The Sundial

By: Shirley Jackson, Victor LaValle - foreword

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter, Dion Graham

Before there was Hill House, there was the Halloran mansion of Jackson’s stunningly creepy fourth novel, The Sundial.

When the Halloran clan gathers at the family home for a funeral, no one is surprised when the somewhat peculiar Aunt Fanny wanders off into the secret garden. But then she returns to report an astonishing vision of an apocalypse from which only the Hallorans and their hangers-on will be spared, and the family finds itself engulfed in growing madness, fear, and violence as they prepare for a terrible new world.

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©2014 Shirley Jackson (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"This is Shirley Jackson at her best. This novel of 12 people in a lonely house awaiting the end of the world will keep you up all night." (Pensacola News Journal)

"The Sundial is entertaining, absorbing and disturbing." (Chicago Tribune)

Not what I was expecting

Not creepy, but laugh out loud funny! Not what you’d expect from Shirley Jackson. Reader beware

Perfect blend of macabre, wit, satire, and belly laughs.

The multilayered humor, wit, and satire were so enjoyable. I’ve read Jackson’s other work, but this is different. Definitely one of my favorites and deserves a second listen. The characters and interpersonal dynamics were hilarious. I’d occasionally forget that there may be an apocalypse on the horizon. Loved it!

far too long , not a single likeable character

I am glad the wasn't my first exposure to Jackson. First, this was a dramatic reading,replete with English accents or the pretend British accents we got in late 1940's Hollywood's depiction of old New England upper class families on the US East Cosst. one minute I felt it was taking place during the decade of
off the Salem witches, the next minute I felt it was taking place outside all time, the next minute it's clearly 1949-53, with automobiles and telephones. The plot is minimal, the satire, the farce,the monolgues,and dialigue are tedious, not one of the characters evokes empathy ....it was much ado about nothing

20th century preppers

Why is this the funniest book I have ever read!!!! absolutely loved this depiction of rich people preparing for the apocalypse

Grates the nerves!!

This story is over-the-top annoying. There’s not a single likable character, the writing is awful, and with the weird names, I can’t tell who is who! And the narrator is grating on the nerves. AND it’s not remotely scary!! Could not finish and requested return!