43 pages 1 hour read

William Sleator

House of Stairs

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1974

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In House of Stairs by William Sleator, five orphaned teenagers—Peter, Lola, Blossom, Abigail, and Oliver—find themselves trapped in a mysterious house made entirely of endless stairs. As part of an unethical experiment, they must navigate the bizarre environment and uncover the truth about their captivity, relying on each other while dealing with the psychological effects of their situation.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

William Sleator's House of Stairs is widely praised for its psychological intensity and unique plot, skillfully targeting a young adult audience. Critics laud its exploration of human behavior under pressure, though some find the characters underdeveloped. Its stark, minimalist setting amplifies tension, yet a few readers felt the ending was abrupt. Overall, it remains a compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read House of Stairs?

Readers with a taste for psychological thrillers and dystopian fiction will be captivated by William Sleator's House of Stairs. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 and Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games will appreciate the novel's chilling exploration of human behavior and societal control under extreme conditions.

Recommended

Reading Age

13-18years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Fantasy

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Emotions/Behavior: Memory