The Haunting of Hill House

The classic horror novel The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a truly frightening read. I was skeptical at first, but Jackson drew me in with the character of Eleanor, a sheltered woman who spent most of her life taking care of her mother. Eleanor steps out of her norm by embarking on a trip to Hill House, to which she was invited with several others by Dr. Montague, a scholar researching paranormal phenomenon. Hill House has a reputation as being haunted, but no one will discuss it, so the reader is left with warnings and omnious feelings. As the characters discover Hill House, so does the reader. However, the main character in the book is Hill House itself. It is a large estate with weird angles, slamming doors, cold spots, and a menancing presence. There is no doubt that Jackson wanted the house to seem alive. After reading The Haunting of Hill House, I am left with many questions and an eerie feeling that has haunted me long after I finished. To me, that is a sign of a good book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes horror or anyone looking for a good scare.