Happy Halloween everyone! In honor of the holiday I decided to post on a great spooky read.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
by Shirley Jackson
★★★★★
"My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance."
So begins the short novel the has become one of my new favorite October reads. The Blackwood sisters live with their crazy uncle on the outskirts of a small town. They're social pariahs, cast out of polite society, though at the beginning we don't know why. It has a bit of a Grey Gardens feel to it, but with more of the tragedy and less of the humor.
This story unravels so beautifully, giving you just enough new information with each page. Jackson has such a flair for maintaining suspense. If you haven't already read her short story "The Lottery," go do so immediately. Then you'll understand what I'm talking about when I say she can walk the line between disturbing and thought-provoking, while at the same time giving you some serious chills.
The creepy factor is high. The ending in incredibly satisfying. The writing is fantastic. I can ask for nothing more from a gothic story.
This was my final read for the R.I.P. Challenge hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings.
For more R.I.P reviews visit here.
15 comments:
This sounds like a good story! I've read "The Lottery" and it's definitely creepy/disturbing/thought-provoking. :-)
This is definitely one of my favourite October reads too!
I have never read this! I think I need to start making my list for next year! haha
Merricat, would you like a cup of tea?...
I love this book!
I'm so glad you loved it!
Jillian - If you liked The Lottery I think you'd like this.
Nymeth - You always have great Oct. read recommendations!
Sandy - After the RIP challenge I felt the same way. I've seen so many great recommendations for next year.
Bybee - Ha, so good!
Amanda - Yes, you were definitely right about it!
Thanks for the recommendation. Am adding to my TBR list. The Lottery was incredible and so powerful.
Good review - thanks.
Ann
I need to get a copy of this book! I keep wanting to read it, then reading Haunting of Hill House instead. HoHH is a darn good book, but no substitute for this one.
Yay! I really enjoyed this one when I listened to it, last year I think. So glad you loved it too!
I'm going to have to add this to my next year's RIP reads.
Oooo, I'm such a huge Shirley Jackson fan. I get a little thrill every time someone brings her work back onto the radar. Thank you!
Jenny - I read that one as well and it's good, but not as good as this one!
Suey - It's perfect for RIP.
Celine - I feel that way about certain authors too. Jackson is quickly becoming one of those for me.
I agree with your review, this book is fabulous. I'm planning to read her short stories soon.
Silvia - I have only read The Lottery of her short stories. I love that one and should definitely check out the rest!
Post a Comment