Life Among the Savages

by Shirley Jackson
Life Among the Savages cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 8940
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780241387818
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2019-08-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Shirley Jackson, celebrated for her chilling stories like 'The Lottery' and 'The Haunting of Hill House,' turns her sharp wit to the chaos of family life in 'Life Among the Savages.' This darkly funny memoir captures the everyday struggles and absurdities of raising children in a crumbling Vermont home, from battling rats in the cellar to dealing with imaginary friends and an oblivious husband. Jackson's unique perspective and biting humor make this a refreshingly honest and entertaining read. /n/n Jackson's account is not just a series of anecdotes but a subversive look at motherhood that refuses to sentimentalize or idealize the experience. Her sharp observations and comedic timing make 'Life Among the Savages' a timeless classic that resonates with modern readers. The book is a testament to Jackson's versatility as a writer, showcasing her ability to blend humor and warmth with a keen eye for the absurdities of domestic life.

Reviews
More About Books · 2026-01-04
entertaining 4.50

The memoir is wry, darkly humorous, and affectionate, making it a very entertaining read. The pacing is excellent, and it leaves readers wanting more, with a sequel available.

This memoir by Shirley Jackson is a delightful blend of wit and warmth. The author's wry observations about family life in rural Vermont are both funny and touching, creating a narrative that is hard to put down. The pacing is just right, and the dark humor adds a unique flavor to the story. It's the kind of book that makes you laugh out loud while also feeling a deep connection to the characters. The fact that there's a sequel, 'Raising Demons,' is a testament to how engaging this memoir is. If you enjoy memoirs that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, this is a great choice.

Quick quotes

    It's wry and a little dark at times, yet affectionate, very entertaining and beautifully paced.

    I loved it.

    And there's a sequel called 'Raising Demons'.

Jacqui Wine's Blog · Jacqui Wine · 2025-06-08
charming 4.50

The memoir offers a delightful contrast to Jackson's usual unnerving fiction, filled with humor and charm. It captures the chaos and joy of family life in rural Vermont.

Jacqui Wine highlights how this memoir showcases a different side of Shirley Jackson, one that is both hilarious and heartwarming. The book is a delightful read, filled with witty observations and charming anecdotes about family life. It's a refreshing departure from Jackson's usual unnerving fiction, offering a more lighthearted and affectionate look at domestic life. The reviewer appreciates the humor and charm, making it a memorable and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    I have long been a fan of Shirley Jackson's unnerving fiction, which never fails to unsettle me.

    From the creeping sense of dread running through her fiction, it was a delight to read something so light and charming.

    The memoir is a delightful contrast to her usual work, filled with humor and charm.

The Guardian · 2015-05-10
thoughtful 4.00

The memoir blends humor with a sharp critique of maternal and gender norms, offering a unique perspective on family life. It's both amusing and thought-provoking.

The Guardian reviewer finds that Shirley Jackson's memoir is a delightful blend of humor and social commentary. The book is not just a collection of funny anecdotes but also offers a sharp critique of the expectations placed on mothers and women in general. The reviewer appreciates the wit and humor, but also the deeper insights into the challenges of domestic life. The memoir is both amusing and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read. The reviewer highlights how Jackson's unique perspective adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a lighthearted family memoir.

Quick quotes

    The horror writer penned two amusing books on family life in Vermont, but among the laughs is a sharp critique of maternal and gender norms.

    It's a cheerful book about family life, but with a twist that only Jackson could provide.

    The memoir is both amusing and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on family life.

Hogglestock · 2010-09-24
mixed 3.50

Jackson's writing is witty and entertaining, but the focus on her children falls short of being truly engaging. The book is enjoyable overall, despite its shortcomings.

The reviewer at Hogglestock appreciates Jackson's witty and entertaining writing style, which makes the memoir enjoyable to read. However, they find that the focus on her children's antics is not as compelling as it could be. The book is still a good read, but the reviewer feels that the children's stories do not hold their interest as much as the overall narrative. The humor and pacing keep the book engaging, but the lack of depth in the children's characters is a noticeable drawback.

Quick quotes

    Jackson's writing isn't boring, her recollections are quite witty, but ultimately, her kids just aren't interesting enough to hold my complete attention.

    The book is wry and a little dark at times, yet affectionate, very entertaining and beautifully paced.

    I loved it. And there's a sequel called 'Raising Demons'.

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