Yes, Shirley Jackson of “The Lottery” fame, the story everyone reads in 7th grade English class.
I’d never heard of this book, but when it arrived for me under the tree last Christmas, I knew immediately that it was obsession-worthy. That title! A protagonist nicknamed Merricat!
It is weird yet straightforward, the language is simple yet evocative. The descriptions of baked goods and little rituals alone make it memorable. Like “The Lottery,” the book deals in small town intolerance, tragic figures and all-around twistedness. I will not spoil the story for you, as the introduction and back cover of the admittedly beautiful edition I read did (whatever you do, don’t read that Jonathon Lethem essay until you’re done with the novel). But, please read this book. Preferably on an eerily gothic afternoon with strong winds whirring outside and tea in your cup.
Then, let me know if it would be weird to name my first child after Merricat.
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August 13, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Lauren
“‘Merricat, said Constance, “Would you like a cup of tea?'”
I was obsessed with this book when I was younger! Indeed, to the point of wanting to name one of my (hypothetical) kids Merricat. Maybe this is actually a more common phenomenon that I thought?
August 15, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Lindsay
I like classic names. So Mary Katherine for sure!
I loved all the descriptions of food.
August 27, 2008 at 4:12 pm
genevieve
jack read this book to me before bed each night when i was going through this period of insomnia a few months ago. it didn’t work for the insomnia, but it made me less sad about not being able to sleep. especially because he would do this totally creepy sing-songy voice for constance.
anyway thanks for recommending it. like the lottery, it certainly leaves an impression. but it didn’t make me want to name anyone merricat. i think if you had jack reading it to you and totally creeping you out with it each night you would probably feel the same way..
August 27, 2008 at 4:54 pm
ourbooksarebetter
what a husband!
March 12, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Lila
omg Nicole. this is in my top 5 ever. i’ve read it at LEAST 10 times. she is such an AMAZING author, “The Lottery” remains my fave ever short story, too. Have you read The Haunting of Hill House? another repeat read – SOOOO good.
i too was obsessed with Merricat and Constance as names due to Ms. Jackson.
March 12, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Nicole
i can’t believe i haven’t read hill house yet, but i haven’t!!! i need to, ASAP. if you have it, can i borrow it?
March 12, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Lila
my dear, i have a paperback copy sitting on my desk that i pulled out of the donation pile a few months ago. i’ve been waiting to spring it on someone!!
so you are in serious luck. remind me to bring it Tuesday!