The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (1959)

Story: 6 of 10 Stars

Not sure what I was exactly expecting, but I’d heard a little about the show being released some years ago, though I never really watched it. Then I happened upon the original book of The Haunting of Hill House and figured I’d give it a try, given its reputation as a cornerstone of classic horror literature.

As someone who loves classic stories, I have a deep appreciation for older works, but this one felt a bit too subtle for my liking. The build-up in The Haunting of Hill House is undeniably slow and methodical. For a long time, it seems like not much is happening, and while I understand the appeal of letting tension slowly creep in, the pacing just didn’t quite grab me. Maybe it’s because I’m a little desensitized by today’s faster-paced, more in-your-face horror, but I found myself waiting quite a while for any actual scares to materialize.

Don’t get me wrong, there are moments of unease and psychological tension that keep you wondering if the house is truly haunted or if the characters’ minds are playing tricks on them. Shirley Jackson’s writing does a great job at keeping you on edge, but for me, the overall sense of dread felt more understated than unsettling. Perhaps this is a product of its time, and fans of more restrained horror will find it chilling. But, for me, it didn’t quite live up to the hype I’ve heard over the years.

While I appreciate Jackson’s skill and the atmosphere she creates, I found myself wishing for a little more immediacy, or maybe even a bit more clarity about what was happening within Hill House. It's a beautifully crafted story in its own right, but I would’ve liked a bit more punch.

All in all, I’d rate it around 6.5 out of 10. The haunting atmosphere, psychological depth, and complex character development are certainly there, but the slow burn and lack of intense scares didn't fully satisfy me. I can see why it’s a classic, but it didn’t quite match the level of terror I was hoping for.

I’m Rae Serbeck, I Read and Review all Books Large and Small!