Everything about this book is just painfully perfect. The characterisation of Merricat, especially, is a masterpiece. That girl is clearly not right in the head, but there's something so compelling about her inner life, a sort of insane charisma, that you can almost understand why Constance is so protective of her. But then, the more I read this book - and this is my third time - the more I begin to wonder just how sane Constance is herself. There's something off about her as well, albeit in a different and more easily camouflaged way.

Also, I think this book has a shot at the top prize for best opening paragraph in fiction. But then, I think I thought that about The Haunting of Hill House as well, so I think Jackson just must have a particular talent for extraordinary beginnings.