A review by stacymania
The Sundial by Shirley Jackson
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Sundial is the story of an aristocratic family, mourning the loss of one of their paternal figures. After the funeral, quirky Aunt Fanny receives a vision, telling her the apocalypse is near. It will take everyone, but those safe inside the walls of the Halloran mansion.
As impending doom closes in, some characters start to turn on one another. The battle between new social heiarchy vs pagan freedom begins.
This family-room drama is Jackson at her satirical best. The dialogue is constantly witty and underlined with biting, dark humour. It is filled with hysterics, comical outrage and fearmongering. It is one of Jackson's best studies of agoraphobia, social construct and etiquette.
I have read all but one of Jackson's novels, and The Sundial holds second place for me, after We Have Always Lived in the Castle. I would recommend either of these novels to anyone wanting to get into her work.
As impending doom closes in, some characters start to turn on one another. The battle between new social heiarchy vs pagan freedom begins.
This family-room drama is Jackson at her satirical best. The dialogue is constantly witty and underlined with biting, dark humour. It is filled with hysterics, comical outrage and fearmongering. It is one of Jackson's best studies of agoraphobia, social construct and etiquette.
I have read all but one of Jackson's novels, and The Sundial holds second place for me, after We Have Always Lived in the Castle. I would recommend either of these novels to anyone wanting to get into her work.