Yes, today I’ve read and completed another Shirley Jackson, of which I haven’t read in a long while. And this recent book is her 1954 novel “The Bird’s Nest”.
In this one we are introduced to 23 year old Elizabeth Richmond, an ordinary and demure woman who works at a dull job in a museum, and lives with her neurotic aunt and also living off the inheritance left by her dead mother.
However when she begins to suffer migraines and backaches her aunt decides to take her to a psychologist with unorthodox techniques named Victor Wright. And this is where we slowly begin to see that Elizabeth is just one person, but four separate personalities who are competing for control in a self destructive way.
Yeah, as I’ve said, it’s been a long while since I’ve read anything by Jackson, but the wait is worth it. “The Bird’s Nest” is a really interesting slice of psychological horror with a little gothic twist that Jackson always adds. Here I’m given a dark and disturbing view of the human mind, and what can often times go wrong with it.
Using the concept of the split personality is obviously nothing new for fans of horror, though it depends on well the author utilizes it. And Jackson really does it well here. We also get a mystery here too that, once revealed, is quit disturbing. Plus as a bonus it is also funny too along with being tense and frightening as well. It’s great to read Jackson again and enjoy her brand of horror!
by i-the-muso-1968