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Imajica0921 t1_ixtj4sx wrote

Part of the genius in this book is that Jackson floats just enough information to the reader that can explain away the "hauntings" that occur: The houses foundation is not true, hence the doors close by themselves...or do they? Just about every character has an alternative motive for being there, and Eleanor is just an unreliable narrator.

I found this book on an old spinner rack in a little tourist trap store in Long Beach, Washington while on a vacation. Just me, a pot of coffee, and that book while the rain and wind howled outside the cheap motel door.

Best environment to read that book if there ever was one.

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herbalhippie t1_iy1ob8z wrote

Lifelong Washingtonian here. I can feel that experience.

I take this book with me every time I go on a road trip, which admittedly isn't often. Sometimes I get lucky and get a stormy night. :)

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randompointlane t1_ixtq50m wrote

How fun! We have a beach house in Long Beach so I can picture exactly the setting! Hill House was the first book I read (when I was a kid long ago) with an unreliable narrator. I remember sympathizing with Eleanor but also being very worried about her. Of the two, I think I was more spooked by We Have Always Lived in the Castle but loved them both.

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