A review by tyelperinquar
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

dark mysterious reflective slow-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? Yes

3.5

Merricat has an enjoyable perspective to listen in on, and her childlike demeanor made me wonder sometimes if she was really meant to be eighteen. Her and her sister, Constance, have a sweet relationship, and it’s a joy to see them interact. Merricat is always talking about living on the moon, about riding her winged horse, marking days with symbols, putting protections on the house… she’s a cute little witch, but it’s sad to see her disdain for others become justified.
The main attraction of this book is, of course, Merricat herself, and I found the most tense part of the novel to be Charles’s visit. I quickly found myself
hating him, as he’s such a greedy and inconsiderate man. It’s so clear he only wanted the money and didn’t care a bit for the rest of the family
.
The progression is driven by the characters’ interactions, but after
the fire happens and the sisters are living in their burnt house
, I found myself a bit let down, almost. There’s never any explanation as to why
Merricat murdered the rest of her family
, which I feel is kind of an important detail, given it’s mentioned countless times throughout the story. I would have liked to explore the reasons behind that—
Merricat is such an interesting character, and it would have been fascinating to hear why she did what she did. Was it because she had to go without her supper at times? I can’t remember any other ill treatment. It just seems strange. (But then again, Merricat is a bit strange.)

I think I enjoy stories with a stronger plot, or at least, more significant consequences for the characters’ actions. The ending had me feeling a bit that all the lead-up had been pointless, but maybe I was expecting something else out of this story. Regardless, it’s a short book, and it was fun to live in the mind of Merricat Blackwood for a while. I only hope I can take some of her magic with me.
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