We Have Always Lived in the Castle

By Shirley Jackson

 The final novel from one of the twentieth century’s greatest writers.
 
Most of the Blackwoods are dead. They were poisoned by arsenic, and the suspected murderer – Constance Blackwood – still lives in their family estate. In fact, she never leaves. Nor does her Uncle Julian, who is confined to a wheelchair. The only person to leave the house is her sister, the third remaining Blackwood, Merricat, and even she keeps her visits to town to a minimum. The townsfolk don’t like the Blackwoods; understandable, when one of them could be a mass murderer.
 
Constance, Merricat, and Julian maintain a semblance of a normal, if highly reclusive, life, aided – if Merricat is to be believed – by several magical wards and charm. But when one of these charms is disrupted, her estranged cousin Charles turns up for a visit, and threatens to throw the Blackwoods’ fragile peace into chaos.       
 
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• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781551999524

Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson was an American author who is best known for the short story “The Lottery” and the horror novel The Haunting of Hill House. Married to the literary critic Stanley Edgar Hyman, Jackson cultivated a literary lifestyle, writing full time and developing relationships with literary colleagues. A gifted writer, Jackson frequently took inspiration from the events and locales of rural Vermont, where she and her family resided, and from the exploits of her children, which were chronicled in Life Among the Savages. Jackson died of heart failure in 1965.

Reviews for We Have Always Lived in the Castle

[albertgoldfain · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A plausible psychopathology and traumatic response to escalating isolation. Shows how orderly the mind seeks to make the world when food, clothing, and shelter come under threat. Jackson makes it hard to totally spend the sympathy budget on the Blackwood sisters.

[passion4reading_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mary Katherine Blackwood has lived alone with her sister and their invalid uncle in a large old house outside a small unnamed American town after the rest of the family was poisoned, a crime for which Constance stood trial but was acquitted. Since then the villagers have looked on the small family with a mixture of terror and morbid fascination and the family has largely been left alone, receiving few visitors. Their daily routine changes dramatically when one day their cousin Charles arrives out of the blue and takes up residence in the house, much to Mary Katherine's chagrin. With tensions between the two running high, events soon spiral out of control.This novella is narrated by Mary Katherine, affectionately called Merricat by her sister, and from the first page her flitting thoughts indicate an emotional lability and possible mental disorder, the tone of her musings being intrinsically disturbing and unhinged; Shirley Jackson has masterfully captured Merricat's character and created one of the most memorable and creepiest character in modern literature. The house itself is both a cage and a sanctuary and there is something very poignant about the situation of the family members who are mostly shunned by society.The book is a master class in increasing the tension, slowly notching up the tension from the very first page to its violent conclusion, and while there's a degree of predictability to it, the sequence of events is anticipated, not dreaded. The revelation, three-quarters in, doesn't come as a surprise as the answer to the mystery was on the cards from the beginning, with clues scattered quite generously throughout the narrative. While the dramatic finale was unexpected and fitting, the actual ending falls curiously flat in my opinion and the anticipated final confrontation didn't materialise, though the final scene of the two women content playing house, with Constance refusing to face the changed reality of their situation, is quite chilling.

[andreablythe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Shirley Jackson was a phenomenal writer, and We have Always Lived in the Castle is evidence of her skill. She masterfully captured the voice of Merricat, the younger of the two Blackwood girls, who relates the unsettling history of the Blackwood family and who herself is fanciful and a bit unsettling. Captivating from the start, this novel is a work of brilliance.

[caanderson-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Creepy, suspenseful, honest story of sister trying to live in a safe world after a family tragedy. The outside world became the mob to these two sisters in a small town. Enjoyed the story and the characters.

[kmmsb459 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Really enjoyed her writing style. The story itself was spooky fun.

[abbeyhar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A unique and strange and creepy book. Fascinated to learn that Jackson was an agoraphobe, and also lived in north Bennington Vermont for much of her life as the wife of a professor.

[stahl2ricco · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Strange, creepy, and slightly off - and a really cool read! Sort of like her short story, "The Lottery", but then again, it isn't. Two sisters, Mary Katherine and Constance, live with their Uncle Julian in the Blackwood house, where a terrible family murder occurred. And the people in town don't like any of the three! Throw in a strange cousin, a fire, and a cat named Jonas and add a dash of Shirley Jackson and voila! A very curious and wonderful read!"Merricat, said Constance, would you like a cup of tea?" Creepy!

[imperfectcj · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The first time I read this was during a Shirley Jackson binge I went on in 2004/2005. I liked the book then, but reading it again more than a decade later, I appreciate it even more.A couple of months ago I attended a piano performance by pianist who played so skillfully that he made very complex pieces seem not only effortless but a joy to play. Reading this novel, I felt like I did while watching this pianist play. Jackson weaves the story of Merricat and Constance and their interactions with the world with subtlety and grace. I love the way she's able to turn something simple and innocuous or even at first quaint and delightful into something dark and bottomless. It's like going over the first hill on a roller coaster I didn't know I was on. Except that I wouldn't like it if it really were a roller coaster and not just a simile.

[arubabookwoman · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Mary Katherine (Merricat) and her sister Constance live in an old house with their Uncle Julian, isolated from the nearby village where they are ostracized. They are the sole survivors of a family tragedy which occurred in the recent past.The book was atmospheric enough--Merricat's strangeness and wildness (she is the narrator, and is seemingly unaware that her weirdness and the family isolation is anything but normal), Constance's obsession with cooking, gardening and domestic-duties, Uncle Julian's forgetfulness as he goes over family history again and again, the crude and threatening villagers are very well conveyed. Into this milieu an outsider, "Cousin" Carl, intrudes with tragic consequences.This was a good read, well-written but the reveal of the "big secret" and the climactic events with the villagers were easily foreseen. The book may be best read as a psychological study of mob violence, rather than as a horror story.

[mamzel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was an odd story about an odd family and how the people of the town treat their oddness. Mary Catherine (Merricat) Blackwood lives with her aunt, Constance, and her invalid Uncle Julian in a large house outside a small town. Some years earlier, Merricat's parents and other family members died of arsenic poisoning. Constance was the only one not poisoned because she did not use sugar on her berries, Julian survived the poison, and Merricat had been sent to bed without dinner. Constance was charged with the murders. Now the three live isolated lives. Julian is wheelchair-bound and Constance does not venture farther than her garden. Merricat is the only one to go to town for shopping, enduring the taunts and harassment of the village folk. A distant cousin tries to muscle his way into the tight little groups much to Merricat's dismay. After a fire destroys half of the house followed by destruction caused by nasty villagers, Julian is found dead, apparently of a heart attack. Merricat and Constance close the remaining livable parts of the house and hide from the cousin and villagers who try to make amends. This was a creepy story of the dynamics of a small town which had long lived with and probably were jealous of a wealthy family who lived on a large estate. After they went beyond the verbal harassment and physically attacked the house and the inhabitants, they immediately felt bad and tried to make up for their bad behavior. It was, however, too late.

[fothpaul · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Just not for me. Don't get me wrong this book is not terribly written and the story is intriguing. To me though it just felt a little bit of a let down in the end. The narrator is an interesting character, with her childlike mindset despite being 18 years of age. Her and her sister live a strange day by day existence in their family residence following the mysterious poisoning of the rest of their family members, save their elderly uncle. The circumstances of their situation slowly reveal themselves, as does their relationship with the local townsfolk, which I think is meant to be central to the point of the book. For me though, it's all a bit too subtle and odd, which is why I've given it a low rating. Clearly other people very much enjoyed this book, so maybe it's just me.

[indygo88 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was unaware of this fairly well-known title until just recently, but the reviews made me curious, so I took advantage of the fact that I was able to listen to it on audio via Hoopla. Constance & Merricat Blackwood, along with their aging Uncle Julian, live in isolation in their old family mansion. They have become severely agorophobic and for the most part never venture out into the community. One day cousin Charles comes for an extended visit, and things deteriorate from there. There are many words one could use to describe this book, and it seems lots of readers have both similar & differing thoughts on what exactly Shirley Jackson was trying to convey with this story. It has a Gothic-type feel, but yet is more humorous than a typical Gothic tale. It's odd, it's quirky, it's sort of creepy, and the characters are very eccentric. I still can't quite categorize Merricat (who is the first-person narrator of this story). She is supposed to be 18 years old, but acts much younger, and displays a lot of characteristics reminiscent of Asperger's Syndrome. Or perhaps she's mentally ill. It's difficult to ascertain for sure, and the clues in the story don't particularly make it obvious.For those who enjoy something a bit out of the ordinary, I'd recommend this. It's not my typical genre and I have mixed feelings about it. But nonetheless, it would make a good discussion book.

[bibliovermis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't really categorize this book; it doesn't quite fit anywhere. It is entirely itself. It's not really a mystery, there's no true horror, and it's got very minimal suspense. What it does have is an insidious, neck-hair-raising, somehow humorous dread. I guess what I can most compare it to is an Edward Gorey illustration. I liked it very much!

[lindseyrivers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Haunting and weird and beautiful, this is one of those books that will stick with you and keep you thinking about it for weeks. Although a bit disappointed in the anticlimactic ending, I couldn't stop reading this book.

[bgnbrooks-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

All could think when I closed this book was "What an odd book."

[toric90 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A quick and chilling horror story. Definitely a classic. Beautifully written so that not only is the reader attached to the characters but that you really feel what they feel and yet wonder what could possibly happen next.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have a lot of feelings about this book and I'm not sure what they mean. It was dark and creepy and I mean... WHAT THE HELL!!?!?!?! Constance and her younger sister Merricat live in the Blackwood manor with their elderly Uncle Julian. They live a secluded life since most of their family was murdered six years ago as they sat around the dining room table (sugar... the sweet unsuspecting sugar killed them all!). Merricat walks into town twice a week for provisions, but other than that they live a lonely existence filled with books, food, and each other's company. Thankfully Merricat has a rich imagination and a large yard, she is free and happy (she's eighteen but acts MUCH younger). When their cousin Charles comes for an unexpected visit, things suddenly starts to go sour. The story is told through Merricat's eyes and her decisions and thoughts and revelations continue to get darker and darker as the story continues. There is more, but really just read this damn thing and call me so I can have someone help me through this. NOT a light hearted read!

[stouthearted_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A mysterious, quirky book that explore the issues of otherness and mob mentality. It certainly feels like a Shirley Jackson work, where a story starts out in a simple village, but then things escalate horrifyingly.In this tale Constance and Mary Katherine Blackwood, along with their disabled Uncle Julian, are the last remnants of one of the oldest families in the village, but they are all shunned by their neighbors and in turn lock themselves away from the world in their large house. The reader soon comes to learn that this is due to the violent deaths of the rest of the Blackwoods, including their parents and little brother by arsenic poisoning at the dinner table. Constance, who cooked for the family, was blamed but acquitted in a court of law, but not in the court of public opinion. Things shake up for the Blackwoods when a cousin arrives and starts taking liberties with the family, much to Mary Katherine's disgust. It culminates in a shocking climax in this tale of gothic horror.There are lots of similarities to Jackson's "The Lottery," so if you enjoyed that, then you will love this. The most striking comparison is a critique of village life and its symbiotic thinking, especially when reacting to "otherness." The town is unnecessarily cruel to the Blackwoods as a reaction to their fear of them and it compels them to bring out the darkest parts of their characters. Mary Katherine has been cited as one of the most memorable characters in fiction, and she is an interesting one to try to figure out. As I read, I couldn't decide if she was mentally ill, a sociopath, merely a victim, or a ghost. This book provides an interesting character study of a disturbed family, in an equally disturbed environment.

[nu5bibliophile · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best stories I've ever read !!!

[vivienner_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of those books that grabs you from the first sentence and doesn't let go until the last page. The bucolic setting and gracious home makes the unfolding revelation of mental illness even more chilling. Excellent, highly recommended.

[berly_4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A perfect book for October and Halloween, although you could read it any time. ; )Set in the 1960's, three people live away from the village in their isolated home of affluence. But it isn't a happy home. Merricat, her sister Constance, and her Uncle Julian are the survivors of arsenic poisoning. No one has been convicted of the crime that wiped out the rest of the family and left Uncle Julian wheelchair bound.This book is short, but explores so many themes: Female Power, Isolation, Family and Gender, Guilt and Punishment, Truth (unreliable narrators abound), and Patriarchy. It is a perfect example of how a home becomes a haunted house of legend. Highly recommended!!I am very excited to discuss this one more at my RL bookclub meeting next week...

[bostonterrio-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Creepy but fantastic story! Good glimpse into the mind of someone who thinks quite differently from the average person. Has kind of put me off spooning sugar in my coffee!

[saraellen_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found this book to be dark, disturbing and utterly fabulous. About two sisters and their uncle living as recluses in their huge home in a town that hates them both. Their lives are disrupted when a long lost cousin enters their life. I found this book reminiscent of the Beale women and their home Grey Gardens. Strange women whose lives revolve around each other, since the rest of the family was poisoned to death. You have quite an assortment of characters in this story as well as a deep love for both women, despite their peculiarities and mental health. A very fascinating read.

[nmhale_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A creepy novel from Shirley Jackson, an author known for some masterpieces of horror, with memorable characters, a smothering and unsettling atmosphere, and a storyline that is more subtle with its horrific elements. The story is narrated by Merricat Blackwood, a young girl from an established old family that has fallen into serious decline. The Blackwoods once presided over the adjoining village, and were viewed with awe and envy, but no longer. The story opens with Merricat nervously walking into town, tying to avoid eye contact and absorbing the hostility directed against her from the people she passes. The mood is oppressive and ominous, as if a terrible thing will happen at any moment. I instantly felt sympathy for the young narrator, who seemed the target of unreasonable unkindness from the small-minded adults she avoids. However, as the story progressed, my initial feelings toward Merricat began to shift. After she returns to her family home from the perilous journey into town, readers learn that the Blackwood family is diminished not only in reputation, but also in size. The only remaining members of the family are Merricat, her older sister Constance, and their Uncle Julian. Slowly, the reason behind this small family unit is revealed: Merricat's parents, younger brother, and aunt (Julian's wife), were all murdered, poisoned by arsenic that was sprinkled on their blackberries. Constance was accused of the murder but acquitted of the crime. Thus the villagers ostracizing of their family, as everyone is convinced that Constance really was guilty, and got away with murder.

[laugal-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Spoiler Alert:
I could not figure out what was really going on in the story until abt Chapter 3.I thought maybe Merricat and Constance were dead,maybe the villagers were all dead spirits. In actuality it is story of family with mental illness.Everyone in this family needed help! The townspeople for most part were wicked & certainly didn't help matters. Some townspeople genuinely cared abt Merricat and Constance.
Townspeople were quite guilt ridden after the trouble they had caused the 2 sisters.I love Jackson's portrayal of humans and their dark side. This story kept me engaged and wanting to know more. I had mixed feelings abt Charles Blackwood,but basically I htink he was just out for Constance's money. Interesting read. Although I was disappointed it was a family with mental illness. I guess I wanted more of a scare.
Interesting and keeps you guessing1

[elizaking · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was certainly unusual. I could almost tell during the entire thing that there was something wrong with Mary Katherine. Both she and Constance suffer from some mental affliction which just made the store that much more terrifying the more I read. I will definitely not be forgetting this story for a long time, nor will I ever think the same of old burnt out houses.

[bragan_8 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The old Blackwood house was once home to a large family, until most of them were poisoned one night at dinner. Now there are three of them left: pleasant, domestic Constance, who was acquitted of the murders but can no longer bring herself to leave the house; young Mary Katherine (aka Merricat), much given to magical thinking and wishing people dead; and their old Uncle Julian, who survived ingesting the arsenic, but has never been the same since. The family's relations with the nearby village have never been the same, either, as they are hated, and gawped at, and feared.It's a weird, weird book. A wonderfully creepy one, too, but it's a kind of creepiness that, well... creeps up on you. It starts out as a gentle sort of creepiness, more intellectual than visceral, but as I reached the last page, I was literally shuddering. What's odd is that I'm not sure entirely why I was shuddering. It feels like there are depths here that my conscious mind only dimly understands. Uncomfortable depths, hinting at uncomfortable realities. It's pretty darned brilliant.

[michael8xolotl · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I was looking forward to this since I liked The Haunting of Hill House a lot, and I enjoyed the idea behind the story, but it's got a lot of tedious filler, some painful attempts at humor, and ridiculous (in a bad way) characters and dialogue.

[edwinbcn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The best claim of We have always lived in the castle as a literary masterpiece is that it is a fairly simple story that is nonetheless far from straightforward, and keeps readers puzzled long after finished reading. There is not much of a story, and some of the action in the book is quite absurd. The sisters, Mary Katherine ('Merricat') and Constance, and their uncle Julian are somewhat unusual, but not in the extreme.Readers who find the novel spooky or stange, are in fact on a par with the villagers in the novel, who see things that are not there. The novel presents a fine example of the suspicion of a small-town community in the United States of that time, harking back to the witch-hunt episode in Salem, but also casting long shadows into our time, as it seems a part of human nature to be attracted and repelled by the unusual, to reject it and venture to gloat and look into it. The visit of Mrs Wright and Helen Clarke is nothing very unusual, and in as far as anything looks out of the ordinary neighbours' visit, it should be remembered that the whole episode is related by Merricat who cannot be taken as a reliable narrator.The home of the Blackwood family is not a castle, but does stand within its own grounds, somewhat removed from the village. After the fire, which destroys a large part of the house, the home is said to resemble as castle. The perceptual transformation of the house into a castle, that is to say, when it is revealed to resemble a castle after parts have burnt away, suggests that the true state of things should be looked for underneath reality.Merricat is by far the most intriguing character in the novel. Although she is described as being 18 years old, she appears a bit younger, and the ambivalence between the ages of 15/16 and 18 casts doubt on the innocent nature of her interests in magic, or rather witch craft. For sure, she has an interest in poisonous plants, charms, and rituals to avert events. There is an element on compulsion in her actions. In a novel with relatively little action, it seems significant that the major events were precipitated by Merricat, whether consciously or unconsciously. The fire seems the result of an unconscious act, but is should be remembered that the outcome of the event is what Merricat had apparently originally hoped to achieve with that other evil act, namely to remain alone with her older sister in the home.Highly recommended.

[brittanylyn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived In The Castle is an entertaining piece of Gothic fiction. I enjoyed the dark atmosphere and the sense of mystery surrounding the house and it's inhabitants. It is not so dark though as I wouldn't recommend it to younger readers who enjoy a bit more of a darker fiction genre.