We Have Always Lived In The Castle | Book Review | Blogmas Day12
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
"Merricat, said Connie, would you like a cup of tea?
Oh no, said Merricat, you'll poison me.
Merricat, said Connie, would you like to go to sleep?
Down in the boneyard ten feet deep!"
'We Have Always Lived In The Castle' follows the story of 18 year old narrator Mary Katherine Blackwood, or short Merricat and her sister Constance, who live in the old Blackwood family estate together with their uncle Julian. They lead quite the isolated life up in their little 'castle' on the hill above the village, not really ever leaving the house and its grounds apart from once a week when the necessary but ever so dreaded food shop brings Merricat to the village.
There used to be seven Blackwoods living in the house, until one fatal night, a dose of arsenic killed most of the family, leaving only Constance, Merricat and Uncle Julian alive. Constance was finally acquitted of the murders and returned home but in the collective minds of the villagers, she was still guilty of poisoning her family, which is why the villagers don't really like the Blackwoods much and why they made up the little rhyme above.
It's clear from the first few pages of the book, that Merricat is acting somewhat infantile for her age. As the story unfolds and we learn more about what happened that one dreadful night and the lives the Blackwoods lead, we begin to understand the way Merricat acts. For the three of them it seems their life is good, however disconcerting it might look from the outside, until one day, cousin Charles arrives. Merricat senses the danger her cousin's arrival brings to their structured lives and from there on tries her level best to make him leave and get their lives back to normal - with devastating consequences!
This is such a creepy, dark story, twisting and surprising! And at only 146 pages it's a rather quick read too! If you're into psychological thrillers, like a bit of creepiness in a book and enjoy taking a glimpse into the twisted souls of others, this one is for you.
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Lots of Love,
Jess xx
Jess xx
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