor Vance, who is adjusting to life without her demanding mother. With a sister constantly at odds with her for their mother's estate, Eleanor is at her wit's end and financially strapped. When Eleanor receives a letter from researcher Dr. John Montague, she feels that the invite is what she needs to get away from her family. 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 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 arctic 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.
The Haunting of Hill House was an excellent example of a creepy haunted house tale. Atmospheric and riddled with shadowy corners. I 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 the 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. 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.
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 that I read it in a day. This is a fantastic tale to read when you are in the mood for a creepy good time. Enjoy!
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