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

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Shirley Jackson's very Gothic novel. Like Haunting of Hill House, We Have Always Lived in the Castle is very difficult to put down. Similar to Hill House (and also the Shining), the house or “Castle” referenced in the title is perversely, kind of an inviting place. A place of safety, with a well-stocked pantry, where everything is where it should be makes it easy to ignore that it is a sick or cursed or evil place. This would have been a much more disturbing book to read during the height of shelter-in-place in 2020. It is a disturbing enough read in 2022! There is a lot packed into this book, I'm sure a second read would be very worthwhile. The afterward by Letham is amusing, but not super necessary.