October - We Have Always Lived in the Castle

[Jess]

Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and her uncle Julian. Not long ago there were seven Blackwoods—until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance has returned home, where Merricat protects her from the curiousity and hostility of the villagers. Their days pass in happy isolation until cousin Charles appears. Only Merricat can see the danger, and she must act swiftly to keep Constance from his grasp.

[Jess]

Previous discussion post

[Idris]

I can honestly say that I wasn't surprised by the ~plot twist~ of this story, but the atmosphere made reading the story worth it anyway.

[Jamie]

Loved this book, so creepy! (view spoiler)[I forget, was it ever discussed what kind of mental condition Merricat has? (hide spoiler)]

[Christy]

I'm glad it doesn't over explain anything (makes it creepier) but I'm conflicted because I just want to know every single thing about the Blackwood family. They were so fascinating.

[Alex]

One of my favorites! I discussed the book with someone in the last ONTD FFAF and they linked to a pretty awesome illustrated poster of the opening paragraph: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/...

(There are spoilers in our comments).

There were two things we both agreed on but I'm curious if others do too!:(view spoiler)[
- Merricat was holding Constance prisoner
- Merricat likes Richard Plantagenet because he locked the princes in the tower, like she has locked herself and Constance in the "castle".
(hide spoiler)]

[Christy]

Alex wrote: "One of my favorites! I discussed the book with someone in the last ONTD FFAF and they linked to a pretty awesome illustrated poster of the opening paragraph: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/98..."

that was me! :D

[Michelle]

I'm still trying to get a hold of this damn book.

[Jess]

Michelle wrote: "I'm still trying to get a hold of this damn book."


I found my copy in a Shirley Jackson anthology/collection, IDK if that helps at all.

[Jess]

OMFG, that art is amazing. I wants some for my studio!

I'm reading through the rest of the conversation on ONTD and agree with the spoilers from above.

[Jess]

I finished this again last night...

I wonder about (view spoiler)[ Merricat's rules. At first, I assumed that Constance had been the one giving them, but by the end, I realized that Merricat made them for herself.

Does Merricat think she's a witch? Or something else?

As far as the Two Princes and such, I sort of felt that their father (and ostensibly the rest of the family) was the Richard figure. (hide spoiler)]