Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - We Have Always Lived in the Castle

Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

130 reviews

yolanda_h's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

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theinkwyrm's review

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dark mysterious slow-paced

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

4.0

As far as classics go, I quite enjoyed it. This was like a gothic magical realism take on horror with 75% vibes and 25% plot and darkly quirky characters. I love Merricat’s narrative voice and obsession with magic and poison, although her voice is deceptively childlike for someone who takes on the guardian role in her family. Also, her cat Jones is exceptional and Charles is just the worst.

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kyrstin_p1989's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

In traditional Gothic horror fashion, this story by Jackson makes just enough sense to keep you engaged. The characters are just this side of realistic. The story is believable, yet horrifying. The fact that they continuously discuss the day that the entire family was murdered via arsenic poisoning (by one of the sisters discussing it) is morbid and disturbing. And yet, I found myself in full adoration of the sisters in this story. I loved how well they took care of one another. I also found the story to be full of humor. I liked "The Lottery" better, but I really enjoyed the macabre this story has to offer.

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jficele's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This book is stuck in my head, replaying scenes over and over trying to find meanings to them. The symbolism and character development also has kept me thinking. Exactly what I look for in a book.

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bambicat234's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75

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mijtje's review

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dark mysterious sad fast-paced

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

5.0

“Oh, silly Merricat.”

This is one of those books that I read and enjoyed but makes me feel like I should read it a hundred times more to get it. Which is a good thing.

The story is narrated by Mary Catherine (Merricat) Blackwood, who lives with her sister, her uncle, and her cat in their big mansion. They have been ostracised by the community they belonged to after a dark tragedy that played out in the mansion years before.

Merricat quickly drew me in with her childish, magical way of thinking. It’s crazy how fast this book managed to make me think “Yeah, these thoughts are logical. I get this”. However, Merricat isn’t a child. She’s 18. And pretty messed up in the head. Which was a delicacy to read.

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