Shirley Jackson, best known for her work in horror and mystery fiction, remains a significant figure in the field of American literature. Although she passed away in 1965, her legacy continues to captivate readers and listeners alike. In an extraordinary find, enthusiasts and scholars may hear the rare timbre of Shirley Jackson’s voice thanks to the only known recording of her reading aloud.

The recording captures Jackson’s readings of two of her most famous stories, providing us with a window into her narrative poise and storytelling prowess. The first story she reads is “The Lottery,” a chilling tale of a quaint town with a dark tradition. Her voice adds layers of irony and suspense to the already harrowing narrative. As she delivers the dialogue and describes the setting, listeners are transported directly into the story’s deceptive calm before it spirals into its infamous climax.

Following this is “The Daemon Lover,” another example of Jackson’s mastery at weaving tension and unease into everyday scenarios. Hearing her deliver this story is nothing short of mesmerizing; her modulation and pacing are precise, pulling the listener deeper into the protagonist’s increasingly frantic search for her enigmatic lover.

What makes these recordings particularly precious is not just their rarity–but that hearing Jackson’s voice offers an additional dimension to understanding her work. Her intonation and emphasis provide insights into how she may have intended certain passages to be received, giving scholars and fans an invaluable glimpse at her approach to storytelling.

Listeners are left not only with the haunting resonance of Jackson’s tales but also with an intimate auditory souvenir from one of literature’s most enigmatic figures. This exclusive opportunity to listen to Shirley Jackson herself read aloud stands as a powerful testament to her enduring influence on horror writing and 20th-century fiction.