The Haunting of Hill House

**guardianofthebeam** · April 14th, 2010

Did the quote at the beginning of Salem's Lot lead you to read The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson? What did you think? Any thoughts about the relationship between the two books?

**michal** · April 15th, 2010

Have to admit that even though 'Salems is one of my favorites, I didn't go hunting for "The Haunting of Hill House". Do you recommend it?

**bopropadop** · April 15th, 2010

Originally Posted by guardianofthebeam

Did the quote at the beginning of Salem's Lot lead you to read The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson? What did you think? Any thoughts about the relationship between the two books?

I read The Haunting of Hill House after seeing it referred to so many times by Stephen King. On a number of occasions he's mentioned Shirley Jackson as an influence. I think the opening paragraph of Hill House by Ms. Jackson is one of the greatest paragraphs in horror fiction anywhere. And I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the Marsden House in Salem's Lot was written with Hill House in mind.

**sam peebles** · April 15th, 2010

I read the Haunting of Hill House, but more because of Danse Macabre than Salem's Lot. I know it's a classic, and King holds it in high regards, but I wasn't impressed by it, and can't imagine re-reading it. It was dull and ponderous for my tastes.

**DancingCorpse** · April 15th, 2010

I always look out for King's influences and basis for the formation of some of his ideas and ventures as I am naturally inquisitive and enjoy the meaning behind creation, so I did research Jackson's novel to see whether it would perhaps interest me, it certainly did and I adore that book, it is a marvelous tale and I would highly recommend it.

**wally wonder** · April 15th, 2010

if it did, it was a kind of delayed-reaction....i have read jackson's book, but i think it had more to so w/what sk said in....secret windows maybe?....i liked the ambiguity of jackson's work....did she/didn't she...relationships?...maybe something to do w/what happens to peeps after they become one of the undead...something to do w/who they go after....raises a question about evil....is it inherent? why is it what it is?....sort like to do w/jackson's work....did she bring the haunting on? was it in here all along?...something like that...

**guardianofthebeam** · April 15th, 2010

Originally Posted by bopropadop

I read The Haunting of Hill House after seeing it referred to so many times by Stephen King. On a number of occasions he's mentioned Shirley Jackson as an influence. I think the opening paragraph of Hill House by Ms. Jackson is one of the greatest paragraphs in horror fiction anywhere. And I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the Marsden House in Salem's Lot was written with Hill House in mind.

Totally agree. That first (and last) paragraph is sublime. In both books I'm chilled and thrilled by the idea of a house where evil has become woven into its fabric-that the sinister actions and intents of former inhabitants have left an invisible supernatural stain that feeds future events-like the Overlook in The Shining too I think-"this inhuman place makes human monsters." I'd certainly recommend Hill House-SJ's style can seem ponderous at times-she is such an understated writer. Can't remember the exact quote (think it was SK) that said "when Shirley Jackson whispers we all lean in closer to listen."

**GNTLGNT** · April 15th, 2010

No, I read "Haunting" years before "Lot"...kinda precocious that way. I was an only child and most any kind of refuge from the "big lonely" came in the form of books-didn't really matter what kind. Now that I've got plenty of snow on the mountain and am house trained and marginally socially well-adjusted, I'm more selective with my reading choices. (Still think a flaming bag of poo on the neighbors porch is the height of hilarity though)

**Sundrop** · April 22nd, 2010

Originally Posted by michal

Have to admit that even though 'Salems is one of my favorites, I didn't go hunting for "The Haunting of Hill House". Do you recommend it?

I really enjoyed it..... and all of Shirley Jackson's stories, too

**nygene40** · April 27th, 2010

Originally Posted by michal

Have to admit that even though 'Salems is one of my favorites, I didn't go hunting for "The Haunting of Hill House". Do you recommend it?

There's a collection that was put out in 1991 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Penguin and Quality Paperback Book Club that has 25 stories including The Lottery, The Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived In The Castle. It's great reading (I like Shirley Jackson) and worth seeking out. The title is The Lottery and Other Stories, but I can't locate an isbn anywhere.