100 pages 3 hours read

Shirley Jackson

The Haunting Of Hill House

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1959

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, protagonist Eleanor Vance, along with two guests, is invited by Dr. John Montague to spend three months in a potentially haunted mansion to research the supernatural. The story explores dark family histories, the lingering of the past in the present, and psychological tension, questioning whether the haunting stems from the house or Eleanor’s own mind. Topics include familial loss and psychological trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House masterfully intertwines psychological horror with supernatural elements, eliciting praise for its atmospheric tension and deep character exploration. However, some readers find its ambiguity frustrating and the pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a classic in the horror genre for its haunting narrative and complex themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Haunting Of Hill House?

A reader who revels in psychological horror with a blend of gothic elements will enjoy The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Fans of intricately crafted atmospheres and complex character studies, much like those found in Henry James's The Turn of the Screw and Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, will be deeply captivated.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

920L

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Relationships: Family

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Topics

Religion / Spirituality