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Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Book jacket: Baby Jane, a child star of early vaudeville, resented having to grow up in the shadow of her prettier sister Blanche Hudson, who became Hollywood's reigning love goddess. Now, some fifty years later, they are together and alone. And reality has toppled crazily into eerie fantasy. Blanche now finds she is growing old in the shadow cast by Baby Jane -- and a very sinister shadow it is.
245 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 3, 1960
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About the author
Henry Farrell
52 books29 followersHenry Farrell was an American novelist and screenwriter, best known as the author of the renowned gothic horror story What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, which was made into a 1962 film starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.
Farrell was born Charles Farrell Myers in California, and grew up in Chowchilla, California. Under the name Charles F. Myers, he wrote the "Toffee" short stories in SF magazines in the 1940s and 1950s. Later taking the pseudonym Henry Farrell, his first novel was The Hostage, published in 1959. He would publish five novels between 1959 - 1967.
He also wrote numerous teleplays for television movies and series such as Perry Mason and Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Farrell passed away in his home in Pacific Palisades, California at age 85. According to his obituary, he completed another novel, titled A Piece of Clarisse, shortly before his death. There is currently no word on publication.
Farrell was born Charles Farrell Myers in California, and grew up in Chowchilla, California. Under the name Charles F. Myers, he wrote the "Toffee" short stories in SF magazines in the 1940s and 1950s. Later taking the pseudonym Henry Farrell, his first novel was The Hostage, published in 1959. He would publish five novels between 1959 - 1967.
He also wrote numerous teleplays for television movies and series such as Perry Mason and Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Farrell passed away in his home in Pacific Palisades, California at age 85. According to his obituary, he completed another novel, titled A Piece of Clarisse, shortly before his death. There is currently no word on publication.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 552 reviews
May 14, 2017
“Sometimes I wonder about the two of them over there in that big old house all alone. They don’t ever seem to do anything—or have anyone in for company. It must be awful….”
I have been watching Feud: Bette and Joan for a month now, and I'm enthralled! My grandmother introduced me to so many black and white thrillers like The Bad Seed, Dead Ringer, Straightjacket, and my favorite, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane. As a result, I've been a big fan of the duo, so it's been wonderful to see them at the end of their movie careers amid a cutthroat film industry. So much politics!
This book didn't disappoint; the movie sticks pretty closely to the book. What makes books so great is that you're able to delve into characters' minds. Sometimes you learn about motives, other times you don't. The hatred Jane and Blanche have for each other is so raw and vivid! Obviously Jane's sanity is unraveling, and it's wonderful and scary to watch. Even though I knew how it would end, it was still fascinating to read about. This edition also included the short story that Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte was based upon. If you're in need of supplemental reading material inspired by Feud, then you can't go wrong with the book that started it all!
January 2, 2015
What a great old classic horror story! After a suspicious auto accident cripples the beautiful and successful movie star Blanche Hudson, her troubled and jealous sister Jane, (once a child actress herself known as Baby Jane) becomes her sole caregiver.......and the nightmare begins.
With loads of suspense and a high creep factor, Baby Jane Hudson slowly goes off her rocker serving grotesque meals, committing a brutal murder and generally continues to starve and terrorize Blanche. It has been a while since I've seen the old movie so I must admit to being surprised by the twist at the end with the truth about . Creepy right down to the last sentence!
(Do not pass up the introduction as the true story of the combative relationship between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford was almost as entertaining as the novel......almost.)
October 3, 2019
Even though I've seen the film a few times when I saw this book available to download at my local library, I clicked! I'm glad I did.
This wasn't exactly like the film, but in all the important ways, it was about the same. I pictured the characters as Joan Crawford and Bette Davis portrayed them, and I think the narrator did a fantastic job.
Recommended!
*Thanks to my local library for the free download through the Libby app! Libraries RULE!*
This wasn't exactly like the film, but in all the important ways, it was about the same. I pictured the characters as Joan Crawford and Bette Davis portrayed them, and I think the narrator did a fantastic job.
Recommended!
*Thanks to my local library for the free download through the Libby app! Libraries RULE!*
December 16, 2024
I read this because I love the immortal movie. I read this because I wanted to compare and contrast Mr. Farrell's vision of the Hudson sisters would be like, compared to the grotesque creatures Bette Davis and Joan Crawford played in the classic Robert Aldrich movie. The verdict?
Blanche Hudson in the novel:
The novel is more subtle for sure, and Blanche is given more agency. We have flashbacks that describe how she despised Jane and their father for giving Jane all the attention when they were little girls, causing a tragic and irreparable rift that will never heal. The novel is told through Blanche's point of view, which the reader comes to the realization that she is punishing herself for making Jane feel she caused the car accident that crippled her- which the truth was, an act of attempted murder. Damn, she’s that selfish!
Blanche Hudson/Joan Crawford in the film:
Joan Crawford's Blanche plays it straight, annoyingly so, until we see at the final scenes of the film what a monster she is- and how she damaged both her and Jane's lives.
Baby Jane in the novel:
The Jane in Mr. Farrell's book comes across as laconic and weary, often tired of feeling guilty and somehow suspecting in moments of self awareness, could Blanche be gaslighting her?
Jane kills the maid Edna Stitt and attempts to murder mama's boy Edwin Flagg because they know that she's been torturing her sister all along.
Baby Jane/Bette Davis in the film:
It seems to me that Jane's role became much more flamboyant and batshit crazy in the film because Jane in the film, unlike the book, has to be more showy and mercurial.
All about Bette Davis:
When Ms. Davis plays Jane with scenes of holy terror and abandon, she also leaves room for the audience to develop an empathy with Jane: years of gaslighting, years of being beholden to her spoiled bedridden sister, and years of resentment as Blanche's housekeeper and sounding board have made Jane a powder keg ready to explode. She also kills Edna, now Elvira- their cleaning lady.
My overall assessment of Bette Davis' Jane is that its the most complex characterization of her career: terror, empathy, and melancholy pervade that terrifying face that years of weariness have transformed her into a gargoyle.
Overall, this is a grand opera of the grotesque, a chilling story of the trappings of fame and jealousy that can overtake two siblings often vying for the attention of loved ones, and how the shred of love that the sisters felt for each other fell apart due to vanity, selfishness, and the need to dominate- which Blanche loses and pays for, suggested in both the film and book, with her life- the need to keep gaslighting and lying to Jane was all caused by her selfishness and fear.
This book is a perfect companion to the iconic movie, forever immortalized by the dueling feuds between two of Hollywood's biggest actresses- and always remembered by audiences because of the unforgettable creation that Bette Davis makes out of Baby Jane Hudson.
Though Jane is definitely less horrific in the book, Bette Davis knew full well how to elicit both horror and empathy through the sheer powers of her talents- and Joan Crawford, playing it straight, keeps our sympathy until we find out she's been the real and complicit insidious villain behind the mayhem.
Blanche Hudson in the novel:
The novel is more subtle for sure, and Blanche is given more agency. We have flashbacks that describe how she despised Jane and their father for giving Jane all the attention when they were little girls, causing a tragic and irreparable rift that will never heal. The novel is told through Blanche's point of view, which the reader comes to the realization that she is punishing herself for making Jane feel she caused the car accident that crippled her- which the truth was, an act of attempted murder. Damn, she’s that selfish!
Blanche Hudson/Joan Crawford in the film:
Joan Crawford's Blanche plays it straight, annoyingly so, until we see at the final scenes of the film what a monster she is- and how she damaged both her and Jane's lives.
Baby Jane in the novel:
The Jane in Mr. Farrell's book comes across as laconic and weary, often tired of feeling guilty and somehow suspecting in moments of self awareness, could Blanche be gaslighting her?
Jane kills the maid Edna Stitt and attempts to murder mama's boy Edwin Flagg because they know that she's been torturing her sister all along.
Baby Jane/Bette Davis in the film:
It seems to me that Jane's role became much more flamboyant and batshit crazy in the film because Jane in the film, unlike the book, has to be more showy and mercurial.
All about Bette Davis:
When Ms. Davis plays Jane with scenes of holy terror and abandon, she also leaves room for the audience to develop an empathy with Jane: years of gaslighting, years of being beholden to her spoiled bedridden sister, and years of resentment as Blanche's housekeeper and sounding board have made Jane a powder keg ready to explode. She also kills Edna, now Elvira- their cleaning lady.
My overall assessment of Bette Davis' Jane is that its the most complex characterization of her career: terror, empathy, and melancholy pervade that terrifying face that years of weariness have transformed her into a gargoyle.
Overall, this is a grand opera of the grotesque, a chilling story of the trappings of fame and jealousy that can overtake two siblings often vying for the attention of loved ones, and how the shred of love that the sisters felt for each other fell apart due to vanity, selfishness, and the need to dominate- which Blanche loses and pays for, suggested in both the film and book, with her life- the need to keep gaslighting and lying to Jane was all caused by her selfishness and fear.
This book is a perfect companion to the iconic movie, forever immortalized by the dueling feuds between two of Hollywood's biggest actresses- and always remembered by audiences because of the unforgettable creation that Bette Davis makes out of Baby Jane Hudson.
Though Jane is definitely less horrific in the book, Bette Davis knew full well how to elicit both horror and empathy through the sheer powers of her talents- and Joan Crawford, playing it straight, keeps our sympathy until we find out she's been the real and complicit insidious villain behind the mayhem.
July 19, 2014
The Ultimate Tale of Sibling Rivalry
I have never seen the famous movie, but I have seen photos and short clips of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in it. This is a spooky, creepy story but it is told in a very amusing, campy way.
This book was way ahead of it's time. Being a child star is such a rough path in life. I don't know why, in this day and age, anyone would subject their own child to it. Before Lindsay Lohan, McCauley Culkin and Justin Beiber there was this little girl…
Remember Buffy from the 1960's TV show Family Affair? The young actress was Anissa Jones and she died of a heroin overdose at the age of 18. Heartbreaking.
Whatever Happened To Baby Jane is a psychological, horror story about two aging show-biz sisters, Jane and Blanche Hudson, who are locked in the ultimate sibling rivalry war.
When they were very young Jane was a cute, famous vaudeville child star known as "Baby Jane". Think of Shirley Temple but in a traveling variety vaudeville show with tap dancing and singing.
Baby Jane was the breadwinner for the family. She was spoiled rotten, indulged and doted on by her father and grew up with a massive sense of entitlement. Jane's sister, Blanche, grew up in Jane's shadow, ignored and dismissed by her parents and pretty much everyone else too.
In a crazy a twist of fate, as adults, Blanche becomes a wildly successful movie actress. Blanche becomes wealthier, more famous and more beautiful than Baby Jane ever was. As Blanche's star power grew brighter, Jane's star power dimmed and faded away into obscurity.
Flash forward: decades later and these two competitive sisters are still living together in a decaying old Hollywood mansion owned by Blanche. Blanche is now handicapped and confined to a wheelchair, the result of a terrible car wreck. Blanche's disability keeps her trapped on the upstairs floor of the house. It is implied that Jane's deep-seated jealousy had something sinister to do with Blanche's mysterious car accident.
Now both women are middle-aged. Jane continues to resent Blanche. Blanche has managed to keep her good looks but Jane is an alcoholic who has not aged well physically or mentally. What's worse is Jane is really starting to lose her grip on reality.
As Jane spirals into mental illness, she becomes more and more controlling, taunting and abusive towards Blanche, who is helpless in her wheelchair. Blanche's only contact with the outside world is through Jane. Blanche is completely dependent on Jane for general care, food, doctor visits, everything.
In one of her earliest psychotic moments, Jane delivers Blanche breakfast on a tray as usual, but instead of a meal Jane decides to serve Blanche her dead, pet bird and then later a dead rat she caught in the basement. Old Jane thinks this is just a hoot.
Who's hungry? Such a jokester, that Jane.
Soon Jane is really becoming unhinged. Fueled by alcohol Jane starts stealing Blanche's money by forging her checks. Jane has a fantasy of using Blanche's money to kickstart a comeback and revive her old Baby Jane vaudeville act. Jane puts on a babydoll dresses, drunkenly smears makeup on her face and in a baby voice starts rehearsing her old song and dance routines.
This is only the beginning. Jane's behavior continues to spiral out of control, growing more bizarre and over-the-top. I’ll let you read the book to find out how crazy she truly becomes.
I have never seen the famous movie, but I have seen photos and short clips of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in it. This is a spooky, creepy story but it is told in a very amusing, campy way.
This book was way ahead of it's time. Being a child star is such a rough path in life. I don't know why, in this day and age, anyone would subject their own child to it. Before Lindsay Lohan, McCauley Culkin and Justin Beiber there was this little girl…
Remember Buffy from the 1960's TV show Family Affair? The young actress was Anissa Jones and she died of a heroin overdose at the age of 18. Heartbreaking.
Whatever Happened To Baby Jane is a psychological, horror story about two aging show-biz sisters, Jane and Blanche Hudson, who are locked in the ultimate sibling rivalry war.
When they were very young Jane was a cute, famous vaudeville child star known as "Baby Jane". Think of Shirley Temple but in a traveling variety vaudeville show with tap dancing and singing.
Baby Jane was the breadwinner for the family. She was spoiled rotten, indulged and doted on by her father and grew up with a massive sense of entitlement. Jane's sister, Blanche, grew up in Jane's shadow, ignored and dismissed by her parents and pretty much everyone else too.
In a crazy a twist of fate, as adults, Blanche becomes a wildly successful movie actress. Blanche becomes wealthier, more famous and more beautiful than Baby Jane ever was. As Blanche's star power grew brighter, Jane's star power dimmed and faded away into obscurity.
Flash forward: decades later and these two competitive sisters are still living together in a decaying old Hollywood mansion owned by Blanche. Blanche is now handicapped and confined to a wheelchair, the result of a terrible car wreck. Blanche's disability keeps her trapped on the upstairs floor of the house. It is implied that Jane's deep-seated jealousy had something sinister to do with Blanche's mysterious car accident.
Now both women are middle-aged. Jane continues to resent Blanche. Blanche has managed to keep her good looks but Jane is an alcoholic who has not aged well physically or mentally. What's worse is Jane is really starting to lose her grip on reality.
As Jane spirals into mental illness, she becomes more and more controlling, taunting and abusive towards Blanche, who is helpless in her wheelchair. Blanche's only contact with the outside world is through Jane. Blanche is completely dependent on Jane for general care, food, doctor visits, everything.
In one of her earliest psychotic moments, Jane delivers Blanche breakfast on a tray as usual, but instead of a meal Jane decides to serve Blanche her dead, pet bird and then later a dead rat she caught in the basement. Old Jane thinks this is just a hoot.
Who's hungry? Such a jokester, that Jane.
Soon Jane is really becoming unhinged. Fueled by alcohol Jane starts stealing Blanche's money by forging her checks. Jane has a fantasy of using Blanche's money to kickstart a comeback and revive her old Baby Jane vaudeville act. Jane puts on a babydoll dresses, drunkenly smears makeup on her face and in a baby voice starts rehearsing her old song and dance routines.
This is only the beginning. Jane's behavior continues to spiral out of control, growing more bizarre and over-the-top. I’ll let you read the book to find out how crazy she truly becomes.
February 26, 2018
Baby Jane Hudson was a precocious vaudeville child star until she was overshadowed by her younger sister, Blanche. Blanche became a beautiful Hollywood actress, but in her prime an accident robbed her of her glittering career, her prospects of romance, and the use of her legs.
Whatever happened to baby Jane is a story of toxic families, jealousy, betrayal, mental illness and family loyalty. It’s astoundingly modern and yet ageless. I know it’s a cliche but I really couldn’t put this down. I know that I really enjoyed a book when I turn the last page and realise it’s 3:00am and don’t regret only getting 3 and half hours sleep.
A fantastic story, I highly recommend it. Now I must hunt down a copy of the film.
4.5*
Whatever happened to baby Jane is a story of toxic families, jealousy, betrayal, mental illness and family loyalty. It’s astoundingly modern and yet ageless. I know it’s a cliche but I really couldn’t put this down. I know that I really enjoyed a book when I turn the last page and realise it’s 3:00am and don’t regret only getting 3 and half hours sleep.
A fantastic story, I highly recommend it. Now I must hunt down a copy of the film.
4.5*
April 11, 2022
Súper pero súper bueno: Rápido, claustrofóbico, ingenioso, dramático, sentimental, loco, entretenido, horrible, realmente un viaje literario de aquellos. Además, se supone que es viejísimo, pero si no fuera porque hoy existe todo el tema de los celulares, se sentiría como si estuviera pasando aquí y ahora.
Me encantó, aunque es terrorífico (lo que imaginamos es parte de su encanto).
Luego de leerlo, me dio por ver algunos videínes en la red sobre la peli que hicieron Bette Davis y Joan Crawford sobre él, y vi que hay algunas diferencias muy básicas, como que en el libro Blanche era la menor y es rubia, y Jane la mayor y es morena, y luego en la peli es justo al revés, pero el ambiente, hasta donde yo he podido ver (no he logrado agarrar la peli) se siente igual. Comentario al margen: Igual quedaba mejor Blanche como la rubia porque Blanche significa blanco en francés.
El final es inesperado y muy genial.
Me encantó, aunque es terrorífico (lo que imaginamos es parte de su encanto).
Luego de leerlo, me dio por ver algunos videínes en la red sobre la peli que hicieron Bette Davis y Joan Crawford sobre él, y vi que hay algunas diferencias muy básicas, como que en el libro Blanche era la menor y es rubia, y Jane la mayor y es morena, y luego en la peli es justo al revés, pero el ambiente, hasta donde yo he podido ver (no he logrado agarrar la peli) se siente igual. Comentario al margen: Igual quedaba mejor Blanche como la rubia porque Blanche significa blanco en francés.
El final es inesperado y muy genial.
September 18, 2018
O. M. G this story! I have not seen the movie but had a vague idea of what it’s about. Well honey! I was surprised at the crazy and betrayal and crazy that is this book. It was great and the lady reading it did sooo great with the voices. I can’t wait to watch this now!!
Ps- someone please pass word to Jinx Monsoon to narrate this story! She’d be so perfect for this!
Ps- someone please pass word to Jinx Monsoon to narrate this story! She’d be so perfect for this!
May 19, 2025
Started as a gothic horror and ended as a horrific tragedy. Wow.
April 24, 2023
(Luego escribo unas simples palabras.)
September 14, 2024
Another book which is hard to separate from the movie; impossible to read without images of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis popping into my head. The drama of the famous feud between these two actresses also adds another layer of resonance to the story.
The novel itself? It is a horror story, of a sort — real-life horror. Much of it is (as the creative writing kids say today) "on the nose." Some of the details of Blanche's condition are ignored; for example, when she is sleeping in her wheelchair, neglected, there is no mention of basic needs. Sometimes in books and movies it is as if no one ever has to go to the bathroom.
I found the novel fairly gripping, even though I'm familiar with the movie. The main trouble was that I kept waiting for Jane to say, "But you are, Blanche, you are!". In the book Jane never says this, but in real life it is something my friends enjoy saying to each other!
4 stars just for being so ensconced in pop culture.
This volume also includes What Ever Happened to Cousin Charlotte?, and two other short works.
The novel itself? It is a horror story, of a sort — real-life horror. Much of it is (as the creative writing kids say today) "on the nose." Some of the details of Blanche's condition are ignored; for example, when she is sleeping in her wheelchair, neglected, there is no mention of basic needs. Sometimes in books and movies it is as if no one ever has to go to the bathroom.
I found the novel fairly gripping, even though I'm familiar with the movie. The main trouble was that I kept waiting for Jane to say, "But you are, Blanche, you are!". In the book Jane never says this, but in real life it is something my friends enjoy saying to each other!
4 stars just for being so ensconced in pop culture.
This volume also includes What Ever Happened to Cousin Charlotte?, and two other short works.
January 6, 2017
If you've seen the fabulous 1962 film starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, you'll know every plot-point. Nevertheless, 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?' is a nail-biter of a suspense novel. Author Henry Farrell must have been a great observer; each description of posture, gait or facial expression is the quintessential picture that tells a thousand words. (This edition included one novelette and two short stories. Oh, how I wish Farrell had expanded the novelette, 'What Ever Happened to Cousin Charlotte?' into a novel! Apparently it inspired a film, which I'll have to track down.)
February 22, 2015
Chilling and disturbing, this is a great fast read. Now I have to see the film.
February 9, 2022
Преди много години Бейби Джейн Хъдзън е известно дете - водевилна актриса, което издържа с таланта си цялото си семейство. Няколко десетилетия по-късно се е превърнала в полудяла и алкохолизирана гротеска, която се грижи за инвалидизираната си след мистериозна злополука сестра Бланш.
Две сестри, които се мразят и ревнуват до смърт и отвъд смъртта, са затворени в стара къща със своите спомени за пропилените си животи и прекършени Холивудски кариери. Ако "Мизъри" се развиваше в тихо американско предградие, може би щеше да изглежда като "Какво ли се случи с Бейби Джейн?".
Тази книга е известна основно покрай филмовата си версия с участието на Бет Дейвис и Джоан Крофърд - две актриси, чиято взаимна омраза идеално е подхранила актьорските им изпълнения във филма.
Допадна ми историята и стилът на автора.
Две сестри, които се мразят и ревнуват до смърт и отвъд смъртта, са затворени в стара къща със своите спомени за пропилените си животи и прекършени Холивудски кариери. Ако "Мизъри" се развиваше в тихо американско предградие, може би щеше да изглежда като "Какво ли се случи с Бейби Джейн?".
Тази книга е известна основно покрай филмовата си версия с участието на Бет Дейвис и Джоан Крофърд - две актриси, чиято взаимна омраза идеално е подхранила актьорските им изпълнения във филма.
Допадна ми историята и стилът на автора.
February 5, 2023
Even if you've seen the famous film, the book is different. Read it!
August 5, 2017
Very similar to the movie. You do have more psychological insight into the characters, though.
July 14, 2019
Great classic thriller. I had only seen clips of the movie, but definitely want to watch it now.
May 15, 2022
Really horrifying in only the way a psychological thriller can be! I really must watch the film with Bette Davis’s. I’ve seen photos of her in the film and she certainly evokes the fear and horror.
May 15, 2021
Il termine “Grand Guignol”, con cui il New York Herald Tribune definisce questo romanzo nella copertina dell’edizione Hobby & Work, mi sembra perfetto a descrivere ciò che ho letto.
Uno spettacolo del macabro, tuttavia misurato, e con una bella dose di suspense crescente ad ogni pagina.
So che ne è stato tratto un famoso film con due grande dive del cinema di Hollywood, ovvero Joan Crawford e Bette Davis, ma non l’ho mai visto, e dunque ero al digiuno della vicenda narrata.
Le protagoniste sono due anziane sorelle, Jane e Blanche. Da bambina, Jane è stata una cantante e ballerina prodigio, da tutti chiamata Baby Jane Hudson, fino a quando, a causa di motivazioni non chiarite (o non capite da me?), la sua carriera si è fermata. E le è subentrata la sorella Blanche, che, con la sua bellezza, è diventata una diva indiscussa del cinema americano, sino a quando un brutto incidente (che poi si capirà) non ha messo la parola fine anche alla sua carriera. Così ora Blanche vive sulla sedia a rotelle, in una grande casa, insieme alla sorella che ha sempre nutrito nei suoi confronti un sentimento di inferiorità ma anche di forte invidia.
L’improvvisa visione di un vecchio film di Blanche, trasmesso in tv dopo tanti anni, scatena, nella mente di Jane, un’esplosione di follia che trascina lei, la sorella e altri personaggi, in una pericolosa spirale di odio e di azioni delittuose. Tra gli altri personaggi non posso non citare Edwin Flagg, goffo pianista disoccupato, ingaggiato da Jane per dei suoi futuri piani di ripresa nel mondo dello spettacolo (ovviamente irrealizzabili e nati dalla sua mente malata): un personaggio disadattato che Jane inizialmente vorrebbe portare dalla sua parte, ma che poi finisce per diventare anche lui una vittima.
Sembra proprio di vedere un film: la scrittura è molto visiva, molto cinematografica, quasi il romanzo sia stato scritto proprio per essere rappresentato sul grande schermo (la stessa indicazione dei personaggi, a inizio libro, superflua per un romanzo di tale brevità e semplicità, ricorda quella dei set cinematografici o delle opere teatrali). E, parlando in termini cinematografici, a volte ho avvertito la sensazione che qualche “flash back” in più sarebbe stato necessario a capire meglio la vicenda. Ad esempio, cos’è accaduto veramente a Jane, per porre fine alla sua carriera? Com’è accaduto che lei e la sorella si sono ritrovate a vivere da sole?
Resta comunque un gran bel classico del genere thriller, capace di esplorare il tema del disagio, della schizofrenia e della violenza psicologica in maniera quasi teatrale.
Super consigliato.
Uno spettacolo del macabro, tuttavia misurato, e con una bella dose di suspense crescente ad ogni pagina.
So che ne è stato tratto un famoso film con due grande dive del cinema di Hollywood, ovvero Joan Crawford e Bette Davis, ma non l’ho mai visto, e dunque ero al digiuno della vicenda narrata.
Le protagoniste sono due anziane sorelle, Jane e Blanche. Da bambina, Jane è stata una cantante e ballerina prodigio, da tutti chiamata Baby Jane Hudson, fino a quando, a causa di motivazioni non chiarite (o non capite da me?), la sua carriera si è fermata. E le è subentrata la sorella Blanche, che, con la sua bellezza, è diventata una diva indiscussa del cinema americano, sino a quando un brutto incidente (che poi si capirà) non ha messo la parola fine anche alla sua carriera. Così ora Blanche vive sulla sedia a rotelle, in una grande casa, insieme alla sorella che ha sempre nutrito nei suoi confronti un sentimento di inferiorità ma anche di forte invidia.
L’improvvisa visione di un vecchio film di Blanche, trasmesso in tv dopo tanti anni, scatena, nella mente di Jane, un’esplosione di follia che trascina lei, la sorella e altri personaggi, in una pericolosa spirale di odio e di azioni delittuose. Tra gli altri personaggi non posso non citare Edwin Flagg, goffo pianista disoccupato, ingaggiato da Jane per dei suoi futuri piani di ripresa nel mondo dello spettacolo (ovviamente irrealizzabili e nati dalla sua mente malata): un personaggio disadattato che Jane inizialmente vorrebbe portare dalla sua parte, ma che poi finisce per diventare anche lui una vittima.
Sembra proprio di vedere un film: la scrittura è molto visiva, molto cinematografica, quasi il romanzo sia stato scritto proprio per essere rappresentato sul grande schermo (la stessa indicazione dei personaggi, a inizio libro, superflua per un romanzo di tale brevità e semplicità, ricorda quella dei set cinematografici o delle opere teatrali). E, parlando in termini cinematografici, a volte ho avvertito la sensazione che qualche “flash back” in più sarebbe stato necessario a capire meglio la vicenda. Ad esempio, cos’è accaduto veramente a Jane, per porre fine alla sua carriera? Com’è accaduto che lei e la sorella si sono ritrovate a vivere da sole?
Resta comunque un gran bel classico del genere thriller, capace di esplorare il tema del disagio, della schizofrenia e della violenza psicologica in maniera quasi teatrale.
Super consigliato.
January 9, 2016
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
If you've seen the movie, you're not going to gain anything by reading the book. The movie is very faithful to the story, with the added bonus of seeing Bette Davis and Joan Crawford work their magic in every scene.
It's not easy to talk about the story itself without giving something away, and so I won't.
It had been years since I had seen the movie, so I watched it again immediately after finishing the story. Because it was faithful to Farrell's story, and since I had just spent a few days reading it, one thing I realized (that never made an impression before) is that Farrell may have had a problem with women. There are a lot of really nasty women in this story; it's like Farrell had a bone to pick and/or didn't know a decent woman in his entire life. This makes me sad for Farrell, of course, but also makes me worried about what he expressed to his audience: Women are drunk, overbearing, lying, cheating, stealing harlots.
What Ever Happened to Charlotte?
Ah, another good question! Everyone wanted to know what happened to Baby Jane, and that worked out pretty well, so let's write a story about Charlotte and what happened to her. This story was previously unpublished, but it is the story that became another Bette Davis movie, Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte.
Like Baby Jane it's another story about a young woman whose life was changed significantly by events that are unfolded slowly through the telling of the story. We get a little backstory first off, but then the majority of the story involves Charlotte as an older woman, very similar in behavior to Baby Jane in her older years.
The mystery is not dissimilar, but only in the sense that something happened and we (the readers) want to know what it is. So we read it. And I'll admit I was a little shocked at just how vivid a few pieces of this story were. Especially surprising were how vivid they were in the movie from the 60s.
A good story, but not as good as Baby Jane. I'll admit that I have now read both of these stories and re-watched their respective films in a couple of days, and I am a bit exhausted with psycho-biddy stories featuring overwrought characters, as talented as Bette Davis was. It's just a bit much all at once. Note: The movie is also much longer than the story, and I have heard complaints about having to listen to Davis screaming and yelling for so long. Not saying their wrong, but it is Bette Davis. It's hard to turn away. (Unless you're my boyfriend who is clearly scared of her.)
The Debut of Larry Richards
Wait, I don't know how to read this story. It doesn't end with a question mark, for one, and I don't think a movie was made out of this short story. And there's no insane woman! In fact, it appears that the unsettled one in this story is a... gasp... man. This is probably why no movie was made out of it. No good role for Bette Davis.
Was this even written by Henry Farrell? I don't believe you.
Here we have an older man, Laurence Richards, who is fairly well known in the theater biz. And, well, he's sort of a diva now. We find out he was ill for a few years and unable to work, and now he's trying to find his place in the studio. Larry finds himself on the first day of shooting with a young man in his dressing room with a gun, and he somehow needs to get himself through the shoot without setting off the young man.
A very short story, short and sweet, not a lot of meat. Not the best story ever, but certainly not the worst. I really just had difficulty understanding how a man could be at the center of a Farrell story because I'm already not used to that.
First, the Egg
What a great title. No question mark, but after The Debut of Larry Richards, I understand that Farrell sometimes wrote stories with titles that didn't end with punctuation. It's a whole new world out there.
And also one of the best first lines in story history:
All because no one would take Orvil's egg seriously, the world was in for quite a shock one of these days.
That's a solid first line if I have ever read one.
Another short story, this time about a man named Orvil who once traveled to the north and brought back a mysterious egg. His story gets picked up by the Hollywood studios who, in a very amusing sequence, rewrite the entire story so it's nothing like Orvil's experience at all. The egg, ultimately, does hatch, and that's where things get sort of amusing. Like... I cracked a smile. It was charming, this story.
Only one female character, and she says things like "I've always wanted to be kissed that way" or weeps a lot and asks Orvil to pretend to not be crazy, y'know, "for her".
Otherwise it's a cute story and a fast read.
Oh, and I also don't believe a real movie was made out of this story either. Sadly.
If you've seen the movie, you're not going to gain anything by reading the book. The movie is very faithful to the story, with the added bonus of seeing Bette Davis and Joan Crawford work their magic in every scene.
It's not easy to talk about the story itself without giving something away, and so I won't.
It had been years since I had seen the movie, so I watched it again immediately after finishing the story. Because it was faithful to Farrell's story, and since I had just spent a few days reading it, one thing I realized (that never made an impression before) is that Farrell may have had a problem with women. There are a lot of really nasty women in this story; it's like Farrell had a bone to pick and/or didn't know a decent woman in his entire life. This makes me sad for Farrell, of course, but also makes me worried about what he expressed to his audience: Women are drunk, overbearing, lying, cheating, stealing harlots.
What Ever Happened to Charlotte?
Ah, another good question! Everyone wanted to know what happened to Baby Jane, and that worked out pretty well, so let's write a story about Charlotte and what happened to her. This story was previously unpublished, but it is the story that became another Bette Davis movie, Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte.
Like Baby Jane it's another story about a young woman whose life was changed significantly by events that are unfolded slowly through the telling of the story. We get a little backstory first off, but then the majority of the story involves Charlotte as an older woman, very similar in behavior to Baby Jane in her older years.
The mystery is not dissimilar, but only in the sense that something happened and we (the readers) want to know what it is. So we read it. And I'll admit I was a little shocked at just how vivid a few pieces of this story were. Especially surprising were how vivid they were in the movie from the 60s.
A good story, but not as good as Baby Jane. I'll admit that I have now read both of these stories and re-watched their respective films in a couple of days, and I am a bit exhausted with psycho-biddy stories featuring overwrought characters, as talented as Bette Davis was. It's just a bit much all at once. Note: The movie is also much longer than the story, and I have heard complaints about having to listen to Davis screaming and yelling for so long. Not saying their wrong, but it is Bette Davis. It's hard to turn away. (Unless you're my boyfriend who is clearly scared of her.)
The Debut of Larry Richards
Wait, I don't know how to read this story. It doesn't end with a question mark, for one, and I don't think a movie was made out of this short story. And there's no insane woman! In fact, it appears that the unsettled one in this story is a... gasp... man. This is probably why no movie was made out of it. No good role for Bette Davis.
Was this even written by Henry Farrell? I don't believe you.
Here we have an older man, Laurence Richards, who is fairly well known in the theater biz. And, well, he's sort of a diva now. We find out he was ill for a few years and unable to work, and now he's trying to find his place in the studio. Larry finds himself on the first day of shooting with a young man in his dressing room with a gun, and he somehow needs to get himself through the shoot without setting off the young man.
A very short story, short and sweet, not a lot of meat. Not the best story ever, but certainly not the worst. I really just had difficulty understanding how a man could be at the center of a Farrell story because I'm already not used to that.
First, the Egg
What a great title. No question mark, but after The Debut of Larry Richards, I understand that Farrell sometimes wrote stories with titles that didn't end with punctuation. It's a whole new world out there.
And also one of the best first lines in story history:
All because no one would take Orvil's egg seriously, the world was in for quite a shock one of these days.
That's a solid first line if I have ever read one.
Another short story, this time about a man named Orvil who once traveled to the north and brought back a mysterious egg. His story gets picked up by the Hollywood studios who, in a very amusing sequence, rewrite the entire story so it's nothing like Orvil's experience at all. The egg, ultimately, does hatch, and that's where things get sort of amusing. Like... I cracked a smile. It was charming, this story.
Only one female character, and she says things like "I've always wanted to be kissed that way" or weeps a lot and asks Orvil to pretend to not be crazy, y'know, "for her".
Otherwise it's a cute story and a fast read.
Oh, and I also don't believe a real movie was made out of this story either. Sadly.
July 18, 2022
Qué librazo! Y qué peliculón! Esta me la vi antes de hacer la comunión, creo y de algo me enteré, pero poco, lo que me fascinó fueron esas actrices... brutales. Y así es esta novelita, loca, cáustica, opresiva... imposible no caer en ella. Ahora necesito volver a ver la peli. Maravilloso.
February 7, 2017
Great movie! (Starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford) and a Great book!
I haven't seen the movie in years, but from what I recall, the movie closely follows the book.
It's just so creepy and suspenseful.
I haven't seen the movie in years, but from what I recall, the movie closely follows the book.
It's just so creepy and suspenseful.
July 10, 2024
Pensé que me iba a defraudar después de haber visto la película muchas veces y nada más lejos. Aunque no se si se podría llamar novela, ya que es muy breve, la construcción de los personajes, la escenificación de ambientes y la trama, me han parecido impecables.
Me ha gustado muchísimo el nivel de suspense de la historia, que hace que tengas ese extraño picorcillo en la nuca y los vellos de punta. Y eso ya digo, sabiendo lo que iba a pasar ya de antemano.
Os animo a leerlo y si no la habéis visto, a ver la película. Aunque en su día fue una película de bajo presupuesto y tanto Bette Davis como Joan Crawford estaban con sus carreras en declive, al final resultó ser un éxito de taquilla.
Otro día os cuento lo que debió ser ese rodaje y las cosas que e de él se dicen, siendo que las dos actrices eran archienemigas y se hacían una put@da tras otra.
Tan solo tengo un pero y es muy grande, la traductora. Es increíble cómo una persona que se ve que ni siquiera domina la gramática castellana, traduzca un libro y peor aun que un corrector le dejara pasar tantas cosas.
Una pequeña muestra:
Habían muchas personas.
Hubieron habladurías.
El eucaliptos rozó la ventana. (Eucaliptos lo repite unas cuantas veces, no es errata).
Me ha gustado muchísimo el nivel de suspense de la historia, que hace que tengas ese extraño picorcillo en la nuca y los vellos de punta. Y eso ya digo, sabiendo lo que iba a pasar ya de antemano.
Os animo a leerlo y si no la habéis visto, a ver la película. Aunque en su día fue una película de bajo presupuesto y tanto Bette Davis como Joan Crawford estaban con sus carreras en declive, al final resultó ser un éxito de taquilla.
Otro día os cuento lo que debió ser ese rodaje y las cosas que e de él se dicen, siendo que las dos actrices eran archienemigas y se hacían una put@da tras otra.
Tan solo tengo un pero y es muy grande, la traductora. Es increíble cómo una persona que se ve que ni siquiera domina la gramática castellana, traduzca un libro y peor aun que un corrector le dejara pasar tantas cosas.
Una pequeña muestra:
Habían muchas personas.
Hubieron habladurías.
El eucaliptos rozó la ventana. (Eucaliptos lo repite unas cuantas veces, no es errata).
May 24, 2016
Get a copy of this book if you can and I also recommend watching the film. This is a perfect book and film pairing! Perfectly done. No beating around the bush just all story, all action, all suspense all the time.
Keep an eye out for a review @ www.coffeeandtrainspotting.wordpress.com
Keep an eye out for a review @ www.coffeeandtrainspotting.wordpress.com
July 28, 2023
This horror classic is known mainly for being the source of the successful 1962 movie. I have seen parts of the movie many times but never the whole version from start to the finish, so the book had some surprises for me. It’s the story of 2 aging sisters, Jane a former child stage star and Blanche an adult movie star, with Jane caring for the now- invalid Blanche
I thought the book was a well done non-gory horror story. Any acts of violence are either only referred to or not overly graphically depicted. Thus, more of the horror is psychological albeit with the overhanging threat of violence. Farrell’s writing is clear and expository without being overwrought. Farrell provides sufficient information for the reader to get a vivid portrait of both the sisters. He writes in the third person but the point of view, while mainly from Blanche, can also be Jane’s or other parties’ such as their neighbor Mrs. Bates. Farrell’ choice of point of view worked effectively here as seeing the story from the various perspectives gives the reader a better overall view of things.
There is tension and suspense, but Farrell does not overdo it. The book was less sensational and better written than I thought, and the plot was laid out in a believable manner. There were some instances where the behavior edged to the brink of unbelievability, but horror fiction often relies on instances of very stupid behavior.
My version also contained a few extra short stories including:
" Whatever Happened to Cousin Charlotte?" - a 66-page story that formed the basis for a 1965 movie which had the same star, Bette Davis, and director, Robert Aldrich, as ‘Baby Jane.” As I anticipated, it was well-done but felt more like a less-developed sequel with a similar relationship between two female relations and similar plotting. The more fleshed-out movie version added some plot events to make it even more similar to Baby Jane. It was still worth reading, though.
"The Debut of Larry Richards"- a satisfying tale of a forced-to-retire egotistic stage actor and the type of 'stage fright' he faces on his comeback. The story contains another instance where a Farrell character conveniently fails to read a written note they come across.
"First, The Egg" - about a young, scientific explorer who returns after discovering an egg on an expedition to the North Pole and his experiences as a 'script consultant on a movie version that is loosely based on his true experiences. I presume Farrell wrote this to satirize Hollywood after experiences as a screenwriter for Baby Jane and Charlotte. The story felt like if P. G. Wodehouse decided to write one of his Hollywood tales as a horror story. Not quite as funny as Wodehouse but I enjoyed its lightness and ambiguity after the more serious stories of Baby Jane, Charlotte and Larry.
I rate the whole edition including the 3 short stories with the Baby Jane novel/novella as 4 stars.
I rate "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" story itself as 4 stars.
I thought the book was a well done non-gory horror story. Any acts of violence are either only referred to or not overly graphically depicted. Thus, more of the horror is psychological albeit with the overhanging threat of violence. Farrell’s writing is clear and expository without being overwrought. Farrell provides sufficient information for the reader to get a vivid portrait of both the sisters. He writes in the third person but the point of view, while mainly from Blanche, can also be Jane’s or other parties’ such as their neighbor Mrs. Bates. Farrell’ choice of point of view worked effectively here as seeing the story from the various perspectives gives the reader a better overall view of things.
There is tension and suspense, but Farrell does not overdo it. The book was less sensational and better written than I thought, and the plot was laid out in a believable manner. There were some instances where the behavior edged to the brink of unbelievability, but horror fiction often relies on instances of very stupid behavior.
My version also contained a few extra short stories including:
" Whatever Happened to Cousin Charlotte?" - a 66-page story that formed the basis for a 1965 movie which had the same star, Bette Davis, and director, Robert Aldrich, as ‘Baby Jane.” As I anticipated, it was well-done but felt more like a less-developed sequel with a similar relationship between two female relations and similar plotting. The more fleshed-out movie version added some plot events to make it even more similar to Baby Jane. It was still worth reading, though.
"The Debut of Larry Richards"- a satisfying tale of a forced-to-retire egotistic stage actor and the type of 'stage fright' he faces on his comeback. The story contains another instance where a Farrell character conveniently fails to read a written note they come across.
"First, The Egg" - about a young, scientific explorer who returns after discovering an egg on an expedition to the North Pole and his experiences as a 'script consultant on a movie version that is loosely based on his true experiences. I presume Farrell wrote this to satirize Hollywood after experiences as a screenwriter for Baby Jane and Charlotte. The story felt like if P. G. Wodehouse decided to write one of his Hollywood tales as a horror story. Not quite as funny as Wodehouse but I enjoyed its lightness and ambiguity after the more serious stories of Baby Jane, Charlotte and Larry.
I rate the whole edition including the 3 short stories with the Baby Jane novel/novella as 4 stars.
I rate "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" story itself as 4 stars.
March 20, 2022
Me ha encantado este libro, y no lo habría leído de no haber salido en el club de lectura. Si tuviera que contarle a alguien de qué va, creo que sonaría aburrido, pero está narrado tan bien que la situación genera mucha angustia, incertidumbre, intriga por lo que podría pasar... Me dijeron que era de terror psicológico y sí, totalmente cierto.
Me he metido en la piel de las dos protagonistas, DE LAS DOS. Creo que esto es algo muy difícil de lograr: que veamos al mismo nivel a dos personajes y que al que está haciendo cosas claramente malas le lleguemos a tener hasta pena en ocasiones, de tan dentro que estamos escuchando sus porqués. El final me ha gustado mucho. Me he quedado muda.
Me he metido en la piel de las dos protagonistas, DE LAS DOS. Creo que esto es algo muy difícil de lograr: que veamos al mismo nivel a dos personajes y que al que está haciendo cosas claramente malas le lleguemos a tener hasta pena en ocasiones, de tan dentro que estamos escuchando sus porqués. El final me ha gustado mucho. Me he quedado muda.
July 6, 2020
So, if you have only seen the classic, black and white horror movie starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, then you DO NOT know the tense, and harrowing story of these two tormented and 'once talented Sisters' then get ready for the shocker by Henry Farrell, still a great horror story even after 50 years! And that BITCH; oh, but which one?
So, I had not read this since 1970, when I was only 9 years old! And, it still was so sad, horrifying and shocking, that i could not flip the pages fast enough! Actually I just got done listening to the audio book, and i was so surprised! The story starts out in the early 1900's and Baby Jane Hudson is a child vaudeville star, and a little bitchy bratty one, at that! Her younger sister; Blanche, (who was the older one in the movie version) is just an infant. Baby Jane is the apple of her Father's eye, and the bread winner of the family. As her Vaudeville act turns old and sour, as does she with age, she disappears and is no longer known for her talent, the world of silent films and Hollywoodland is starting to become the next sensation. We jump forward and now Blanche is the famous and most gorgeous of the two, she is a huge successful Hollywood actress, and Jane is the 'has been' sister of the two. See?
https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/comp...
Now, almost 35 years later, Blanche and Jane are both living in a Hollywood Victorian Mansion that is owned by Blanche. Blanche is now confined to a wheelchair, due to a horrible car accident that they were both in, rumors had it that Jane tried to kill Blanche due to her jealousy.
With Jane being Blanche's only caretaker and cook, she now has the chance to get back at Blanche for all the hell that she said Blanche put her thru when they were young girls......taking 'her Daddys' love away from her, and other reasons. What ensues is a horrifying and gripping tense tale of sibling rivalry that only Farrell could have written, and be ready for a shocker!!! This classic took the horror genre to a whole new meaning, and now everything since this one, is just a copycat.
Get ready for 'Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?'
So, I had not read this since 1970, when I was only 9 years old! And, it still was so sad, horrifying and shocking, that i could not flip the pages fast enough! Actually I just got done listening to the audio book, and i was so surprised! The story starts out in the early 1900's and Baby Jane Hudson is a child vaudeville star, and a little bitchy bratty one, at that! Her younger sister; Blanche, (who was the older one in the movie version) is just an infant. Baby Jane is the apple of her Father's eye, and the bread winner of the family. As her Vaudeville act turns old and sour, as does she with age, she disappears and is no longer known for her talent, the world of silent films and Hollywoodland is starting to become the next sensation. We jump forward and now Blanche is the famous and most gorgeous of the two, she is a huge successful Hollywood actress, and Jane is the 'has been' sister of the two. See?
https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/comp...
Now, almost 35 years later, Blanche and Jane are both living in a Hollywood Victorian Mansion that is owned by Blanche. Blanche is now confined to a wheelchair, due to a horrible car accident that they were both in, rumors had it that Jane tried to kill Blanche due to her jealousy.
With Jane being Blanche's only caretaker and cook, she now has the chance to get back at Blanche for all the hell that she said Blanche put her thru when they were young girls......taking 'her Daddys' love away from her, and other reasons. What ensues is a horrifying and gripping tense tale of sibling rivalry that only Farrell could have written, and be ready for a shocker!!! This classic took the horror genre to a whole new meaning, and now everything since this one, is just a copycat.
Get ready for 'Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?'
November 20, 2013
Anyone who knows me, knows that my favorite actress is Bette Davis, who starred in All About Eve, Dark Victory and What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? This was the reason why I picked up Henry Farrell's novel. In the case of Baby Jane I saw the movie before I read the book and thus began with wonder of how much had been adapted. In What Ever Happened To Baby Jane they were right on. It was an early Misery minus James Caan/Paul Sheldon getting his foot cut off, but enough about the movie.
I read the introduction before beginning What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? something I rarely do. I am so glad I did, as it gave fascinating insight into both the author, his reasoning and thought process behind the book and making of the film.
The novel itself was campy but eerily so and held a suspenseful element. This was shown subtly with Baby Jane revising her old act in replicas of her old costumes and the "Chef Specials" she would give to her sister Blanche. Henry Farrel did a superb job setting the run-down stuck in time Hudson Home with just as vivid of characters. Jane, while I hate to do the comparison, but she was Shirley Temple but only if Shirley Temple was a washed up drunk. Her sister the invalid, once great movie star Blanche, while playing the sick card both for real and sometimes for the irk of her sister I felt she knew something beyond the circumstances from her accident.
What Ever Happened To Baby Jane is masterly crafted and should be a read for anyone who enjoys old Hollywood or just a good creepy read.
I read the introduction before beginning What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? something I rarely do. I am so glad I did, as it gave fascinating insight into both the author, his reasoning and thought process behind the book and making of the film.
The novel itself was campy but eerily so and held a suspenseful element. This was shown subtly with Baby Jane revising her old act in replicas of her old costumes and the "Chef Specials" she would give to her sister Blanche. Henry Farrel did a superb job setting the run-down stuck in time Hudson Home with just as vivid of characters. Jane, while I hate to do the comparison, but she was Shirley Temple but only if Shirley Temple was a washed up drunk. Her sister the invalid, once great movie star Blanche, while playing the sick card both for real and sometimes for the irk of her sister I felt she knew something beyond the circumstances from her accident.
What Ever Happened To Baby Jane is masterly crafted and should be a read for anyone who enjoys old Hollywood or just a good creepy read.
February 26, 2014
Yes, it was a novel first and, yes, it is as good as or slightly better than the movie. In this age of shock and gore it is a pleasure to read a horror story of such reticence and subtlety. For instance:
“Then, as the room and the objects inside began gradually to gather dimension and shape, she leaned sharply forward, and her eyes widened with horror. For a space of nearly fifteen seconds she stood breathlessly still and then, with a low, animal moan of numbed disbelief, she put out a trembling hand to the doorjamb for support.
Behind her, Jane reached down and picked up the hammer.”
“Then, as the room and the objects inside began gradually to gather dimension and shape, she leaned sharply forward, and her eyes widened with horror. For a space of nearly fifteen seconds she stood breathlessly still and then, with a low, animal moan of numbed disbelief, she put out a trembling hand to the doorjamb for support.
Behind her, Jane reached down and picked up the hammer.”
November 4, 2020
This novel is slightly different from the silver screen interpretation. Some plot elements were changed — most of which I agreed with. However, certain parts, for example, the confession in the final scene, weren’t accentuated enough in the film. I gave it four stars because it wasn’t highbrow literature and the flashback vignettes weren’t polished. Overall, I liked this book, but prefer the film much more.
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