47 pages 1 hour read

Joan Lindsay

Picnic at Hanging Rock

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1967

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay is a Gothic novel set in Victoria, Australia, in 1900, focusing on the mysterious disappearance of three schoolgirls and a teacher during a Valentine's Day picnic at the ominous Hanging Rock. Despite extensive searches, only one girl is found a week later, leading to widespread trauma and further tragedies within the community. The novel includes discussions of suicide and violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Joan Lindsay's Picnic at Hanging Rock captivates readers with its evocative prose and atmospheric mystery. Praised for its lush descriptions and psychological depth, it immerses audiences in the eerie setting of the Australian outback. However, some critics note its ambiguous ending can be frustrating. Overall, it's a haunting and memorable read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Picnic at Hanging Rock?

Fans of Gothic fiction and atmospheric mysteries will relish Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay. Comparable to readers of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and The Secret History by Donna Tartt, this novel appeals to those who enjoy psychological intrigue, enigmatic storylines, and rich, evocative settings.

Recommended

Reading Age

14+years

Lexile Level

1140L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Themes

Society: Colonialism

Society: Class

Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos

Topics

History: World