susan hill short stories

Often, there are ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. For example, a middle - aged woman who discovers something strange in her attic. There are also characters who are haunted by their pasts, like an old man who has a dark secret from his youth.

The themes in Susan Hill short stories include isolation. Characters are frequently shown in a state of being alone, either physically or emotionally. This isolation then leads to self - discovery or sometimes a downward spiral. Also, the passage of time is a theme. She shows how time can change people and situations, sometimes in unexpected ways.

I think 'The Mist in the Mirror' is also excellent. It tells a story full of mystery and horror. Susan Hill has a way of creating a spooky mood with her descriptions. For example, the way she describes the old, dilapidated houses and the strange noises at night really makes the story come alive.

It's a powerful story that explores themes of loneliness and appearance. The two main characters, Mr. Lamb and Derry, both face isolation in different ways. Mr. Lamb has a physical disability and is ostracized, while Derry has a scarred face which makes him feel like an outcast. Through their interactions, they begin to break down the barriers that society has placed on them.

Well, Stephen King's ghost stories can be action - packed at times. There are often a lot of events and encounters with the supernatural entities that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. Susan Hill, however, might take a more subdued approach. Her stories may unfold at a slower pace, but they are equally chilling. The horror in her ghost stories lies in the anticipation and the slow revelation of the nature of the ghosts.

One of the notable features is the ambiguity. Hill doesn't always clearly explain the nature of the ghosts or the reasons behind their hauntings. This leaves a lot to the reader's imagination and makes the stories even more haunting.

One of the best Susan Hill novels is 'The Woman in Black'. It's a classic horror story that has been adapted into a successful play and movie. The atmosphere she creates is incredibly spooky, with the desolate Eel Marsh House and the mystery surrounding the woman in black.

The past coming back to haunt the present is another theme. In her stories, events from the past, such as old tragedies or secrets, resurface in a ghostly form. This is seen in 'The Small Hand' where the apparition of the small hand might be related to some past event that the main character is unknowingly linked to.

Susan Hill's detective novels often feature a strong sense of atmosphere. Her settings are usually quite gloomy and mysterious, like old English villages or big, spooky mansions. The characters are complex, with the detectives having their own quirks and personal demons. For example, in some of her works, the detective might be haunted by his past failures.

Susan Hill's first novel is 'The Enclosure'.