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What Members Thought
Two young women and their disabled uncle live in the family manor on the outskirts of a small New England town, separated from the villagers not only by their social class but also by their tragic history. The slow-moving plot gradually builds suspense to reveal the true nature of the characters and their relationship. Jonathan Lethem writes an insightful analysis in his introduction to the "Anniversary" Edition in which he suggests that Jackson's story is somewhat autobiographical.
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She is an amazing writer. It's the perfect little scary story.
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My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance. I have often thought that with any luck at all I could have been born a werewolf, because the two middle fingers on both my hands are the same length, but I have had to be content with what I had. I dislike washing myself, and dogs, and noise. I like my sister Constance, and Richard Plantagenet, and Amanita phalloides, the death-cup mushroom. Everyone else in my family is dead.
That's an openin ...more
This book has left me with more questions then answers but I absolutely loved it. You must read it!
Sisters Merrikat and Constance Blackwood live in a big old house with their sickly uncle Julian. There, they avoid all the other townspeople, who hate them. Turns out, they may have been involved in the sudden deaths of the rest of their family.
This novel is by turns creepy, sad and hilarious. Merrikat is one of the oddest and most interesting characters I've read in quite some time. Highest recommendation for fans of dark comedies. ...more
Shirley Jackson paints a haunting psychological portrait of the Blackwood family - or at least the remains of the Blackwood family. Mary Katherine (Merricat) and her sister Constance are the caretakers of a large estate and their invalid Uncle Julian. Ridiculed and shunned by the local villagers, the young ladies lead an eccentric life. Merricat, the narrator, has turned her secluded world into one of whim and wonder - with charms and spells to keep people away. Constance is the tragic heroine -
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Seering and creepy and awesome. I do not understand why she is not read more widely. One of the most perfect books I've ever read. The voice is so compelling and slips so easily between the characters it's as though there are multiple personalities on display. Merricat is one of the best anti-heroines ever.
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Aug 30, 2012
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