The Sundial by Shirley Jackson
The Sundial is a novel by Shirley Jackson, published in 1958 and preceding her two most famous novels The Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle. It follows members of the Halloran household and various acquaintances of theirs, as they prepare to face the end of the world after one of them has a vision only they will survive and herald in a new age.
The novel contains many satirical elements exploring privilege and the entitlement of those born into it, and explores themes such as self-importance, self-indulgence, and exerting power and influence over others. And while none of the characters can be considered particularly ‘good’ people, they make for a fascinating bunch to follow as they come to terms with their situation.
These interesting themes and circumstances, combined with a very accessible prose, and the constant curiosity about what would happen next is why I adored this book! I had never read anything by Shirley Jackson before, and wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I’m very pleased this novel proved better than I could’ve expected! I look forward to reading more by her in the future.