Hangsaman Audiobook By Shirley Jackson cover art

Hangsaman

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Hangsaman

By: Shirley Jackson
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
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Shirley Jackson's chilling second novel, based on her own experiences and an actual mysterious disappearance.

Seventeen-year-old Natalie Waite longs to escape home for college. Her father is a domineering and egotistical writer who keeps a tight rein on Natalie and her long-suffering mother. When Natalie finally does get away, however, college life doesn’t bring the happiness she expected. Little by little, Natalie is no longer certain of anything - even where reality ends and her dark imaginings begin. Chilling and suspenseful, Hangsaman is loosely based on the real-life disappearance of a Bennington College sophomore in 1946.

For more than 70 years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers and listeners trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

©2013 Shirley Jackson (P)2021 Penguin Audio Horror Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Exciting

Critic reviews

"[Hangsaman] confirms the belief that Miss Jackson is an exceptional writer." (The London Times)

"No one can question the author's great ability to do the kind of thing she wants to do. This is as disturbing a story as the shorter 'Lottery' was, and in exactly the same way." (San Francisco Chronicle)

Featured Article: The Haunting of Hill House—Book vs. Show


Shirley Jackson was inspired to write the novel after reading about a group of psychic researchers who spent time in a house believed to be haunted. In an essay, Jackson explained that she was less interested in the investigation itself and more intrigued by what could be learned about the people conducting the investigation. If you're a fan of the super creepy Netflix series, here's the lowdown on how the two chilling incarnations stack up.

Featured Article The Haunting of Hill House Book vs. Show
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Jackson’s psychological prowess is universally revered. How about Jackson as a meta philosopher?

The narrator is perfectly made for Jackson. This maybe fifth book od Jackson read by her

Wow is it not a best metaphysical novel no one talked about?

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… sorry I can’t say the same thing about the book. What!? I listened to no avail, I Googled an explanation and am still confused. I immediately bought the book because of Whelan; I have 50-plus Whelan-narrated books. There were many five-star reviews. I do believe it was me.

Julia Whelan’s narration in sweet perfection …

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Was never sure where this story was leading. The ending was quite confusing to me. I think I know what Jackson was trying to say. But disappointed overall.

Strange

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This is just a stunning reading of Jackson’s cryptic novel. Simply brilliant. Julia Whelan’s voice is stellar, just right for this novel.

Perfectly voiced.

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It’s everything and I love it and I am alone and powerful and not at all afraid.

Best audiobook ever.

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This is a good story about a girl feeling alone even in a room full of other girls. Then trying to make friends only to have them turn on you later. I feel like I didn't get to experience the full story because I listened to it, but I do recommend the audiobook for a quick listen.

Great audiobook

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