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Life Among the Savages
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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Life Among the Savages
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Description
Life Among the Savages by Shirley Jackson is a splendidly wit-laden memoir that brings to life the humour and chaos of family existence in a rural setting. Written in 1953, Jackson artfully recounts her experiences with her husband and their four spirited children in rural Vermont. Amidst the charming yet unpredictable landscape, life's simple moments are transformed into sources of laughter and wry amusement.
Throughout the pages of Life Among the Savages, readers are introduced to a cast of eccentric characters and often hilarious situations. Jackson artfully navigates the intricacies of motherhood, the interferences of make-believe friends, and the bewildering encounters with impenetrable bank managers. Lifeβs unpredictable nature is readily embraced by Jackson, who finds a way to turn potentially despairing moments into entertaining escapades.
As she manages her home rife with intractable chaos, an oblivious yet charming husband, and energetic children always up to some mischief, Jacksonβs narrative provides an uproarious take on the ordinary yet unpredictable moments that encapsulate family life. Her keen eye for detail and impeccable timing breathe life into every scenario, making the day-to-day trials and tribulations both relatable and utterly delightful.
What makes Life Among the Savages truly special is Jackson's ability to maintain warmth and affection in her writing without ever dipping into sentimentality. Itβs a celebration of family life in all its imperfect glory. Whether youβre confronted with domestic mayhem or simply looking for a heartwarming and humorous read, this memoir will resonate with anyone who has ever navigated the ups and downs of family dynamics.
Widely acclaimed in American literature, Life Among the Savages remains a timeless classic, offering a comedic yet sincere reflection on the familial experience. Shirley Jackson's blend of domestic horror and comedy not only captivates but also endears readers to her world, making this a must-read for anyone seeking an engaging and poignant literary adventure into the heart of family life.
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Reviews highlight the ironic brilliance of the book, praising Shirley Jackson's ability to transform the challenges of motherhood into comedic masterpieces. Critics find her depiction of domestic chaos both warm and believable, and note how her refusal to sentimentalise motherhood lends a modern feel to her writings. Readers will identify with the universal parenting experiences Jackson so perfectly illustrates, making her one of the great memoirists of family life.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241387801
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 August 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 14.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 179g
Pages: 240
About the Author
Shirley Jackson was born in California in 1916. When her short story, 'The Lottery', was first published in the New Yorker in 1948, readers were so horrified they sent her hate mail; it has since become one of the most iconic American stories of all time. Her first novel, The Road Through the Wall, was published in the same year and was followed by Hangsaman, The Bird's Nest, The Sundial, The Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle, widely seen as her masterpiece. In addition to her dark, brilliant novels, she wrote lightly fictionalized magazine pieces about family life with her four children and her husband, the critic Stanley Edgar Hyman. Shirley Jackson died in 1965.
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