Hangsaman review

Shirley Hardy Jackson, born on December 14, 1916, in San Francisco, California, and departing from this world on August 8, 1965, stands as an iconic figure in American literature. Renowned for her exceptional contributions to the realms of horror and mystery, she left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

With a prolific writing career spanning two decades, Jackson's creative output includes an impressive array of literary works. Among her accomplishments are six thought-provoking novels, two captivating memoirs, and a staggering collection of over 200 short stories. Her academic journey led her to Syracuse University in New York, where her affinity for the written word blossomed within the pages of the university's literary journal. Fate played its hand when she crossed paths with Stanley Edgar Heyman, her future husband and kindred spirit.

The couple's narrative intertwined as they settled in North Bennington, Vermont, in 1940. This locale would become the backdrop for Jackson's literary explorations. A synergy of minds was at play—Heyman's role as a literary critic fueled Jackson's creative fire, igniting her passion for writing. Her literary odyssey took its first notable steps with the publication of "The Road Through the Wall" in 1948—a semi-autobiographical novel weaving threads of her Californian upbringing.

However, it was "The Lottery," a haunting short story that unveiled the ominous underbelly of a rural American village, that catapulted Jackson into the public eye. The sheer force of her storytelling prowess captured hearts and minds, etching her name in the annals of literary history. Throughout the 1950s, her narrative tapestry expanded through numerous short stories gracing the pages of magazines and esteemed literary publications. A testament to her introspection, her 1953 memoir "Life Among the Barbarians" provided a candid glimpse into her thoughts and experiences.

Jackson's literary legacy soared to greater heights with the 1959 publication of "The Haunting of Hill House," a supernatural horror novel that would later be hailed as one of the most exceptional ghost stories ever crafted. This masterful narrative work showcases her uncanny ability to infuse fear into the ordinary, blurring the lines between reality and the unknown.

Shirley Jackson's influence transcends mere words on a page. Her prose, infused with a haunting allure, resonates across time and space. As a visionary storyteller, she unearthed the enigmatic and evoked the uncanny, weaving tales that burrow into the subconscious and linger long after the final page is turned. A true luminary, Shirley Jackson's literary journey continues to captivate and intrigue, leaving an indelible legacy that defies the boundaries of genre and time.

Hangsaman review by shirley jackson

Presenting Shirley Jackson's second novel, "Hangsaman." While the plot may appear straightforward, its underlying themes reverberate with immediate resonance. Meet Natalie Waite, a seventeen-year-old who believes true consciousness dawned upon her around fifteen. In her enigmatic realm, detached from the mundane intricacies of her parents' baffling conduct, Natalie resides.

Within a few vivid pages, the family tableau materializes—Arnold Waite, the self-absorbed and embittered writer; his wife, embodying the role of a martyr marked by grievances; Bud, the younger sibling unburdened by the quest for autonomy; and Natalie, trapped in the unsettling landscape of adolescence.

Against the backdrop of a Sunday afternoon cocktail soiree, hosted by Arnold Waite for his literary acquaintances and neighbors, the familial contours crystallize, ensnaring Natalie in their vortex. The narrative homes in on the pivotal months that follow in Natalie's life, away at college, where each encounter mirrors, on a grander scale, the poignant emotional stagnation she endured at home. As tension mounts, stemming from characters, circumstances, and the unique enchantment wielded by Miss Jackson, the novel inexorably progresses toward its searing climax.

With her masterful touch, Miss Jackson guides the reader through the labyrinthine transition from adolescence to womanhood, portraying the raw cruelty experienced by a sensitive, isolated young woman in an intricately woven world beyond her control. The narrative unfurls with a compelling force, accentuated by the poignant melodrama that ultimately defines its conclusion. In "Hangsaman," the profound theme aligns impeccably with Miss Jackson's unparalleled literary prowess.