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A review by rgoth
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This dark, eerie classic was an utterly captivating experience. After my somewhat disappointing read of "The Haunting of Hill House," I approached this book with a hint of scepticism wondering if it would meet my expectations. To my delight, it exceeded them in every way.
The story revolves around two sisters whose lives are shrouded in a strange, unsettling aura that keeps you enthralled from the very first page. Their peculiar dynamic and the bizarre circumstances surrounding them drew me in, making it impossible to look away. The author's rich use of gothic tones enhances the atmosphere of the narrative; there's a palpable sense of dread that lingers throughout, even in the absence of graphic horror or bloody scenes. This undercurrent of suspense keeps you on edge, making the reading experience feel both haunting and compelling.
While the narrative twist is not particularly shocking and might be anticipated by seasoned readers, I found it intriguing nonetheless. The predictability did not detract from my enjoyment—rather, it allowed me to sasavour the unfolding of events, relishing every moment and detail.
Moreover, the surrounding characters add layers of complexity to the story. Each one is portrayed as uniquely strange and dark, often evoking an unsettling mix of disdain and curiosity. Their eccentricities contribute to the overall atmosphere, yet I found myself surprisingly empathetic towards the sisters, rooting for them despite their flaws and oddities.
Overall, this book is a perfect, quick read that you can easily power through in one sitting. Its gripping narrative, rich character portrayals, and eerie ambience make it a standout piece of literature that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.
The story revolves around two sisters whose lives are shrouded in a strange, unsettling aura that keeps you enthralled from the very first page. Their peculiar dynamic and the bizarre circumstances surrounding them drew me in, making it impossible to look away. The author's rich use of gothic tones enhances the atmosphere of the narrative; there's a palpable sense of dread that lingers throughout, even in the absence of graphic horror or bloody scenes. This undercurrent of suspense keeps you on edge, making the reading experience feel both haunting and compelling.
While the narrative twist is not particularly shocking and might be anticipated by seasoned readers, I found it intriguing nonetheless. The predictability did not detract from my enjoyment—rather, it allowed me to sasavour the unfolding of events, relishing every moment and detail.
Moreover, the surrounding characters add layers of complexity to the story. Each one is portrayed as uniquely strange and dark, often evoking an unsettling mix of disdain and curiosity. Their eccentricities contribute to the overall atmosphere, yet I found myself surprisingly empathetic towards the sisters, rooting for them despite their flaws and oddities.
Overall, this book is a perfect, quick read that you can easily power through in one sitting. Its gripping narrative, rich character portrayals, and eerie ambience make it a standout piece of literature that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.