I knew from the first few pages of “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson that it was going to be weird, but I found myself captivated by its gothic story. It is a good mix of mystery, paranoia and anger. Any fans of horror or other related genres should definitely add this book to their collection.
The book centers around Mary Katherine Blackwood, affectionately called “Merricat,” and her sister Constance and their Uncle Julian. They are the only Blackwoods living after the rest of their family was poisoned mysteriously over dinner a few years before the book begins. As a result, the village people taunt them with a morbid song about it and seem to have an endless hatred for the Blackwoods. Due to this, the three of them live isolated within the woods in the large family home.
They make an odd trio with Merricat’s antisocial behavior, Constance’s poise, and Uncle Julian’s obsession with writing a book on the murder. However, their bubble is burst by the arrival of their cousin, Charles, to visit with them for a while. Mary Katherine immediately despises him and aims to run him out of the house. He is disgusted by what he sees as her uncivilized behavior and wants them all to change their ways, especially their disuse of the family’s expensive possessions and sizable fortune. However, things quickly move in a downwards spiral for the family with a surprising plot twist.
Merricat is one of the most interesting protagonists in any book I’ve read. She is strange and unpredictable. For example, she often imagines living a magical life on the moon and has specific rules/rituals for herself. I found myself charmed by this and developed a soft spot for her, but these thoughts could make the book hard to understand at times. Since I am a cat lover, I liked the addition of her cat, Jonas, who often followed alongside her. Also, the way Merricat and Constance care for one another despite their differences is endearing. Another bonus is the book’s beautiful cover which instantly had me enthralled when I got my hands on a copy.
Overall, I am glad this was one of my introductions into gothic literature and the first book I finished in 2026. “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson is a 7.5/10 for me.
