51 pages 1 hour read

Shirley Jackson

We Have Always Lived in the Castle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1962

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson follows Mary Katherine "Merricat" Blackwood and her sister Constance, who live in isolation following a family tragedy involving arsenic poisoning. Their secluded life is disrupted by the arrival of their cousin Charles, leading to conflict and further calamity. The novella explores themes of family, isolation, and societal judgment. Includes themes of murder.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle is widely praised for its gripping atmosphere and rich character development, particularly the protagonist, Merricat. The novel's gothic elements and psychological depth are frequently highlighted. Some readers, however, find the pacing slow. Overall, it's regarded as a captivating and eerie read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read We Have Always Lived in the Castle?

Fans of gothic fiction and psychological thrillers will relish We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. If you appreciate the eerie atmospheres of The Haunting of Hill House or the unsettling family dynamics in Rebecca, this captivating story of isolation and dark secrets is for you.

Recommended

Reading Age

16-18years

Lexile Level

920L

Book Details

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Gothic Literature

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Topics

Class

Mental Illness

Bullying

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Revenge

Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness

Emotions/Behavior: Love