Having loved, “The Haunting of Hill House,” and “We Have Always Lived in the Castle,” I was looking forward to reading more by Shirley Jackson. Published in 1954, this is Jackson’s third novel and already has several themes which recur in later books. The main character, Elizabeth Richmond, is a withdrawn and isolated young woman who acts much younger than her actual age. When we meet her, she lives with her Aunt Morgen and working in the clerical department of a museum. She hardly seems to be noticed at work and, at home, Aunt Morgen uses her mostly as a sounding board. Gradually, though, we come to realise that Elizabeth is not as simple as her calm and content demeanour suggests. Sudden outbursts, odd behaviour and terrible headaches, lead Aunt Morgen to take her to a doctor. What results is the realisation that Elizabeth has multiple personalities.This novel is told from the point of view of Elizabeth, her various personas, her aunt and Doctor Victor Wright. This is a somewhat disturbing novel about a young woman’s descent into mental illness and is extremely well written, as you would expect from Shirley Jackson. The book was not quite as compelling as Hill House or Castle, but that would be unlikely, as both are classics of their genre. This is a very thought provoking and unsettling read, which captures Elizabeth’s attempts to cope with her past and the turmoil of her thoughts and emotions. As an example of Jackson’s early work it is of great interest and you can see her gradually honing her writing style and characters.
Jackson's third novel deals with 23 year old Elizabeth Richmond, quiet and friendless, and seemingly younger than her age as many of Jackson's protagonists, and her Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly Multiple Personality Disorder). Jackson begins with her great prose in describing the museum where Elizabeth works a dull job to mirror her internal state. The mystery and suspense builds when Elizabeth's monotonous life hints something wrong when she suffers from headaches and lapses in consciousness. The story shifts perspectives to Doctor Wright, her psychiatrist, as he begins to uncover the inner conflict inside Elizabeth. Doctor Wright's sections are written in first person, so he's a fun read, but his parts tended to drag. Eventually Elizabeth's personalities begin to be uncovered one by one, and the story shifts to the rebellious and childish Betsy's perspective. The family history and conflict concerning Elizabeth's mother's death drives the mystery, and later from Aunt Morgen's perspective, reveals what happened. Although Elizabeth is the protagonist, Jackson writes more endearing characters for her personalities, Doctor Wright, and Aunt Morgen. The action builds to a climax when the four personalities fight for control. And reminiscent of Hangsaman's theme of mental illness and identity, it carries an unsettling, and amusing tone which concludes in a powerful, and surprisingly positive ending. I'd consider this more enjoyable than Jackson's first two novels, but not on par with her masterpieces.
What do You think about The Bird's Nest (1993)?
Though not of the same caliber as "The Haunting of Hill House", "The Bird's Nest" is a book well worth reading. Containing most of Jackson's hallmark touches- isolation, brooding and sinister surroundings, dark humor, realistic and ambivalent dialogue- it describes the disintegration of a young woman's personality. Step by step we watch as Elizabeth recedes from the normal to a hidden world where- after a period of disassociation- first one, then two, then more separate and distinct personalities emerge. And when they do, Jackson's reveal gives the reader a horrific start. To say more would be to tell too much. But what gives this book a leg up on "The Three Faces of Eve" (it's only contemporary competition, back in the day), or dare I say it- Carrie"?- is the sardonic nature of the tale. And did I mention that it's told from the points-of view of Elizabeth's doctor, Elizabeth, her aunt, and even one of the alternate personalities? "The Bird's Nest" is a book you'll return to, either for the fascinating story, or to bask in Jackson's style of writing- her ability to work linguistic magic with the written word.
—Dan Hiland
Wouldn't it be nice if, instead of recycling old movies ad nauseam, some intelligent screenwriter would bring more of Shirley Jackson's work to life on the big screen. No doubt the lack of body count would make marketing books such as The Bird's Nest and We Have Always Lived in the Castle difficult,but at least such a movie would have some originality and freshness.I have yet to come across an author that has mastered the element of suspense as effectively as Jackson, in the process creating characters that live long past the final sentence. Every novel of Jackson's I read makes me yearn to read another. A finite resource of which I am quickly running out. What to do?
—Steve
Another excellent Shirley Jackson read, this time exploring the world of multiple personality disorder. Elizabeth is a very naive, young adult who lives with her aunt. Her mother has passed away some years before the novel begins, and her father some years before that. At first, you don't realise what is happening with Elizabeth, as she has migraines and seems to lose parts of the day. You see the reactions from the Aunt, who is at a loss to explain what is going on, and eventually Elizabeth goes to a doctor. It is here that we discover that she has not just one, but many distinct personalities, some aware of the others, some not. I loved the disjointed way the different personalities interacted with each other and with others in the book. At times it was exhausting keeping up with the changes back and forwards, which I believe added authenticity to what it would have been like to both be Elizabeth and someone experiencing Elizabeth.I remember seeing the movie 'The Three Faces of Eve' (and also, 'Sybil') when I was younger, and I am sure that was what started my fascination with psychology. This reminded me very much of those movies, and I see that there is a movie of this book, 'Lizzie' - might be worth tracking down.
—Kylie
