So, to no one’s surprise, I lied. I am doing another book review of a book I liked because I just finished it and it fits the spooky, Halloween mood. “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson is somewhat of a classic horror novel since it’s debut in 1959. Now this book was not exactly what I thought it would be, but it still definitely gave me the chills. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars, only for the fact that I thought it would be a little creepier, but maybe this is also because I was reading it in daylight, on a college campus surrounded by students.
Eleanor Crain pictured above
Dr. Montague pictured above
The main plot revolved around four people staying in Hill House to study the paranormal activity there and try to find out if it is really haunted. The main character, Eleanor, who previously lived with her sister and brother-in-law, stole said sister’s car and drove to Hill House to join the investigation. She becomes quick friends with the other female, Theodora, and they bond over the main strange occurrences. Then there is the doctor, Dr. Montague, who organized the whole things, and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. As time goes on, they experience many odd phenomenon like doors closing on their own, curtains being shut, and people banging on their doors and laughing at them while shaking the door almost off its hinges. Nothing too scary of course. Oh, and their entire room being covered in blood with words warning Eleanor to go home! But once again, no big deal. As the events continue to get worse and creepier, Eleanor starts to feel very alone and like the other people are making fun of her and being mean, including Theodora, her supposed best friend. Eleanor finds herself being more and more attached to the house, and not really wanting to go back to her sister and disappointing life. After a significant event occurs, that results in Eleanor doing something quite extreme, creepy, and stupid, the rest of the people decide she needs to go home as this place is no longer good for her. Determined not to leave Hill House since she now feels like it is more her home than the apartment she shares with her sister, she makes a quite deadly decision. And I will leave you with that. I guess you will have to read the book to find out what happens.
Hill House in the Netflix series
Needless to say, this book had me looking up the ending to just to make sure I really understood what happened. I never really knew exactly what was going on in this book, but in a good way. Plus, it has a pretty nice floppiness! It is quite a short book which allows the pages to flop more than usual. Very satisfying.
Also, P.S, I have not yet watched it, but this book has been turned into a Netflix series although I have heard that the plot is quite different.
I think it’s really interesting that this book is decades old but was just adapted into a movie. It’s so cool that books like this can withstand the test of time. I don’t intend on reading this book, but I might have to google the ending because your post really intrigued me!
I haven’t read many ‘scary’ novels aside from Stephen King. I agree with you that I don’t find it scary when I’m reading something. However, the plot seems interesting and I always love when there’s a movie/TV show associated with with a book.
I like the fact that you went more into the plot of the book this time because it adds to the blog reader’s desire to read the book. Good use of the understatement, I really struggled to incorporate it in. Good job!