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daiLlafyn t1_ixsryqy wrote

Every now and then this book comes up, and I try to remember what I wrote last time! It was something like: If you haven't seen it, the 1963 black and white classic ("The Haunting") is extraordinary, and regularly makes best of lists - The Guardian ranks it as the 13th best horror films of all time - which if you're a horrow film is better than first place, wouldn't you say? Director Martin Scorsese placed The Haunting first on his list of the 11 scariest horror films of all time. I rank it as the scariest film I've ever seen. It fucking shit me up as a kid - thanks, mum. :o) Never read the book, though. Need to rectify that.

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jtkforever t1_ixvkqla wrote

I read it, without the expectations from the movie/show and was utterly disappointed. It read like a Y/A story trying to be deep. Would not recommend.

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daiLlafyn t1_ixvryp3 wrote

Cheers. I'll have to try it to find out what I think. It seems to be well-loved in here - but few people post about books that they find meh, so maybe that's just how this sub works. If I dislike it as well, I'll have to come back so you can say, "well, you were warned..." :o)

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Tayreads608 t1_ixvt7pd wrote

I’m not sure what YA books the other poster is reading, but Jackson is a master of language. Her stories aren’t very plot heavy if that’s something you like, but if you appreciate good writing and character studies her work is up there with the best.

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StickyCold t1_iy10ncj wrote

Jtkforever, I agree with you. I finished this book lastnight. I found it to be underwhelming and boring. None of the characters were likable and the reading felt clunky. I’m surprised to find how highly this book is regarded because I just don’t see it..

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jtkforever t1_iy16oqu wrote

Thank you! This sub is frustrating sometimes, you can't have a differing opinion without getting downvoted.

Your description of the book is spot on, in my opinion!

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Phrase-Primary t1_iy3gbov wrote

Now personally I would say this novel has always felt like a traditional dark fairy tale (in the style of the Brothers Grimm) rather than a “Y/A story“.

Its depth is, from my reading of it, kind of unique in that it is very dependent on how much is read into the subtext and how much is read into what is left unsaid. I found it more unsettling the more I reflected on it, like going down a rabbit hole or gradually seeing an unsettling pattern or figure in what appears to be an ordinary image.

However, I can see how this novel could be clunky and boring with unlikeable characters to some. I think it just depends on how much is read into what is not directly said and whether or not you can relate to the main character.

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