- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
-
Anonymous
Posted March 1, 2001
Don't Miss This One
It took a mistress of the macabre like Shirley ('The Lottery') Jackson to turn out the most consistently funny and entertaining book I've ever read about life with small children. When I introduced it to my reading circle, they loved it too. Jackson is such a skilled writer that we can't find her reaching for effects: with one or two exceptions there is no patented twinkle in each chapter, no schmalz, none of that Erma Bombeck look-what-a-martyr-I-am stuff. What she DOES do is look at things from a child's point of view, which occasionally has its dangers--like the time her daughter sent the PTA treasurer home with a penny and a scolding. Also, her husband forbids the practice of magic inside the house, even white magic. (The humor is in the telling, trust me.) Although this book dates from the late forties, despite today's throwaway diapers and appliances 'Life Among the Savages' isn't really dated. It is that good.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. -
Anonymous
Posted May 13, 2000
Great book, very underrated
Shirley Jackson has never gotten the credit she deserved for her books. This first of two autobiographical humorous books remains surprisingly relevant and very very funny. I've read and re-read it many times over many years. Great to have it back in print again.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.