In these new domestic reminiscences, Shirley Jackson carries on her tale of dubious parental equilibrium in the face of four children, assorted dogs and cats, and the uncounted heaps of small intrusive possessions which pile up in corners everywhere. Because of the increasing pressure of possessions, animals, and children, a bigger house is necessary to hold everything. The unending bewilderment of moving gives way to the healthy challenges of small repairs, new roofs, and bookcases, and the heady enthusiasms for horses, Little League, trumpet playing and magic. Shirley Jackson uses her great talent to picture the rich and varied day-to-day living of an unusual but not really so different American family.