Shirley Jackson story reviews
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, narrated by Bernadette Dunne; 5 hrs and 32 mins.
Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and her Uncle Julian. Not long ago there were seven Blackwoods-until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance has returned home, where Merricat protects her from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers. Their days pass in happy isolation until cousin Charles appears. Only Merricat can see the danger, and she must act swiftly to keep Constance from his grasp.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle was more of a psychological thriller and mystery than a horror story.
A first I felt bad for Merricat when she is bullied in town. Soon I began to see she is disturbed. [Spoiler (click to open)]Wishing death on others, and knowing about poisons... that is when I figured out she did it. I feel like I missed the why though. Was her family abusive or is she just a psychopath? She has some very clear issues - OCD and arrested development.
I felt bad for Constance being abused and manipulated by her sister and cousin Charles. But she was also an enabler. Constance and Merricat reminded me of Big and Little Edie from Grey Gardens.
Charles - I hated that gold digger. While he was right about some things, like Merricat getting away with too much, his intentions were not out of genuine concern. For a hot minute I thought he poisoned the rest of the family.
The towns people - with a few exceptions- were disgusting and despicable. You can't blame the sisters for boarding themselves up in the house.
Such a sad, and disturbing story. This is the first story I have read from Shirley Jackson and I like her writing.
4 out of 5 Buried Charms.
The Witchcraft of Salem Village by Shirley Jackson, narrated Gabrielle de Cuir ; 3 hrs and 9 mins.
A detailed account of one of the strangest and most shocking episodes in American history, written by the author of "The Lottery" Stories of magic, superstition, and witchcraft were strictly forbidden in the little town of Salem Village. But a group of young girls ignored those rules, spellbound by the tales told by a woman named Tituba. When questioned about their activities, the terrified girls set off a whirlwind of controversy as they accused townsperson after townsperson of being witches. Author Shirley Jackson examines in careful detail this horrifying true story of accusations, trials, and executions that shook a community to its foundations.
The Crucible is my favorite play and I love listening to history. I really enjoyed this in-depth account of the Salem Witch trials. I learned some new things.
I had no idea that a 5 year old girl was accused and arrested. She also talks about the rich families that escaped Salem and fled to New York. People in other towns knew the trials were ridiculous and out of control. I also learned about spectral evidence.
I just can't believe they let these over theatrical children control their court for so long.
5 out of 5 Lying Children
The Lottery, and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson, narrated by Carol Jordan Stewart; 3 hrs and 13 mins.
It's just townspeople picking numbers for the annual lottery...why, then, is there an ominous feeling to "The Lottery"? Find out just what this lottery is for, and listen to seven other unique stories. The collection reveals Jackson's remarkable range, from hilarious to horrifying, dealing with modern issues of alienation, empowerment, racism, and economic class. The stories are "The Lottery", "Flower Garden", "Come Dance with Me in Ireland", "Men with Their Big Shoes", "Trial by Combat", "Pillar of Salt", "Like Mother Used to Make", and "Colloquy".
This is going to require me to listen to again at some point. It is obvious that it's a very old narration. It was ripped from a book on tape because at times a man will interject and say to turn the tape over. Also, there is no obvious break between stories. Otherwise, Carol Jordan Stewart's performance was good.
I can see how "The Lottery" influenced The Hunger Games. That town had some archaic ideas.
The other two most memorable short stories were "Flower Garden" and "Pillar of Salt" because they were the most developed. "Flower Garden" was about racism. "Pillar of Salt" was about anxiety and what stood out for me was that it takes place in NYC.
I would have to listen again and really pay attention the second time to have more to say about the other stories, because they didn't leave the same impression the three stories mentioned above did.
4 out of 5 Stones.
Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and her Uncle Julian. Not long ago there were seven Blackwoods-until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance has returned home, where Merricat protects her from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers. Their days pass in happy isolation until cousin Charles appears. Only Merricat can see the danger, and she must act swiftly to keep Constance from his grasp.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle was more of a psychological thriller and mystery than a horror story.
A first I felt bad for Merricat when she is bullied in town. Soon I began to see she is disturbed. [Spoiler (click to open)]Wishing death on others, and knowing about poisons... that is when I figured out she did it. I feel like I missed the why though. Was her family abusive or is she just a psychopath? She has some very clear issues - OCD and arrested development.
I felt bad for Constance being abused and manipulated by her sister and cousin Charles. But she was also an enabler. Constance and Merricat reminded me of Big and Little Edie from Grey Gardens.
Charles - I hated that gold digger. While he was right about some things, like Merricat getting away with too much, his intentions were not out of genuine concern. For a hot minute I thought he poisoned the rest of the family.
The towns people - with a few exceptions- were disgusting and despicable. You can't blame the sisters for boarding themselves up in the house.
Such a sad, and disturbing story. This is the first story I have read from Shirley Jackson and I like her writing.
4 out of 5 Buried Charms.
The Witchcraft of Salem Village by Shirley Jackson, narrated Gabrielle de Cuir ; 3 hrs and 9 mins.
A detailed account of one of the strangest and most shocking episodes in American history, written by the author of "The Lottery" Stories of magic, superstition, and witchcraft were strictly forbidden in the little town of Salem Village. But a group of young girls ignored those rules, spellbound by the tales told by a woman named Tituba. When questioned about their activities, the terrified girls set off a whirlwind of controversy as they accused townsperson after townsperson of being witches. Author Shirley Jackson examines in careful detail this horrifying true story of accusations, trials, and executions that shook a community to its foundations.
The Crucible is my favorite play and I love listening to history. I really enjoyed this in-depth account of the Salem Witch trials. I learned some new things.
I had no idea that a 5 year old girl was accused and arrested. She also talks about the rich families that escaped Salem and fled to New York. People in other towns knew the trials were ridiculous and out of control. I also learned about spectral evidence.
I just can't believe they let these over theatrical children control their court for so long.
5 out of 5 Lying Children
The Lottery, and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson, narrated by Carol Jordan Stewart; 3 hrs and 13 mins.
It's just townspeople picking numbers for the annual lottery...why, then, is there an ominous feeling to "The Lottery"? Find out just what this lottery is for, and listen to seven other unique stories. The collection reveals Jackson's remarkable range, from hilarious to horrifying, dealing with modern issues of alienation, empowerment, racism, and economic class. The stories are "The Lottery", "Flower Garden", "Come Dance with Me in Ireland", "Men with Their Big Shoes", "Trial by Combat", "Pillar of Salt", "Like Mother Used to Make", and "Colloquy".
This is going to require me to listen to again at some point. It is obvious that it's a very old narration. It was ripped from a book on tape because at times a man will interject and say to turn the tape over. Also, there is no obvious break between stories. Otherwise, Carol Jordan Stewart's performance was good.
I can see how "The Lottery" influenced The Hunger Games. That town had some archaic ideas.
The other two most memorable short stories were "Flower Garden" and "Pillar of Salt" because they were the most developed. "Flower Garden" was about racism. "Pillar of Salt" was about anxiety and what stood out for me was that it takes place in NYC.
I would have to listen again and really pay attention the second time to have more to say about the other stories, because they didn't leave the same impression the three stories mentioned above did.
4 out of 5 Stones.