This was written near the end of Shirley Jackson’s career and it is one of her best. An amazing story that I love to read at different times of the year. It is perfection. Jackson was at the height of her storytelling genius.
I really like the statement at the end about nothing is very hard, as long as you don’t get worked-up or emotional about it; that’s a GREAT EVERYDAY QUOTE!
Shirley Jackson’s short story Louisa wasn’t merely nominated by the mystery writers of America. The short story Louisa won the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe award given by the mystery writers of America in 1961, best short story. Even in 2024, Shirley Jackson does not get the respect that she deserves. Gena, you blew it!
This story is again another S Jackson exploration of topics that to me seem to be multi-faceted. I had to keep chiding myself for even being attracted to this story. On the surface, nothing could be more removed from me than this tale of a self-assured, calculating, young white girl who sets out to disappear as a form of escape from her failure in college and rebellion against her family. I say on the surface I had nothing to identify with in the story. But beneath all of this, S. Jackson created a tale of exquisite symmetry, and anti-symmetry that the listener/reader need not identify with to understand. The symmetry is this young woman uses her deep understanding of the American cultural landscape to make her invisible to all those who would try to find her. She is hiding in plain sight, to use the cliché. It’s deeper than that idea. She is using what should make her part of the crowd, anonymous, to be unique, to create a sense of being that lost person. Thereby making a strange anti-symmetry. What makes her common is why she can’t be discovered by design. If any young girl in a small town is say X, then Louisa is an -X and she knows this and has planned it just that way, to what end we never really find out. She is -X, because she is one person, who looks like, and dresses like, even travels like every other young woman of age in her group but is NOT part of that group. There is a hint that she has some animus toward her sister who is on the eve of her wedding and an element of jealousy is implied, but these plot lines are never fully developed. In another odd twist Louisa, rather than seeking to be the focus of attention, wants to be a fugitive from discovery. She relishes the idea that by becoming that X, she causes her relatives the maximum consternation. They will forever wonder what has happened to her. She follows all the attention that has been directed at finding her in the media, yet she is avoiding detection and has created a new life for herself. She does not intend to resurface and return to her former life. Finally, Ms. Jackson has created a protagonist that is an anti-hero. Rather than saving the day, she destroys the notion of heroism. Always, your delivery Maria Gene is superb. Or is the Gena Marie? Your animation of this character was as enticing as the story.
Nomination from the mystery writers of America? even in 2024 Shirley Jackson cannot get the respect that she deserves. Shirley Jackson’s short story Louisa won the Edgar Allan Poe award given by the mystery writers of America, in 1961. Best Short Story. I’ve known for years and years that this short story won the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe award. And you, Anna, could not get your facts straight and you short changed the great Miss Jackson.
Jasper, Jasper, Jasper. You are obviously very upset and that’s the last thing I want for you. Please know I do not pretend to be a biographer; I just wish to pass on the worth of these wonderful authors. Now approaching double digits in Shirley Jackson episodes, as my podcast listeners know, I have done my best to impart what I’ve learned about this incredible talent. Sadly, the Edgar Allan Poe award for this particular story was missed. I hope you’ll come to understand how much is put into each of our efforts here. If not, that’s ok, too. 😊
This was written near the end of Shirley Jackson’s career and it is one of her best. An amazing story that I love to read at different times of the year. It is perfection. Jackson was at the height of her storytelling genius.
I really like the statement at the end about nothing is very hard, as long as you don’t get worked-up or emotional about it; that’s a GREAT EVERYDAY QUOTE!
I agree. 😊
The music is perfect for the story and your reading is superb as always, Gena. I’m just about to get to part II. I can’t wait!
Julia, YOURE superb! Glad you’re enjoying it. 😊
So happy you uploaded, it's so hard for me to get the library regularly but I just crave more of Shirley Jackson's stories ❤
Glad you found us. Conclusion coming at you on Friday! 😊
Shirley Jackson’s short story Louisa wasn’t merely nominated by the mystery writers of America. The short story Louisa won the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe award given by the mystery writers of America in 1961, best short story. Even in 2024, Shirley Jackson does not get the respect that she deserves.
Gena, you blew it!
I just have to keep trying, Jasper. Thank you so much.
This story is again another S Jackson exploration of topics that to me seem to be multi-faceted. I had to keep chiding myself for even being attracted to this story. On the surface, nothing could be more removed from me than this tale of a self-assured, calculating, young white girl who sets out to disappear as a form of escape from her failure in college and rebellion against her family. I say on the surface I had nothing to identify with in the story. But beneath all of this, S. Jackson created a tale of exquisite symmetry, and anti-symmetry that the listener/reader need not identify with to understand. The symmetry is this young woman uses her deep understanding of the American cultural landscape to make her invisible to all those who would try to find her. She is hiding in plain sight, to use the cliché. It’s deeper than that idea. She is using what should make her part of the crowd, anonymous, to be unique, to create a sense of being that lost person. Thereby making a strange anti-symmetry. What makes her common is why she can’t be discovered by design. If any young girl in a small town is say X, then Louisa is an -X and she knows this and has planned it just that way, to what end we never really find out. She is -X, because she is one person, who looks like, and dresses like, even travels like every other young woman of age in her group but is NOT part of that group. There is a hint that she has some animus toward her sister who is on the eve of her wedding and an element of jealousy is implied, but these plot lines are never fully developed. In another odd twist Louisa, rather than seeking to be the focus of attention, wants to be a fugitive from discovery. She relishes the idea that by becoming that X, she causes her relatives the maximum consternation. They will forever wonder what has happened to her. She follows all the attention that has been directed at finding her in the media, yet she is avoiding detection and has created a new life for herself. She does not intend to resurface and return to her former life. Finally, Ms. Jackson has created a protagonist that is an anti-hero. Rather than saving the day, she destroys the notion of heroism.
Always, your delivery Maria Gene is superb. Or is the Gena Marie? Your animation of this character was as enticing as the story.
Thank you, @Robleh100 for your always inspiring commentary. Can’t wait for your remarks in a couple of weeks! 😊
Nomination from the mystery writers of America?
even in 2024 Shirley Jackson cannot get the respect that she deserves. Shirley Jackson’s short story Louisa won the Edgar Allan Poe award given by the mystery writers of America, in 1961. Best Short Story. I’ve known for years and years that this short story won the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe award. And you, Anna, could not get your facts straight and you short changed the great Miss Jackson.
Jasper, Jasper, Jasper. You are obviously very upset and that’s the last thing I want for you. Please know I do not pretend to be a biographer; I just wish to pass on the worth of these wonderful authors. Now approaching double digits in Shirley Jackson episodes, as my podcast listeners know, I have done my best to impart what I’ve learned about this incredible talent. Sadly, the Edgar Allan Poe award for this particular story was missed. I hope you’ll come to understand how much is put into each of our efforts here. If not, that’s ok, too. 😊