The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson with Grace Todd
It's Spooky Season Libration Nation! In this spine-tingling episode, I'm joined by Grace Todd, fellow Richmond podcast host of the "Didn't Read It" podcast, to delve into Shirley Jackson's chilling classic, The Haunting of Hill House. Over Dark Manhattans, we uncover the eerie atmosphere of Hill House, its unsettling characters, and ghostly legacies. Grace shares her deep connection to the novel, analyzing themes of female empowerment, queer undertones, and the metaphorical menace of family structures. We also touch on Jackson's other works and Grace's latest horror series on her podcast. Perfect for horror enthusiasts and fans of eerie literature, this episode offers a blend of humor and spooky insights. Cheers to a frightfully good time!
Grace is an intermittent editor, book gremlin, and aspiring failed novelist. While her MFA in creative writing primarily served to exacerbate both her single-minded obsession with fiction and her dubious mental health, it did give her an excuse to lose herself in books when she should have been doing her day job, for which she is thankful. The book piles in her house are becoming more perilous and less structurally sound by the day.
We recorded this episode in Grace's studio at the Black Iris Social Club, which was so cool, and features a bar where Brett, their charming barkeep, poured us Dark Manhattans, which are delicious with the spice of danger!
Dark Manhattan Recipe
2 oz Cynar
1 oz rye whiskey
1 oz Amaro (Brett made ours with Amaro y Arroyo from the Virginia distillery Copper Fox)
Dash of orange bitters
Garnish - Luxardo Dark Cherries
Serve on ice or stir and shake into a chilled glass - enjoy!
In this Episode
The Haunting of Hill House TV Show
The Haunting (1960s Jackson-sanctioned film version)
We Have Always Lived in the Castle Film
Thoughts on Shirley Jackson and Queerness
Shirley Jackson's NYT Obituary (not mentioned in the episode but very interesting nonetheless)
Shirley (Elizabeth Moss film)