Reviews

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

froggiendie's review against another edition

5.0

This is a classic book in the gothic novel genre. Written in a POV of an 18 years old girl, the story was unsettleing from the first pages.

Living in their family's castle with her older sister and their uncle, this girl has such a disturbing way of thinking. Isolated from the village and considered as parias, the three of them never leave their house. Since a tragedy killed all their family, they cut all contact with the world outside. They are bullied, hated and seen as a family of murderers.

Their everyday life is described as a never changing habits, with the same daily routine. And for me, the main theme was about being content with the life they had, because that made them feel safe. When a change came, struggles began for them.

This book played with my head. Horrible things happened in that house. The main characters act like they lose all contact of reality, and that vibe gave me the chills. All of this atmosphere of neurosis made this book beautiful and so well written.

meganstreb's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Absolutely gripping, despite so little happening. 
A book about how much comfort and terror can be found in everyday moments. Or at least that's what I took from it. 

dmarrast's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

le_no_na's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

3.75

eeriekeri's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

_lily_'s review against another edition

dark medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

this book was so wonderful oh em gee. i love merricat and constance so much. their dynamic and everything about them is just so amazing i luv them. my only complaint is the lack of commas & the absurd amount of ands in some sentences... but other than that, this book was very very good. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death and Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Dementia, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness

Minor: Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Child abuse, and Child death

kathann's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jayseewhy's review against another edition

4.0

That was kind of sinister.

And so ends the reading challenge that I set for myself three or four months ago. Not a bad way to finish the year.

schamloselippe's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

theatrikat's review against another edition

fast-paced

4.0