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A review by staghunters
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
SUPERB READ!
I liked The Haunting of Hill House very much, but would put this one above it. It is short, the tension is expertly woven, and so much is implied with each character and how they respond. The three Blackwood's feel both threatening and welcoming, Cousin Charles is an immediate interloper in their midst despite the family connection, and the villagers are a mixed bag that only shows remorse when the worst has already been done. By the end of the book, one supposedly feels conflicted about Merricat's assumption that they are oh so happy nowin their half-burned house, living as hermits that new generations treat as urban legends.
But the message is clear: how much does one need to be happy? Charles is eager to point out with frustration how the wealth that remains in the house is wasted on the Blackwood's sober lives. They don't make any use of it to live lavishly, but why would they? Content with weekly grocery trips and produce from the garden, there is no need to involve themselves more in the outside world. Not even the destruction of their trust and home can destabilize the bond that Merricat and Constance share.
One wishes them all the best, and may hopefully look at them for inspiration in hard times.
I liked The Haunting of Hill House very much, but would put this one above it. It is short, the tension is expertly woven, and so much is implied with each character and how they respond. The three Blackwood's feel both threatening and welcoming, Cousin Charles is an immediate interloper in their midst despite the family connection, and the villagers are a mixed bag that only shows remorse when the worst has already been done. By the end of the book, one supposedly feels conflicted about Merricat's assumption that they are oh so happy now
But the message is clear: how much does one need to be happy? Charles is eager to point out with frustration how the wealth that remains in the house is wasted on the Blackwood's sober lives. They don't make any use of it to live lavishly, but why would they? Content with weekly grocery trips and produce from the garden, there is no need to involve themselves more in the outside world. Not even the destruction of their trust and home can destabilize the bond that Merricat and Constance share.
One wishes them all the best, and may hopefully look at them for inspiration in hard times.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death