The Sundial
The Sundial
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1986
Book Brief
Beta245
Novel • Fiction
New England • 1950s
1986
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Shirley Jackson's The Sundial, individuals in a mansion become convinced an impending apocalypse will occur. The group receives a prophet's warning and prepares for survival, leading to eerie events and psychological tension. They navigate fear, uncertainty, and interpersonal dynamics, symbolizing broader existential themes within a secluded, eerie environment.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
7,378 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Shirley Jackson's The Sundial offers a darkly comedic tale of familial tension and impending doom. Critics praise its sharp dialogue and intriguing plot, though some find its pacing uneven. The novel’s atmosphere and character dynamics are lauded, blending the eerie with satire. However, its cryptic nature might unsettle readers seeking straightforward narratives.
Who Should Read The Sundial?
A reader who enjoys The Sundial by Shirley Jackson likely appreciates psychological thrillers, Gothic settings, and dark humor. Similar readers might be fans of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier or We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson for their eerie atmospheres and complex characters.
7,378 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
245
Novel • Fiction
New England • 1950s
1986
Adult
18+ years
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