Gabs is impressed by Mr. Jackson

The Haunting of Hill House

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Welcome back to a very spoooooky part two of the Novel Ideas Halloween Extravaganza (consisting of two episodes of questionable quality). This episode is about The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Shirley Jackson is probably best known for her excellent short story, “The Lottery,” which you can read by clicking on the link. In this episode we talk about that story, as well as distorted reality, queer coding, scary moments, and social isolation. We also get into Professor Dad, people with nothing better to do, the greatness of Mrs. Dudley, and listen to Gabs be impressed by Mr. Jackson. There’s also a higher than usual level of background noise which is caused by a combination of loud neighbors, snack seeking girlfriends, and (maybe) ghosts?

The music bump is “Hauntings” by Dan Welcher.

116 – The Haunting of Hill House – Unsettling Geometry

Our recommendation: A relatively easy read with some genuinely creepy moments. This is more of a psychological thriller than a straight genre horror story.

Ben: 7/10 silly psychic cards. A well written story that stands up well to the passage of time.

Gabs: 7/10 creepy knocks upon the door.

If for you it makes it to 10, remember that Mrs. Dudley clears at 10.