by Shirley Jackson
published 1962
completed October 2012
We Have Always Lived in the Castle has been my favorite RIP read so far this year. Katherine "Merricat" Blackwood lives in the family home with her sister Constance and her Uncle Julian. The Blackwood family lives in the outskirts of the village in which they have been ostracized.
I'm anti-spoiler. I've said before that I prefer to go into books blind so I'm glad I didn't read the back cover. It gives away the reason for the village's disdain for the family, but there's something to be said for discovering the facts of the story as the author intended. I loved how the facts of the past, and the shadow overhanging the family were slowly unfolded. The slow and controlled pace to which the reader is informed added to the eeriness of the story.
In choosing the first-person narration by Merricat, there is an added creepiness that couldn't come any other way. Her mind is a fascinating place to visit. Despite being 18 years old, she comes across as a little child at times. It's also apparent from the start that there is something very wrong within the family dynamic. Even though I guessed the truth that was uncovered at the end, it was still chilling to read.
I've seen it described as a horror story, but for me it wasn't so much terrifying as subtly creepy. I have zero complaints with this book. I read it in one sitting (stuck in bed with the flu), and I was riveted. It's a short book, but the writing was pitch perfect for a truly spine-chilling experience. Shirley Jackson can write.
I highly recommend We Have Always Lived in the Castle. It received the elusive 5-star rating from me, and I guarantee it will be in my top books of the year. It sits at the number one spot currently, but no promises as I still have a couple of months of reading.
Have you read We Have Always Lived in the Castle? If so, what did you think? If not, get on it already!
I really loved this book! My copy didn't have a back of the book description, so I didn't know *anything* about it going in. Half the fun was finding everything out! I think mostly it's a disturbing book because Merricat's narration is so completely OFF, you know?
ReplyDelete**Spoilery comment!!**
DeleteYes! Merricat's narration is really what gets you. Some of her comments are so off and her internal monologues are disturbing. Not the thoughts of a normal person.
I agree that half the fun is finding out what is really going on. The tea party scene was the best the way Julian was all crazy and the lady was asking questions and everyone else was freaking out and not wanting to talk about it. How everyone reacts really tells you more about the story than what actually happens. Just really great writing. I was so impressed. I'm glad you loved it too!
Have you read any of Shirley Jackson's other stories?
**Spoilery comment!!**
I read The Haunting of Hill House in one sitting too! And, to be honest, I'm not sure if I could have done it in less, because ZOMG the awesomeness! I think I'm definitely going to read this next because it basically sounds equally as awesome!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of waiting until next year's RIP event for The Haunting of Hill House, but I don't think I can wait that long! I just requested it from the library. What is wrong with me?! I have a serious problem.
DeleteAnd yes, We Have Always Lived in the Castle is awesome! I think you will love it.
Isn't this one a fun one? I thought is delightfully creepy. and goodness yes - don't read ANYTHING but the first page and keep going. I didn't read the jacket or know anything - I would have been mad to have it spoiled.
ReplyDeleteCare, I'm glad I'm not the only anti-spoiler reader out there. I find it so much more exciting. This was a really fun read. Perfectly creepy, but not so scary that you'll have nightmares.
DeleteI agree! It is more creepy Ryan horrific. She had such a unique voice and mind.
ReplyDeleteJenners--Merricat's voice was unique. I don't think I would have enjoyed it nearly as much if she hadn't been the narrator.
DeleteStupid auto correct. That should be a than instead of Ryan!!
ReplyDeleteJenners, too funny. I guess I've just learned to read what auto-correct must have changed because I knew what you meant!
DeleteOops, I'm afraid that I included the spoiler :/ Yours is a cleaner review, it's better to keep one guessing than giving the truth away. I only figured it out pretty late in the story.
ReplyDeleteI agree, We Have Always Lived in the Castle is a brilliant read, and indeed excellent when you're bed-bound. I hope that you've recovered in the meantime.
What a coincidence that you also posted your review on the same day Iris and I did :) I'll link you up!
My next Shirley Jackson read is The Lottery, which is supposed to be pretty good as well. Can't wait!
<3 R.I.P.
Chinoiseries, no worries! Every reader is different. I just avoid reviews of books entirely if I know I'm going to read them soon. I know some readers like more detail to decide if it's a book they will enjoy.
DeleteI'm feeling much better, and yes, it was perfect for reading while ill.
Thanks for linking me up.
Laura gave me a link to The Lottery yesterday. Hoping to read it today. It looks pretty short. Hope you enjoy it!
I love this one too! I read it for the RIP challenge. I will say I've also read The Haunting of Hill House and I liked this one more. The Lottery is incredible too!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, Shirley Jackson books are perfect for RIP reading. I was going to wait until next year to read her other stories, but I caved and put them on hold at the library. I'm hoping to get to them before Halloween.
DeleteI agree, this one is all about the subtle creep. And that's the cover that I have...it remains one of my all time favorite book covers.
ReplyDeleteJill, the book cover is pretty amazing. I read a library copy, but I'm going to give in and buy a copy to keep and it will probably be this cover. Love it!
DeleteI read this in one go. I simply couldn't put it down! And I agree, I think this is less horror than subtly creepy. Merricat as a narrator makes all the difference, you're right. I'm still amazed at the perfect writing.
ReplyDeleteIris, the writing was amazing! It's so rare to find a book that I can't find any little quibble about. Glad you enjoyed it too!
DeleteGlad that you enjoyed this one. Loving the cover as I do I would have been so disappointed if you had said it wasn't a good read.
ReplyDeletePetty Witter--The cover is pretty great, isn't it? I hope you enjoy it if you get a chance to read it.
DeleteThis was one of my favourites the year I read it too. The voice is just amazing.
ReplyDeleteAna, Merricat's narration is amazing. It makes such a difference to the book. I don't think it would have been nearly as effective written from another point of view.
DeleteMy library has this on audio via Overdrive, and I've had it on my wish list forever. I need to get to it soon, sounds like.
ReplyDeleteCarrie K., I hope you enjoy the audio. It's a fantastic book.
DeleteI will definitely read this book - I've just read another really good review for it so thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteLynn :D
Lynn, glad to hear you'll be reading. It is really quite fantastic. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
DeleteSounds good and creepy!
ReplyDeletemamabunny13--definitely a great creepy read.
DeleteI loved "We Have Always lived in the Castle", the narration, the oddness, it was a gem. Merricat is very unique and the author leads you along until the Zing! at the end. Hill House is equally as good, Shirley Jackson had a gift for story telling and for making it very creepy without all the gore.
ReplyDeleteKaida, glad to hear you enjoyed it as well. I just checked out Haunting of Hill House and am hoping to get to it this week before Halloween. I'm not into gore, so I agree that Shirley Jackson has a great style. Books can still be scary and creepy without being gruesome.
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