We have always lived in the Castle : Book Review



Title: We have always lived in the Castle
Author: Shirley Jackson
Genre: Gothic/ Psychological fiction

I was compelled to pick this one based on some rave reviews. 'We have always lived in the castle' is a story about two sisters who have been affected by a tragedy that occurred six years ago. 

18 year old Mary Katherine Blackwood aka Merricat and her 28 year old sister Constance live with their rather eccentric uncle Julian in a mansion located in the outskirts of a village. Their other family members were poisoned with arsenic six years ago. The entire village accuses the girls of murdering the family. The three of them are battling their own idiosyncrasies until the arrival of their cousin Charles which causes a change in the most bizarre manner. 

The story is narrated in first person from Merricat's point of view. The childlike tone interspersed with curiosity and a tinge of darkness, is the USP of the book. The atmospheric vibe around the mansion has a gothic feel to it. It evokes an occasional chill down the spine. The author has subtly explored the themes of agoraphobia, mental health issues and post traumatic stress disorder. 

We have always lived in the castle definitely hooks the reader right from the start. The compelling narrative style, vivid descriptions of the house and the character sketching make it quite engaging throughout. Dark, disturbing, evocative and outlandish, this is certainly a book that haunts you for a long time.
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