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.