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Reviews tagging 'Rape'
Hangsaman (Penguin Classics) by Jackson, Shirley(June 25, 2013) Paperback by Shirley Jackson
18 reviews
coralu's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The last 50 pages of the book had me hooked and were written so well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
morenowagain's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
chloeburton's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
kathann's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
shellydav's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I ranked this so high in appreciation of Jackson's writing skill and for the message that the book communicates. I am a Shirley Jackson admirer. Others may not feel satisfied by the ending, nor enjoy this book as I did.
I discovered Jackson like most do--through her much-anthologized short story, "The Lottery." I read the Haunting of Hill House as a teen and admit that then, I was too green a reader to afford her the appreciation she deserves. Recently, I picked up a used copy of We Have Always Lived in the Castle and devoured it in a day. I was hooked by Jackson's word choices, use of symbols, and keen ability to communicate the darkest elements of our humanity. I decided to dive into the author's oeuvre.
Enter Hangsaman.
Rather than rehash the synopsis, I'll share some key themes and observations. At its core, Hangsaman is about an observant and creative young-woman trying to discover herself and her place in the world. Natalie Waite goes away to college without a plan other than to move away from her family. The story is her self-discovery. But Natalie isn't a trope character. Let's just say that she has an unusual imagination...
The story meanders through universal themes and characters: self-absorbed people, "Mean girls," classism; and the loner's struggle with isolation, false friendships and fitting in. And today's readers, who have likely watched an episode or two of Law & Order: SVU, will no doubt analyze Natalie's mindset and situation more sharply than perhaps readers could in 1951.
I discovered Jackson like most do--through her much-anthologized short story, "The Lottery." I read the Haunting of Hill House as a teen and admit that then, I was too green a reader to afford her the appreciation she deserves. Recently, I picked up a used copy of We Have Always Lived in the Castle and devoured it in a day. I was hooked by Jackson's word choices, use of symbols, and keen ability to communicate the darkest elements of our humanity. I decided to dive into the author's oeuvre.
Enter Hangsaman.
Rather than rehash the synopsis, I'll share some key themes and observations. At its core, Hangsaman is about an observant and creative young-woman trying to discover herself and her place in the world. Natalie Waite goes away to college without a plan other than to move away from her family. The story is her self-discovery. But Natalie isn't a trope character. Let's just say that she has an unusual imagination...
The story meanders through universal themes and characters: self-absorbed people, "Mean girls," classism; and the loner's struggle with isolation, false friendships and fitting in. And today's readers, who have likely watched an episode or two of Law & Order: SVU, will no doubt analyze Natalie's mindset and situation more sharply than perhaps readers could in 1951.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Rape
beccabarpel's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
More people should talk about the insane homoeroticism in Jackson's work?? Natalie and Tony are gay af. Also so mentally ill. Good god, imagine being a college girl in the 50s. The misogyny.
Anyway I'm interested in reading literary criticism of this because I felt like I missed crucial components.
Anyway I'm interested in reading literary criticism of this because I felt like I missed crucial components.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
another_dahlia's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicide, Abortion, and Fire/Fire injury
aignerloren's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
maddy_smith's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape