We Have Always Lived in the Castle

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson is a chilling tale of two sisters, Constance and Merricat, who live in near-complete isolation following a family tragedy that left them as the sole survivors. The novel delves into themes of isolation, paranoia, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, all set against the backdrop of a crumbling family estate. Merricat, the younger sister, is particularly intriguing, with her own set of rituals and superstitions that she believes protect her and her sister from the outside world. /n/n The arrival of a distant cousin, Charles, disrupts their fragile existence. Charles, with his charming yet manipulative demeanor, quickly ingratiates himself with Constance and their ailing uncle, Julian. Merricat, however, remains wary of Charles and his intentions, leading to a tense and suspenseful exploration of family dynamics, trust, and the lengths one might go to protect what they hold dear. The novel is a masterclass in Gothic horror, with Jackson's signature ability to create an atmosphere of unease and dread.