Reviews

This books is bizarre and haunting in all the best ways. Shirley Jackson first blew me away with her short story "The Lottery" but this book is by-far my favorite piece I've read by her and I find myself coming back to it time and time again.

walenchao's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

allie_fawn's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kathrynwilliams's review against another edition

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3.0

I read this in one sitting on Halloween. I don't usually read scary books but this one was more creepy than scary and I enjoyed it.

tami317's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I just love Shirley Jackson. Her horror stories are subtle, but horrifying all at the same time. You are kept on your toes. This one is another example of it. We Have Always Lived in the Castle is a story about a family living in a manor. Although, not so much living as trapped. Years ago a murder happened in that house. Constance Blackwood was acquitted of the crime, but her village still holds grudges. She cannot leave the house for her own safety. Her younger sister, Mary Kat, goes out once a week to run their errands.

Later in the story, they are visited by their cousin, Charles Blackwood. Constance welcomes him in, but Mary Kat doesn't share her enthusiasm. Mary Kat does everything she can do to get Charles to leave their house. Until one day, she goes too far.

jul_iet's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

thewritebooks's review against another edition

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Loved this one, similar to Hill House in that it takes no time to read. Will need to work my way through all Jackson’s writing I think.

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