A review by deathmetalheron
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

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

3.25

As a concept this book is phenomenal. The narration and perspective are really what adds to the unique telling of this story. Merricat's personality is evident within the first half of the first page and her personality defines and shines throughout the story. She is such an enigmatic and deceitful little protagonist and her spicy spit takes on her perceived "enemies" are delightful.
Unfortunately I feel as though the high points of this book are few and far between and the majority of the book is caught between these moments repeating a lot of the same dynamics over and over. For a 145 page book, it took me a while to get through because each page is dense. The story outline is great and the overarching themes are there, but the vehicle to get them to the reader is not worth the trip.
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