We Have Always Lived in the Castle in Classic Trash

Oct 26, 2016 Georgia Zarkadaki rated it it was ok

Πρώτα από όλα θα πρέπει να σας ενημερώσω ότι δεν το τελείωσα πότε, το παράτησα μπαααααμ στη μέση ακριβώς. Το είχα ξεκινήσει και πιο παλιά αλλά το είχα παρατήσει και τότε αλλά στο πλαίσιο της συναναγνωσης στην οποία πήρα μέρος είπα να του δώσω μια ευκαιρία.

Το πρόβλημα με το βιβλίο αυτό είναι ότι δεν έχει νευρο, δεν σε κρατάει σε εγρήγορση παρά σε τραβάει στην επόμενη σελίδα με την γραφή που είναι ομολογουμένως αρκετά καλή. Η ιστορια ομως εχει πολλές τρύπες οι οποίες από ότι μου είπαν δεν γεμίζουν ...more

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May 04, 2017 Cheryl rated it liked it · review of another edition

A well-written, creepy psychological novel about the aftermath of a family tragedy. This is more a character-centric than a plot-centric story. The plot is pretty slow paced until the half-way mark. The author does a good job putting the reader inside the head of the narrator, Merricat Blackwood. It's a disturbing place to be. ...more

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Oct 31, 2017 A B rated it liked it · review of another edition

Last minute Halloween costume idea: wear a red and white checked tablecloth as a dress with a gold rope as a belt. Carry a cat with a collar tag that says "Jonas" and a sugar bowl. Get weird looks from most people and a standing ovation from the one or two people that can appreciate that you've dressed as Merricat Blackwood.

I had a number of minor spoilers going into this book - partly from Goodreads synopses (seriously, be careful what you write when describing a book) and partly from stupid li
Last minute Halloween costume idea: wear a red and white checked tablecloth as a dress with a gold rope as a belt. Carry a cat with a collar tag that says "Jonas" and a sugar bowl. Get weird looks from most people and a standing ovation from the one or two people that can appreciate that you've dressed as Merricat Blackwood.

I had a number of minor spoilers going into this book - partly from Goodreads synopses (seriously, be careful what you write when describing a book) and partly from stupid lists, such as (view spoiler). I tried not to let it sway my opinions too much, but keep in mind that some of the revelations in the book were ultimately lost on me.

I just don't care for Shirley Jackson. She's creepy, but not in a good way. I'm talking about creepy in a smelly kid that sets ants on fire with a magnifying glass and stares at people kind of way. I don't consider her writing to be true horror, but do give her credit for sort of being the O.G. of twist endings. So good on Mrs. Jackson for that.

Merricat wiggled herself into a soft spot in my heart for some reason. Her little superstitions and quirks were understandable. She's a loner and likes it. She enjoys making people who are rude to her uncomfortable. However, I got tired of getting beaten over the head with stuff like her saying a million times she's going to be kinder to Uncle Julian, descriptions of Constance's meals, and ever poor Julian recounting the events of a certain day. I get it, the poor guy is nuts, but I got it the first twenty times.

The story builds and builds until it climaxes with a riot of a burn-the-witch type. It's terrifying that the group mentality of the town could allow such an awful thing to happen (ahem, "The Lottery"). What I am not sure about is Merricat's motivation, or even Constance's. Spoilers below!!!

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(view spoiler) ...more

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