sadcasm's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
3437138484's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
casbee's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
almabaste's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
teerah's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
servemethesky's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Sundial was such a strange read! It fits right into Shirley Jackson’s repertoire, though it feels a bit different. There’s a big, spooky house full of rich people who isolate themselves from the villagers and feel superior to them. Shitty people and great social commentary. And all the horror vibes—windows shattering, a foggy pass, a creepy man, a vision/prophecy, getting lost in a maze, not being able to escape the situation you’re in, etc. This was much funnier than some other more famous horror, though, like Hill House or We Have Always Lived in the Castle.
The characters are downright horrible (they’re not supposed to be likable, folks!) and constantly sniping at each other. The ending was pretty perfect, coming full circle in a way I somehow didn’t see coming at all. I loved Fancy as the child who kept wisely pointing out to the adults that in this world or the post-doomsday one, you’re going to be your same old unhappy self. So good!
Would recommend this if you love Shirley Jackson’s short stories—it felt most reminiscent of those to me.
The characters are downright horrible (they’re not supposed to be likable, folks!) and constantly sniping at each other. The ending was pretty perfect, coming full circle in a way I somehow didn’t see coming at all. I loved Fancy as the child who kept wisely pointing out to the adults that in this world or the post-doomsday one, you’re going to be your same old unhappy self. So good!
Would recommend this if you love Shirley Jackson’s short stories—it felt most reminiscent of those to me.
sarahjo142's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Quite slow, and I expected something a bit more scary, but still had some interesting points. I honestly found the party at the end the most interesting. I also expected more from the ending but I suspect the mystery of it all is part of the point.
kmmi_booklover's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0