We Have Always Lived in the Castle~ Shirley Jackson

At the beginning of the year, both of us decided that we wanted to read more classics and so Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle was placed on Millie’s required reading list. At just under one hundred and fifty pages, I thought it would be a quick read and a change of pace after falling into a little bit of a reading slump. 

We Have Always Lived in the Castle is supposed to be Jackson’s greatest book and for someone who hasn’t read any of the others, I can’t comment on that. I did however really enjoy the Netflix adaption of the Haunting of Hill House and one day I will read it. However, if the statements are true, I have a feeling I won’t particularly enjoy it.

This novella is the story of Merricat and Constance living as outsiders in their town after Constance is acquitted for murdering their parents. Their days pass in a routine with Merricat’s magical safeguards (rituals and superstitions) until their cousin Charles arrives. After Charles’ arrival, Merricat fights to preserve their way of life.

I found the plot a little lacking. There were so many parts of this story that I wanted to know about that weren’t really mentioned. I wanted to know why the rest of their family were murdered; I want to know why Merricat believes in her magical safeguards or when they started. I want to know what Charles and his family, how they decided to shun Constance and Merricat when they were desperate to get the money their father left behind.

I didn’t find it as hard to read as I was expecting. I got through it a lot quicker than I thought I would. I did find myself wanting to know what was going to happen, but it wasn’t necessarily a page-turner for me. I didn’t dislike the book but I didn’t like it either. I am decidedly neutral on it, which is why I am giving it three stars.

C🌙