'Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life' is Ruth Franklin's prize-winning chronicle that delves into the enigmatic world of Shirley Jackson, an author whose influence carved a notable mark on the literary landscape. Franklin pens a compelling narrative that uncovers the intimate details of Jackson's life, exploring the inherent darkness that shadowed her and which famously permeates her work, including renowned stories like 'The Lottery' and novels such as 'The Haunting of Hill House.' Cradled by the backdrop of mid-20th-century America, the biography is not only a vivid portrait of a literary figure; it's a scholarly and insightful reflection on the era's gender dynamics, revealing Jackson's position as an accidental chronicler of women's inner lives and societal challenges. Franklin's research offers a window into both the mind of Shirley Jackson and the times that forged her, celebrating her unique legacy in the pantheon of American writers alongside masters like Hawthorne, Poe, and James.