The Haunting of Hill House

I knew nothing about this book other than it has a high-standing reputation. I wanted a 'ghost story' for Christmas. I listened to it lying in bed with no distractions and, boy, did I get my money's worth. The atmosphere and descriptions are powerful enough, but it is the psychological portrait of, and interaction between the characters which takes this book far beyond 'genre' into a 'classic'. Unsettling and scary because it insinuates itself into you, rather than frightening with shocks. And though her voice may be an acquired taste I thought that Bernadette Dunn's reading is extraordinary.

The problem with the book is that although it has a good starting point and promising story, the characters and dialogues are completely unbelievable. Maybe it's because the book was written over 50 years ago, but now it just feels artificial.
Nonetheless there are a few twists and the ending is quite surprising.
The performance is quite good but not outstanding.

Certainly not scary, plot rambling ,but worst of all the characters are entirely unbelievable.

If you are after a ghost story, there are plenty of better ones out there.



I'd advise steering clear of this one.

The story itself isn't too bad. It has a high-ranking place in ghost story lore so that's why I thought I'd give it a go.



It took me absolutely ages to get through it, purely because of two reasons:



1. The narrator, in my opinion, does the story no justice. Her voice for Eleanor sounds dreadful. I just can't describe how much her voice irks me.



2. The characters don't act or even talk like real people would in certain places. I think my main problem is the character of Eleanor.



But this is just my opinion. Other people have given it good reviews, so I think Haunting on Hill House really is one of those that you have to try for yourself.

Take a tour of Hill House, and experience the chilling, bizarre events it encloses!

Eleanor’s invitation to Hill House by Dr.Montague is one she most likely wouldn’t have accepted, had she been aware of its looming consequences, but longing for new adventure, and “borrowing” her sister’s car, she finds her way there. At the house, despite a gloomy welcome, she eventually starts to feel safe, and quickly makes new friends in the other guests. But all is not what it seems, and soon she is entwined in a web of otherworldly encounters. Despite looking terror in the eye, Eleanor seems eventually to overcome her fears inside Hill House…or does she?

I enjoyed how the story went from a classic ghost story to a deeper, darker, and more surreal twist of events. The narration to me seemed a little contrived in parts, but otherwise I thought it flowed well.

Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel is a perfect listen for a perfect, moody night, and will make you stay awake if you need to!

Hill house is a good solid, well written, if a bit rambling spooky classic tale..The narrator is good and performs all the parts well...Its not a romping good tale, it gently strolls along and does not really deliver any scares or shivers, it is more a study of the changing relationships of the characters.
Not sure I would use a credit for it given the option again....
Before you download this one look at the Woman in Black, same sort of thing but with a bit more bang for your buck.