Come Along with Me

Come Along with Me is a diverse collection of works assembled after Shirley Jackson's death in 1965 and published by her husband in 1968. The book includes an unfinished novel, sixteen short stories, and three lectures by Jackson. The centerpiece is the partial novel "Come Along with Me," which follows a widow who adopts a new identity as Angela Motorman. The collection also contains Jackson's famous story "The Lottery" along with other gothic tales that explore the supernatural and psychological horror. The included lectures present Jackson's perspectives on writing and creativity, while the short stories range from dark comedy to supernatural fiction. The works span different periods of Jackson's career and showcase her range as a writer. The collection demonstrates Jackson's ability to merge everyday domestic settings with elements of horror and the uncanny, creating narratives that examine human nature and social dynamics. These works continue to influence contemporary horror and literary fiction.

Readers describe this collection as a glimpse into Jackson's personal life and writing process through her unfinished final novel and autobiographical essays. Many note the stark difference between her horror fiction and these more lighthearted, domestic pieces. Readers appreciated: - The autobiographical essays about family life and writing - Jackson's humor and wit in describing everyday situations - The inclusion of previously unpublished works - The introduction by Stanley Edgar Hyman providing context Common criticisms: - The unfinished novel feels incomplete and unsatisfying - Some essays meander without clear purpose - Tone shifts create an uneven reading experience Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (80+ reviews) "The essays show a different side of Jackson - warm, funny, and thoroughly human," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another Amazon reader states: "The unfinished novel shows promise but leaves too many questions unanswered."

The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Combines domestic settings with psychological horror through stories of women confronting societal constraints and mental deterioration.

Ghost Summer: Stories by Tananarive Due Presents supernatural tales grounded in everyday life, mixing elements of horror with explorations of family and community dynamics.

Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link Merges mundane settings with surreal elements to create stories that blur reality and fantasy in unexpected ways.

Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enriquez Transforms ordinary Argentine neighborhoods into spaces where supernatural horror emerges from social tensions and domestic life.

What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah Combines elements of magical realism with domestic narratives to explore family relationships and social structures.

🔍 The title "Come Along with Me" was found written on an envelope in Jackson's study after her death, possibly intended as the working title for her unfinished novel. 📚 Stanley Edgar Hyman, who compiled the collection, was not only Jackson's husband but also a respected literary critic at The New Yorker and a professor at Bennington College. ✍️ Jackson wrote all of these works while living in North Bennington, Vermont, where the local community's hostility toward her family partly inspired her dark themes. 🏆 1968, the year of the book's publication, marked the fifth anniversary of Jackson's death at age 48 from heart failure, cutting short her prolific career. 📖 The writing lectures included in the collection were originally delivered at Jackson's alma mater, Syracuse University, where she met her future husband in 1937.