Why people recommend it
We Have Always Lived in the Castle is a chilling psychological thriller novel by Shirley Jackson, published in 1962, that follows the isolated and eccentric Blackwood family following a tragic arsenic poisoning. On The Book Review, Victor LaValle enthusiastically recommended the book, praising it as Jackson's true masterpiece and suggesting it to readers who might find The Haunting of Hill House too abstract due to its concrete and compelling protagonist, Marycat. Gilbert Cruz also echoed this sentiment, suggesting the novel as an ideal entry point into Jackson's work. John Williams discussed starting the novel based on a prior recommendation, specifically noting the insightful introduction written by Jonathan Lethem in a special edition. Readers and critics continually recommend the novel for its masterclass in suspense, its brilliant dark humor, its exploration of female agency and isolation, and its unforgettable portrayal of a uniquely insular world created by one of horror's greatest writers.
Who recommended it
- Victor LaValle Recommended
- Gilbert Cruz Recommended
- John Williams Recommended
Victor LaValle — 3 mentions
“And I also read her the book that came after this. We have always lived in the castle which is as much as I love this book that's her masterpiece I would say.”
“How about because the other the nice thing is then I might recommend the we have always lived in the castle because that one begins with a much clearer in theory introduction to the main character Maryat. And she's super weird, but it's more concrete.”
“and I also read her the the book that came after this we have always lived in the castle which is as much as I love this book that's her Masterpiece I would say”
Gilbert Cruz — 1 mention
“how about cuz the other the nice thing is then I might I might recommend the we have always lived in the castle”
John Williams — 1 mention
“Shirley Jackson's novel we have always lived in the castle which was her last novel and published in 1962 um this is an addition that has I almost never read an introduction before I start reading a book but this one by Jonathan leam is really good”