Book cover of The Sundial

Book description

Before there was Hill House, there was the Halloran mansion of Jackson’s stunningly creepy fourth novel, The Sundial

When the Halloran clan gathers at the family home for a funeral, no one is surprised when the somewhat peculiar Aunt Fanny wanders off into the secret garden. But then she returns…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Sundial as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I love books that refuse to fit neatly into genre categories. This underappreciated novel by the author of "The Lottery" and The Haunting of Hill House reads like a Seinfeld episode set on the eve of the apocalypse.

The Sundial’s combination of social satire and horror got lackluster reviews when it was published in 1958, but that’s just because it was way ahead of its time.

Sometimes you come to an older book as an experienced reader and can still be amazed. Everyone knows The Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle, but everyone should also know this remarkable novel about a world that may or may not be ending, a family that may or may not have special knowledge, a society that may or may not deserve to continue. No one understood the concept of “just beneath the surface” better than Shirley Jackson, and few if any explored it with more wit and grace.  

From F.'s list on the old (and new) weird America.

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Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

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