We Have Always Lived in the Castle - April 2016

[Jarvis]

Manasa wrote: "@Ginny @ Karolina[spoilers removed]"

But she was only 12 years old O_O
If being gothic is the only answer to why this book is complete nonsense, then it doesn't even deserve 2 stars.

[Jarvis]

After what Karoline said in comment 131...

@Arpit, you usually search explanation of classics from different websites to understand them better. Search some for this too na... :-)

[Karolina Kat]

Gehna wrote: "Manasa wrote: "@Ginny @ Karolina[spoilers removed]"

But she was only 12 years old O_O
If being gothic is the only answer to why this book is complete nonsense, then it doesn't even deserve 2 stars."

It's far from being complete nonsense, at least in my opinion. I just believe that is much more than the 'horror' genre it's being assigned to. It's getting some inspiration from 19th century gothic, but it obviously isn't since the novel was written in 1960s. It's one of these more layered and metaphorical novellas. I had similar thoughts on The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor. Post-modern American fiction is a lot to handle.

[Jarvis]

Karoline, but this book's GR page led my astray :/

[Jarvis]

Manasa wrote: "Gehna wrote: "Karolina wrote: "@Gehna, I'm in the last but one chapter. Considering that it's a gothic-themed novel, there is supposed to be a dark secret about the mansion. Let's put the rest of m..."

But she couldn't really give Mary out. :P

[Karolina Kat]

@Gehna - and thus we touch upon the problem of genres and our expectations connected with them. That's why I always base my choice in reading on many different aspects (even reviews, however understandable, can be misleading if their authors have different reading tastes than you). I think in the case of this novel it should be regarded first and foremost as American classic.

[Pranjali]

I am still at 25℅......its not making any sense and reading all the comments here, idk how to continue :/

[Gorab]

Agree with Karolina about genre. If I don't read it with a 'horror' mindset, its not that bad! On last chapter....

[Palash]

hey. i am thinking of starting this book in 2-3 days(after I finish Mistborn#3). Is "We have always...." worth reading?

[Karolina Kat]

Palash wrote: "hey. i am thinking of starting this book in 2-3 days(after I finish Mistborn#3). Is "We have always...." worth reading?"

If you followed the thread then you know already that this short story got mixed-reviews at best.

In my opinion - absolutely, yes, but don't treat it as a Horror story. We have always lived in a castle is a very good example of an Amerlican short story classics of the 2nd half of the 20th century. With layered motifs and metaphors that only uses the gothic tropes to set a tone to the story.

[Gorab]

Arpit wrote: "@Gorab your message no. 113 reminds me of the movie The Uninvited. Have you seen it?"

Saw it yesterday night and now it reminds me of Merricat and Constance :) :)

[Palash]

Karolina wrote: "Palash wrote: "hey. i am thinking of starting this book in 2-3 days(after I finish Mistborn#3). Is "We have always...." worth reading?"

If you followed the thread then you know already that this s..."
Thanks Karoline.
So, looks like I will read first few chapters before making a decision.