We Have Always Lived in the Castle

by Shirley Jackson

Mary Catherine and her sister Constance live together with their uncle Julian in their home, the Blackwood residence. Mary Catherine almost immediately runs off to the village to do her weekly shopping there for the household. We notice that she tries to escape conversations and evades certain people. Doesn't seem like they like each other much. Soon after, we notice a story of how the rest of the Blackwood family was murdered through poison. There's some unclarity on who exactly used the poison. It's safe to say that the sisters or uncle Julian weren't found guilty, otherwise, they would be in jail I presume.

Later on, their cousin Charles visits them. Mary Catherine and uncle Julian clearly don't like him and Mary Catherine asks him to leave again. Which he doesn't, of course. He heard quite the story of the fortune that was left by Mary Catherine and Constance's father. So he stays a while. Constance seems to bear Charles' presence.

I still have a lot of questions after finishing this book. I've read the after word by Jonathan Lethem, but it doesn't disclose all of the many secrets and hidden meanings of the book. At times I even wondered whether Mary Catherine might be a cat or not…

So if you like a dark-themed book that's not too long and makes you question everything you read, this is absolutely for you. I guess I gave it three stars because I liked it, but I still have so many questions that remain unanswered! I also very much liked the writing and language used in the novel. I can't go into too many details not to spoil anything, but if you like the mystery, give it a go ;).

Also probs to my Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition, I love the alternating length of the pages, some edges are even slightly ripped. I really like that vibe to go with the reading.