We Have Always Lived in the Castle – Shirley Jackson
Penguin Modern Classics, 2009
First published in 1962 by Viking Books
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Merricat has been living with her sister Constance and her uncle Julian in her parental home, ever since her parents died. All she wants is to preserve the status-quo. However, from the moment Constance was acquitted from the charge of murdering the other members of the family, the people from the village have not been able to leave the sisters alone. Some taunt them, others are curious, and some even come to visit. Nevertheless, Merricat and Constance seem to be able to ignore most of the outside world in their devotion to each other. However, when cousin Charles arrives things change: in his romantic overtures towards Constance and his constant eagerness to gain access to the family vault, Charles seems to threaten Merricat’s position in the house. And so, Merricat is on a mission to restore equilibrium to the house.
I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle on an autumnal Saturday evening, with candles lighted, on the couch cuddled under a blanket, and accompanied with a cup of tea. It was the perfect atmosphere for the book. I can’t recall whether it was the kind of stormy weather that we’re having now, but it certainly would have fit.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle has an eerie quality. As such, it makes for perfect RIP reading. The whole book has a gothic atmosphere. With Merricat’s visit to the village, and her later meetings with people living there, comes the realization that it is in part the hostile atmosphere of their neighbours that provides a feeling of discomfort. However, in part, it is also Merricat herself, and her descriptions of life at the house. From the start you know that something isn’t quite right, but it is only slowly that you come to realize just what is wrong. Perhaps it is the very fact that the family life portrayed is taken for granted, while the reasons for the possible murder of the other family members are constantly hinted at but never fully revealed, that makes this book so powerful.
But there is more, I think, that makes his book work. For that, I cannot help but cite the line that I am sure everyone mentions and thinks of when they write or recall this novella, and that is the song the villagers sing whenever they encounter Merricat or the sisters:
“Merricat, said Constance, would you like a cup of tea?”
“Merricat, said Constance, would you like to go to sleep?”
“Oh, no, said Merricat, you’ll poison me.”
The power of that taunt is in the fact that you instantly know the melody and the tone at which the villagers would have pronounced those words as a reader. There really is something so familiar, so instantly recognizable, about this idea of a strange family, and neighbourhood bullying. And I think that might be what struck me the most about We Have Always Lived in the Castle; the circumstances are extreme, and perhaps even a little bit otherworldly, but some of the content is so very realistic, that it becomes all the more disturbing.
I cannot end this post without mentioning the fact that I am so very glad to have finally read this book. Moreover, I really really liked it. Its atmosphere, its setting, its characters, and its eeriness are all so very convincing. And yet, they did not produce any nightmares (another personal achievement for me). I cannot wait for another year of RIP, and another book of Jackson to read.
When I finished We Have Always Lived in the Castle, I instantly got on twitter to tell the world how much I had enjoyed it. In response, Chinoiseries mentioned that she had it on her pile for RIP VII. And so we agreed to review it together. Are you curious what she has to say about the book? Click over to her lovely blog. Later, I found out Kristi also reviewed it on the same day! You can find her post here.
I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson as part of R.I.P. VII as hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings. Click over to the RIP Review Site for more reads with a autumnal feel.
Other Opinions: Can be found at the Book Blog Search Engine [I will edit them in later]
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This is such a great book for R.I.P. I’m curious to read Haunting at Hill House although I think I’ve seen the film which scared me (but I find films a lot more frightening than books).
I’m a little bit afraid of the Haunting of Hill House. I didn’t know there was a movie about it, but now I think it was a fairly recent one? Brrr… Not sure if that’ll make me more likely to pick up the book as the trailer already scared me!
I don’t usually read (or watch) anything scary, but every once in a while I come across this book on my shelves and re-read it. There is something really compelling about the way the story is told.
I am not good with scary either, so RIP is a real challenge for me. But you’re right, I can see myself rereading this. Merricat is such a compelling narrator. I wonder what it’s like on reread, when you know what’s coming? (then again, you kind of suspect what is coming from the start which helps with the eeriness).
This sounds so great, and it is one I’m definitely considering reading for RIP before the month is up. Everyone I know who’s read it has only had good things to say about it.
I hope you mannage to read it Marie! I think you’re right; I have only heard good things by other bloggers about this book. I hope you enjoy it as much when you get around to reading it.
I always put this title on my list for RIP books but haven’t gotten around to reading it just yet. I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it so much! I’ve also heard Jackson’s Haunting at Hill House is amazing.
Great review!
Brenna, that’s what happened to me as well these past years! I do hope you get around to it though, it’s well worth the read and perfect for the season.
This has been on list of potential reads for RIP for years! And Shirley Jackson in general. One of these years, I am going to make this happen. This kind of subtle, gothic eeriness I love. (I just finished “The House Next Door” and it was similarly spooky. Terrifying actually, with a bunch of Southern charm draped over it.)
Oh, you make The House Next Door sound really good. Perhaps I should add it to the list of potentials for next year. Like you, this was a book I had been meaning to read for years. And I’m glad I finally did. I hope you manage to read it one of these years as I’m sure you’d enjoy it.
I enjoyed your thoughts on this one; I read several of her novels in a blur and have never, since, been able to keep them straight by title alone. Time to re-read, right?!
Definitely time to re-read!
great choice ,I read a story of hers years ago and keep meaning to get the lottery collection as it seems very well thought of thank for the review ,all the best stu
I want to read The Lottery as well Stu
Someday we’ll manage to, I’m sure!
Isn’t this a good one? Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House is my favorite but this one comes in a close second. I read it several years ago and it still gives me chill when I think about it!
I think The Haunting of Hill House has to be on my RIP list for next year. Everyone mentions it! And it seems peopole are divided about which one they love better, which makes it look all the more promising to me. Yes, I can imagine that this is the kind of story that stays with you for a long time and manages to still make you shudder a little bit.
I read this for RIP last year and I loved it too. Merricat is such a fascinating narrator. The Haunting of Hill House was on my list for this year’s RIP but I don’t think I’m going to have time to read it before the end of October now.
Merricat is a really fascinating narrator. Her voice just pulls you right in. Perhaps you’ll be able to read The Haunting of Hill House next year?
I read this a little over a week ago and loved it. The way it’s written is just perfect. I agree that hostility of the villagers adds to the creepy atmosphere because the Blackwoods are so on edge about encounters with them. It is a perfect RIP read. I just reviewed it today as well. Glad you enjoyed it.
I didn’t know you reviewed it on the same day as well! I will mention you in the post! And I’m popping over right now to read your review!
I read this in high school, and I remember just being utterly blown away by Jackson—we also read “The Lottery”. I haven’t revisited it in years, but perhaps I should…
The Lottery is supposed to be really good as well. Yes, blown away is how I felt. Such a great balance of what makes creepy work for me.
I so want to read this one, and have been hearing great buzz for years, but I can’t find my copy
I clearly need to look harder! Amazing review today, Iris. You hit the perfect combination of creepiness and intrigue.
Thank you <3 I think you would really like it. It is perfect autumn reading. Perhaps you'll find it in time for next autumn? (Or the winter would work as well).
I thought this book was deliciously creepy. Most people think of The House on Haunted Hill as Jackson’s creepiest book but I think it is definitely this one instead!
I haven’t read The House on Haunted Hill so I cannot really compare. I want to read more by Jackson, but I am afraid that that book might be a bit too creepy for me. So it’s good to hear that for you it wasn’t!
The Haunting of Hill House sorry getting my words mixed up lol! Is more creepy in the obvious strange happenings and bumps in the night sort of way. But if you were okay reading We Have Always Lived in the Castle then you won’t have any problems with it, the sinister level isn’t that much different.
Thank you for clearing that up! I’ll definitely add it to my list for next year.
This book is so great! I keep trying to get a copy with that creepy black and white lines cover of Constance and Merricat, and my plans keep on getting foiled.
I know, that is such a great cover! I hope you manage to find it someday.
Hi Iris! I’ve heard so many good things about this book and am tempted to read it, especially after your review. But I have a thing about scary books, they give me nightmares, literally. I used to have Stephen King addiction and then I started getting nightmares every night so I stopped and read only those that are still mysteriously eerie but not horror (something like The Little Stranger is perfect). Do you think this is okay for me to read or should I stay away from it?
Hello! I find it difficult to give you an all-out yes or no to this question. I know how difficult it is to guess whether or not something is nightmare-scary or just has an eerie atmosphere that does not bother you at night. I am exactly the same, I get scared and have nightmares or simply cannot sleep because of reading a lot of books (and watching movies). So I understand. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by this story. It is not horror, it definitely has the eerie atmosphere. I do remember it from time to time, but I didn’t have nightmares. I know that that probably isn’t much help… My first hunch is that you could read it.
Also, how very nice to see you here
Thanks Iris! Okay, since you’re like me (yay, I’m not weird), then I’ll definitely consider reading this in the future.
I’m glad that you loved it as much as I did
Jackson is a new-to-me author that I’d love to read more from. And what a coincidence that Kristi also reviewed it on the same day!
I read this a few years ago, and it still remains one of my favorite creepy books of all time. Like you said, SO much about the book just works. I’ve been meaning to read more Jackson ever since but still haven’t! Need to remedy that.
I just finished this one for RIP as well! I agree that it was wonderfully written and creepy without being too scary. I’ve been telling people it’s like reading about people really living in a haunted house…with two sociopaths. I have to admit I probably rated it a bit lower than you. My only experience with Jackson before this was The Lottery (hello required reading, lol) and I guess I was expecting a more dramatic or surprise ending…I think it inhibited my enjoyment of the tale for what it was. Totally my bad as a reader, but still it was a great read.
This sounds really good. I definitely want to read it! I keep thinking that I’ve read the Haunting of Hill House but I’ve realised I haven
Sorry, posted before finishing! I have seen a couple of adaptations to screen of the book and that’s why I always recognise the name.
Thanks for this review – it sounds like a ‘must read’.
Lynn
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I loved the gothic feel because I’ve read very few modern gothic books that have worked, but I loved this one!