The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

 

*spoiler, the horror of lacking community and looking in the wrong place* 

As many young, queer, millennials who spend much of their working hours listening to video essays I learned about Shirley Jackson. Gripped by the ardor essayists have for her short stories and novel I decided to give them a read. After reading “The Lottery” in knew I had to read a Jackson novel, but which to choose? Hoping that, “The Haunting of Hill House” would have enough broad appeal I choose it for our small and healthy book club.

After book club discussion, a “Haunting of Hill House” feels to me like a book that, much like its horror, creeps up on you. I was initially surprised that nearly half the book is set-up and lack horror. However, much like a frog in a pot of water, Jackson is ramping up without spooking the reader prematurely. Indeed, I think that the unease it felt just simmering under the surface is a testament to Jackson’s writing. Many of the freighting things in the book aren’t seen and I appreciated the variety of interpretations that leads to. It makes us wonder if what is happening is a Truth versus character perspective. 

This is a book to be experienced and with it being a short read (about 211 pages) that’s doable. While it may seem like the events and meaning are completely hidden I think this is a book full of layers. For me this wouldn’t be a book that I comb through for all of its setup, references, and themes. Rather this is a book to be understood through slow–paced re-reads and contemplation.