kimveach's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is my year to read more Shirley Jackson, and this short book, her last, was an excellent place to start. The story, told by the youngest sister, deals with classism, neighbors' perceptions, ostracization, and mental illness. It was deliciously creepy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Death, Eating disorder, Classism, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, Murder, Misogyny, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
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