June 205: We Have Always Lived in the Castle

[Rach , Moderator]

We Have Always Lived in the Castle discussion.

[Leanne]

I can't believe no-one is talking about this book! I really loved this book, Shirley Jackson is so good at creating atmosphere, and even though I did sort of guess how it was going to turn out, I still loved it.

[Book Concierge]

I agree, Leanne. Fantastic writer. Here's a snippet from my review

This psychological study of a disturbed family is a short quick read but still offers a rather full exploration of various members’ distorted thinking. The tension is based on not knowing how things will turn out; the reader is constantly waiting for something dreadful to occur and even when things go badly the reader knows this can’t possibly be the end of it. The result is a suspenseful read without gore or graphic description. I’m reminded of several Hitchcock films which just kept us on the edge of our seats without showing a brutal murder. Even when the book is finished, I’m left anxious and in suspense.

I gave it 4****

[Gail]

I just now finished reading the book. Book Concierge, your comparison to a Hitchcock movie is apt. And, I like this unreliable narrator more than Hill House's.
Reading a Shirley Jackson story is like reading poetry. Her use of language is so delicate and precise. We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson