an absolutely wonderful story about the peculiar blackwood family. i loved it and i love anything shirley jackson writes, but this is one of my favourites. it's just the kind of gothic horror i love. wonderfully interesting narrator with a voice that just makes you want to keep reading, loved merricat. shirley jackson's writing style is so beautiful, though i feel like it's not for everyone. it's very very descriptive so some might think it's a bit much. love the eerie atmosphere and symbolism. a good ending. one of my favourite books in general, a masterpiece really.