Elizabeth E. (TylerTxRose) reviewed Just an Ordinary Day : The Uncollected Stories Of Shirley Jackson on + 84 more book reviews
The Denver Post says, " An incredible collection ... Jackson's fiction is some of the most important to come out of the American literary canon." "This book is like a chocolate box of tiny treats" according to the New York Post. Detroit Free Press states, "Remarkable diversity... a wonderful collection from one of our most startlingly unique writers." Possibly best know for her short story "The Lottery" (my personal favorite), and "the Haunting of Hill House" which was made into a suspensful movie... both are considered classics, "ranking with the works of Edgar Allen Poe as a perfect blend of art & terror." Sadly her untimely death in 1965 brought an end to this amazing talent.
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
Book Description:
Acclaimed in her own time for her short story The Lottery ; and her novel The Haunting of Hill House ranking with the work of Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson blazed a path for contemporary writers with her explorations of evil, madness, and cruelty. Soon after her untimely death in 1965, Jackson's children discovered a treasure trove of previously unpublished and uncollected stories, many of which are brought together in this remarkable collection. Here are tales of torment, psychological aberration, and the macabre, as well as those that display her lighter touch with humorous scenes of domestic life. Reflecting the range and complexity of Jackson's talent, Just an Ordinary Day reaffirms her enduring influence and celebrates her singular voice, rich with magic and resonance.
My Review:
Short Stories are not my favorite readings. Some of these stories are interesting but some fell flat for me. I think I enjoyed Part 2 the best. They contained the stories that were published in magazines. I've read The Lottery and The Haunting of Hill House and really enjoyed those stories the best. I suggest reading those first and if you like her writing, then try some of her short stories.
Acclaimed in her own time for her short story The Lottery ; and her novel The Haunting of Hill House ranking with the work of Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson blazed a path for contemporary writers with her explorations of evil, madness, and cruelty. Soon after her untimely death in 1965, Jackson's children discovered a treasure trove of previously unpublished and uncollected stories, many of which are brought together in this remarkable collection. Here are tales of torment, psychological aberration, and the macabre, as well as those that display her lighter touch with humorous scenes of domestic life. Reflecting the range and complexity of Jackson's talent, Just an Ordinary Day reaffirms her enduring influence and celebrates her singular voice, rich with magic and resonance.
My Review:
Short Stories are not my favorite readings. Some of these stories are interesting but some fell flat for me. I think I enjoyed Part 2 the best. They contained the stories that were published in magazines. I've read The Lottery and The Haunting of Hill House and really enjoyed those stories the best. I suggest reading those first and if you like her writing, then try some of her short stories.
