Customer Reviews

The Sundial

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Why is Shirley Jackson so often miscast as a horror writer? "Sundial" is a rich, tapestried, multi-layered work by an enormously versatile author. Those new to Ms. Jackson will be mesmerized by her characterizations, rich narrative, and subtle, unnerving detail. Those familiar with her work will recognize in "Sundial" the "undercurrent of desperation" found in her best stories, supernatural elements a la "Hill House," the complexity of "Bird's Nest," the quirkiness of "We Have Always Lived in the Castle," and the wit (and laugh-out-loud humor) of "Life Among the Savages."

"Sundial" succeeds on so many levels that a cursory summarization would be an injustice to the book. I myself am going to cogitate on its existential aspects; that is, a group of people who grate on each other forced to spend their lives together (Sartre's "No Exit").

As the character of the schoolteacher says, "This is a real real real real real real real real adventure!" It is also a must must must must read for Shirley Jackson fans!

I am a life-long fan of Shirley Jackson and, especially, "The Haunting of Hill House." It is only recently that I have had the opportunity to read many of her works which, for some unknown reason, are out-of-print. "The Sundial" is, at the same time, psychologically unnerving and immensely humorous. It is quite disturbing to read about the rantings of Aunt Fanny and the schemes of Fancy. But, at the same time, to imagine this handful of awful people who hate each other unendingly having to spend eternity with one another is incredibly funny. I must admit, I was a little disappointed when the book ended, but I realize that it must have been in the master plan of the author to leave the reader without the information which would have unnecessarily cleared up questions which will instead linger on the mind.

Even as great a writer as Shirley Jackson has to have a worst book (worst being a relative term, of course), and The Sundial would seem to be Jackson's. The story never had a strong Jackson feel to it because the characters were fairly shallow and unworthy of this reader's sympathy. As an outcast myself, I expect to find at least one troubled soul with which to identify and commiserate when I read Jackson. I initially had trouble distinguishing between the different characters because none of them were very deeply developed. While the occasional gripe or maudlin sentiment caught my attention, I found that I did not care for or about any of the dozen or so individuals described here. The Sundial is basically a weird end-of-the-world novel; the young Mr. Halloran has just died, and his mother now assumes the coveted role of head of household (due to her own husband's infirmities). As she begins to assert her authority and basically throw a few people out of "her" house, old Aunt Fanny encounters the ghost of her father, who warns her that the world is about to end, but that he will protect everyone who stays in the house. As several people begin to believe the truth of the premonition (including Mrs. Halloran), everyone is allowed to remain there. The number is increased by an obnoxiously loud friend of the Mrs. Halloran's and her two daughters, a strange girl sent by her father for temporary housing, and a gentleman whose background escapes me. These people, as might be expected, do not get along with each other very well at all. Mrs. Halloran, born of a low station, increasingly annoys her companions by assuming a dictatorial air, eventually insisting on wearing a crown. The novel leads up to the fateful day when the prophecy is supposed to be fulfilled.

While there are elements of humor in the conversations and interactions of characters who dislike one another as much as these do, there is no deep psychological meaning to be gleaned from the story. No character strikes me as real or more than remotely human, and the general attitude expressed as to the imminent end of the world is a much different reaction than I would expect of anyone. I have been reluctant to see other Jackson novels end, but I had no trouble putting this book down once I turned the final page. For someone wondering what Shirley Jackson is all about, I would not suggest reading this novel as an introduction; this one really does not fit the mold of her other major works. A Jackson fan such as myself will want to read The Sundial, of course, simply because Shirley Jackson wrote it, and it is quite likely that some will get more out of this book than I did.

This is an especially appropriate book to read as we stand poised on the edge of a new millennium. An odd assortment of kin and hangers-on gather in a gothic mansion as, initially drawn by the lure of the family fortune, they get drawn into a sort of group apocalyptic psychosis. They end up burning an extensive library of books to make room for the food and supplies they are stocking up on and spend time their time planning out future mating arrangements, to guarantee the continuance of the race, and writing their own differing accounts of what is happening.

This may not be one of Jackson's greatest works, but as always, the story can be read either straight, for its entertainment value, or as a palimpsest, with hidden meanings lurking just below the surface. It could be a comment on religion or on 1950's nuclear hysteria or on any number of things; Jackson simply provides a creepy tale, delivered with wit and style, and it's up to readers to draw their own conclusions.

GRADE: B-

Jackson certainly knew the world she lived in- and how ugly it is too! The mean grasping people, the mad, the infirm, the crazy, the malicious, the greedy ones, the envious, the whiners, they all live here in this book. Funny too! Interesting how their little minds work around the prospect of getting each other,while they try to get happiness for themsleves always at the expense of another person. Little Fancy and her mother and the mother in law, all dysfunctional we'd say today, but Jackson was too honest and clear eyed to sic a therapist on them. No, they just destroy themselves bit by bit, along with the darkly humorous satire Jackson lathers up with full suds this time. Go for it. Its funny

Shirley Jackson wrote this book just four years prior to her best novel, "We Have Always Lived in The Castle" and in many ways, the two books are like a set. Perhaps it is the grand style of living, the gracious ways in which one must behave while lacing poison into the sugar and the manner in which Jackson can write characters of the most horrific qualities in such a way that you are morbidly fascinated, often unable to take your eyes away from the page for what you are reading is so distasteful, but so very well written; it is akin to passing a fatalistic car accident and having to look; you've waited all this time and you DESERVE to look. Well such is the case with "The Sundial". Based on a premonition from dear, lovable Aunt Fanny, the world is coming to an end and it is only those who stay within the safety of the large house who will survive. The servants are dismissed, food and supplies are brought in en masse and then we watch and wait as we see the characters face the end of the world. The book is not about the end of the world-that would be far too easy. No, Shirley Jackson finds the people to be far more fascinating and as she always is, she is quite correct. We drive by this accident and almost bring the car to a complete stop, unable to tear our eyes away from both the brilliance and the horror. Jackson remains one of the finest American writes to have ever lived.

Why is this book neglected in favor of the inferior _Haunting of Hill House_? Probably because it's so weird, an apocalyptic novel that doesn't back away from a real apocalypse. Nearly every character in this book is hateful, but that's part of the joke: these losers are the future? The book burning scene will have you tearing your hair out in frustration, but in a good way. Not as scary as some of Jackson's Gothic work, but a delight regardless.

This is a really good novel. It's too bad it's out of print.

It's unlike most of Jackson's other novels -- it's more of a comedy among the upper class than her other work. Um, "comedy" might be misleading. I don't know how to describe Jackson's sense of humor. It's just shy of completely dark. People behave very badly. And yet you laugh.

Try it!!

I haven't read this one in a while, but it is a fascinating account of a family trying to prepare for the end of the world. Their self serving plans for material and physical survival are both mundane and innovative. The ending may frustrate the reader, but it is a lovely journey to reach it.

This wasnt her best, but if your new to Shirley Jacksons writing style, this is one to read.