“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson is a gothic mystery novel centered on the reclusive Blackwood family, who live in isolation following a tragic poisoning that killed most of their relatives. The story is narrated by 18-year-old Merricat Blackwood, who lives with her agoraphobic sister Constance and their ailing Uncle Julian. The family’s fragile peace is disrupted by the arrival of their cousin Charles, whose presence brings tension and ultimately leads to a destructive fire. Despite the villagers’ hostility and the chaos that ensues, Merricat and Constance retreat further into their secluded world, finding solace in their bond and the remnants of their home. The novel explores themes of family, isolation, and the haunting impact of past traumas.
Summarised by CoPilot, from LitCharts
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Shirley Jackson (1916-1965) was an American writer known for her contributions to the genres of horror, mystery, and psychological fiction. Born on December 14, 1916, in San Francisco, California, she grew up in Burlingame and later moved to Rochester, New York. Jackson attended Syracuse University, where she began writing for the student literary magazine.
She gained widespread recognition with her short story "The Lottery," published in The New Yorker in 1948. The story, which explores the dark side of human nature and the blind obedience to tradition, became a controversial and influential work.
Shirley Jackson wrote novels, short stories, and essays, often delving into themes of isolation, domesticity, and the supernatural. Jackson's writing often blurred the lines between reality and the supernatural, and her work had a profound influence on the horror genre. She also wrote humorous and insightful essays about her experiences as a wife and mother, contributing to magazines such as Good Housekeeping.
Shirley Jackson passed away on August 8, 1965, at the age of 48. Despite facing challenges in her personal life, she left a lasting legacy as a master of psychological horror and a trailblazer in American literature. Over the years, her work has continued to captivate readers and inspire writers in various genres.
Summarised from Literary Ladies Guide