Raising Demons

by Shirley Jackson

In the uproarious sequel to Life Among the Savages, the author of The Haunting of Hill House confronts the most vexing demons yet: her children

In the long out-of-print sequel to Life Among the Savages, Jackson’s four children have grown from savages into full-fledged demons. After bursting the seams of their first house, Jackson’s clan moves into a larger home. Of course, the chaos simply moves with them. A confrontation with the IRS, Little League, trumpet lessons, and enough clutter to bury her alive—Jackson spins them all into an indelible reminder that every bit as thrilling as a murderous family in a haunted house is a happy family in a new home.

• ISBN10: 0143127292
• ISBN13: 9780143127291
• Publish Date: 5 May 2015 (first published 1 November 1994)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
• Imprint: Penguin USA
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 320
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780143127291

Reviews

[MurderByDeath]

I've never read any of Shirley Jackson's fiction, as psychological horror doesn't appeal to me in the least, but after reading this memoir of her life raising her four children in the 50's I have a strong suspicion of her source for inspiration.   

The book is very, very dated in that "I don't want my husband to find out I just spend $13 at the dress shop this month." kind of way, but given the vogue of shows like Mad Men this is actually a great time to read it.  The writing is terse but hilarious; the scene with the mice and the cats and the dogs had me laughing out loud.   My main complaint about the book is its structure.  At 300 pages one might be fooled into thinking it's a light breezy read.  It's not, at least it wasn't for me.  

There are only 4 chapters in the entire book and the typeface was smaller than average making it a deceptively meaty read, even while it was entertaining.