Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life (by Ruth Franklin)
I’m thrilled that Goodreads has introduced Community Favorites Challenges. While I might not always manage to complete them within the given time limits, the prompts are inspiring me to read books I’ve been wanting to explore for ages. One such book is Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life by Ruth Franklin. I’ve already read and thoroughly enjoyed The Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle. When this book was published, I was eager to delve into Shirley’s life and experiences.
Ruth Franklin gained access to previously private letters and conducted interviews to compile this comprehensive biography of the renowned horror author, Shirley Jackson. This book chronicles Shirley’s life, starting with her upbringing and her tumultuous relationship with her mother. She met her husband, Stanley Hyman, while in college. Stanley later became a critic for The New Yorker, and the couple raised four children together.
As Ruth chronicled Shirley’s personal life, she intertwined her literary career and how the two mirrored each other. I admire individuals who defy societal norms and expectations. Shirley certainly lived her life differently from other wives and mothers. I felt immense compassion for her. She was undoubtedly an exceptional writer, but unfortunately, her husband pressured her to adhere to a specific writing schedule. Over time, Shirley’s anxiety and agoraphobia escalated, leading to an addiction to amphetamines and tranquilizers. It’s a tragedy that her life ended abruptly and at a young age.
I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the world of Shirley Jackson and her captivating stories. This book is meticulously detailed and comprehensive. I took advantage of my local library’s Hoopla app to borrow the audiobook, and I was delighted with the narration provided by Bernadette Dunne.
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