If you are a lover of gothic tales, ghost stories, and psychological suspense, then Susan Hill is a writer you definitely need to get acquainted with. With a literary career spanning over five decades, Susan Hill has penned over 60 books, including novels, short stories, and memoirs. In this article, we take a closer look at the top ten Susan Hill books that you should add to your reading list right away.
A Brief Introduction to Susan Hill’s Literary Career
Susan Hill, born in Scarborough, Yorkshire in 1942, began her literary career at a tender age. She started with poems and short stories before moving on to write novels that have been enjoyed by readers of all ages. Her love for literature and storytelling can be traced back to her childhood, where she spent a lot of time reading books on the beach.
As a child, Hill was a voracious reader, and her parents encouraged her literary pursuits. Her father, a bookseller, would often bring home new books for her to read, and her mother, an English teacher, would help her analyze and understand the stories. This early exposure to literature would play a significant role in shaping Hill’s future as a writer.
Early Life and Influences
Growing up in a family of booksellers, Susan Hill was surrounded by books from a young age. Her father was the founder of a famous bookstore chain in the UK, an excellent place for young Susan to find new and exciting material to read. This early exposure to great works of literature had a profound impact on Hill’s writing style, and she has often cited the works of Thomas Hardy, Emily Bronte, and Jane Austen as significant influences on her work.
In addition to these literary giants, Hill has also been influenced by her travels. She has spent time living in both France and Canada, and these experiences have informed her writing, particularly in her descriptions of landscapes and settings.
Awards and Recognitions
Over the course of her long and illustrious career, Susan Hill has won numerous awards for her writing. She has been shortlisted for both the Man Booker Prize and the Whitbread Novel Award, two of the most prestigious literary accolades. One of her greatest achievements has been her appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2012, in recognition of her services to literature and writing.
Hill’s work has also been adapted for the stage and screen. Her novel “The Woman in Black” was turned into a successful stage play, which has been running in London’s West End for over 30 years. The play has also been adapted into a film and a television movie.
Despite her many successes, Hill remains humble about her achievements. She is known for her dedication to her craft and her commitment to helping young writers. She has served as a judge for several writing competitions and has mentored numerous aspiring writers throughout her career.
The Woman in Black (1983)
The Woman in Black is undoubtedly one of Susan Hill’s most popular books, and for good reason. A classic ghost story set in the eerie marshlands of England, the book follows the protagonist, Arthur Kipps, as he unravels the mysterious and terrifying secrets of Eel Marsh House. Hill’s masterful storytelling and gothic atmosphere make this book a must-read for anyone who loves horror and gothic literature.
The marshlands of England have always been a source of fascination for many. The misty and murky landscape, with its twisting paths and hidden bogs, has inspired countless tales of horror and suspense. Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black is one such tale, a haunting story that transports readers to the heart of the marshlands and immerses them in a world of fear and uncertainty.
Arthur Kipps, the young solicitor who is the main character of the story, is a man who is unprepared for the horrors that await him. He travels to the remote village of Crythin Gifford to attend the funeral of Mrs. Alice Drablow, an elderly client who lived alone in a sprawling mansion, Eel Marsh House. Kipps quickly realizes that there is something deeply unsettling about the house and the surrounding area.
Eel Marsh House, with its creaking floorboards and shadowy corners, is a character in its own right. The house is a place of darkness and secrets, a place where the past is never truly buried. As Kipps delves deeper into the history of the house, he discovers a web of lies and deceit that threatens to consume him.
Plot Summary
Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor, travels to the remote village of Crythin Gifford to attend the funeral of Mrs. Alice Drablow, an elderly client who lived alone in a sprawling mansion, Eel Marsh House. While there, Kipps begins to uncover a dark and terrifying secret about the house’s grim history and the spirit that haunts it.
The spirit that haunts Eel Marsh House is the Woman in Black, a malevolent presence that seems to be connected to the tragic events that have taken place there. Kipps becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about the Woman in Black and the terrible fate that befell her.
As Kipps delves deeper into the mystery of Eel Marsh House, he begins to experience strange and terrifying events. Doors slam shut on their own, objects move without explanation, and Kipps feels a constant sense of unease. The tension builds to a heart-stopping climax as Kipps confronts the Woman in Black and the shocking truth about her past is revealed.
Critical Reception
The Woman in Black has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful plot. The book has been adapted for film, television, and stage, making it one of Susan Hill’s most widely recognized works.
The book’s success is a testament to Hill’s skill as a writer. She is able to create a world that is both familiar and deeply unsettling, a world where the past is always present and the shadows hold secrets. The Woman in Black is a classic ghost story that will continue to haunt readers for generations to come.
I’m the King of the Castle (1970)
I’m the King of the Castle is a haunting novel that explores the complex relationship between two young boys living in a remote English village. The novel examines themes relating to class, mental health, and isolation and has been widely regarded as one of Susan Hill’s most profound and affecting works.
The novel is set in the 1960s and is a powerful commentary on the social and political climate of the time. Hill’s portrayal of the two boys, Charles and Edmund, is both sympathetic and unsparing, as she delves into the psychological complexities of their relationship.
Charles, the son of a single mother, is an outsider in the village. He is intelligent and sensitive but lacks the social graces and confidence that Edmund possesses. Edmund, on the other hand, is the son of a wealthy father and is used to getting what he wants. He is cruel and manipulative, using his power and influence to torment Charles.
Plot Summary
The book follows the two boys as they navigate their way through the social hierarchy of the village. Charles is initially excited about the prospect of having a new friend, but he soon realizes that Edmund is not interested in being his friend. Instead, Edmund sees Charles as a threat to his dominance and sets out to destroy him.
As the tension between the two boys builds, Charles becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid. He begins to experience terrifying hallucinations and becomes convinced that Edmund is trying to kill him. The novel reaches its climax with a tragic confrontation between the two boys, which has devastating consequences for both of them.
Critical Reception
I’m the King of the Castle has been praised for its stark realism and intense psychological insight into the minds of young boys. The book’s themes of isolation and mental illness have struck a chord with readers, making it one of the best-loved works of Susan Hill.
The novel has been adapted for both stage and screen, with a highly acclaimed production by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2004. Hill’s evocative prose and vivid characterization have made I’m the King of the Castle a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Various Haunts of Men (2004)
The Various Haunts of Men is a gripping and atmospheric mystery novel set in the fictional town of Lafferton. The book follows several different characters, including police officers and amateur detectives, as they work to solve the mystery of a missing young woman.
The Various Haunts of Men has been hailed as one of Susan Hill’s most gripping and atmospheric novels. The book has been praised for its complex characters, intelligent plot, and masterful storytelling, cementing Hill’s reputation as a writer of note in the mystery genre.
The Small Hand (2010)
The Small Hand is a chilling ghost story that follows antiquarian bookseller Adam Snow as he encounters a mysterious and haunting entity while exploring an old house. The book is a perfect example of Hill’s ability to create a sinister atmosphere perfect for lovers of supernatural fiction.
Plot Summary
While exploring an old house, Adam Snow feels a small hand brush against his, but when he turns around, he finds no one there. Over time, Snow becomes increasingly haunted by the experience and must unravel the truth behind the small hand and the dark history of the house.
Critical Reception
The Small Hand has been praised for its subtle horror, exceptional storytelling, and spine-tingling atmosphere. The book has been hailed as one of Susan Hill’s best works and a modern classic of the genre.
Conclusion
With over 60 books to her name, Susan Hill is undoubtedly one of the most prolific and talented writers in the UK. Her works explore a wide range of themes, from love and loss to the supernatural and the macabre. If you are a lover of literature and great storytelling, then the ten books listed in this article should be at the top of your reading list.
FAQs
What is Susan Hill famous for?
Susan Hill is a famous English author, most well-known for writing The Woman in Black, a horror story that was adapted into a movie series starring Daniel Radcliffe.
What does Susan Hill write?
Susan Hill’s writing is not all encapsulated in one genre. She has written both non-fiction and fiction that toy with the mystery, thriller, suspense, horror, and gothic genres.
Where is Susan Hill from?
Susan Hill was born in Scarborough, Yorkshire in 1942, where she grew up before attending King’s College University in London.
Eddison Monroe, born 1990 in Portland, Oregon, is an accomplished and celebrated female writer and independent author. The youngest of three siblings, Eddison's passion for storytelling began during her childhood as she entertained her family with vivid tales and fantastical characters. Her nurturing environment and the encouragement of her parents, both educators, played a crucial role in shaping her literary aspirations.
Eddison's writing often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and strong, multidimensional female characters.
A strong advocate for independent publishing, Eddison frequently conducts workshops and seminars to guide budding writers in navigating the world of self-publishing. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring authors, providing them with the knowledge and tools to pursue their dreams.
