We Have Always Lived in the Castle

By: Shirley Jackson

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Shirley Jackson’s deliciously unsettling novel about a perverse, isolated, and possibly murderous family takes readers deep into a labyrinth of dark neurosis, macabre humor, and gothic atmosphere.

Six years after four family members died suspiciously of arsenic poisoning, the three remaining Blackwoods—elder, agoraphobic sister Constance; wheelchair-bound Uncle Julian; and eighteen-year-old Mary Katherine, or, Merricat—live together in pleasant isolation. Merricat has developed an idiosyncratic system of rules and protective magic to guard the estate against intrusions from hostile villagers. But one day a stranger arrives—cousin Charles, with his eye on the Blackwood fortune—and manages to penetrate into their carefully shielded lives. Unable to drive him away by either polite or occult means, Merricat adopts more desperate methods, resulting in crisis, tragedy, and the revelation of a terrible secret.

Jackson’s novel emerges less as a study in eccentricity and more—like some of her other fictions—as a powerful critique of the anxious, ruthless processes involved in the maintenance of normalcy itself.

©1962 Shirley Jackson (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Odd and Odder

Two sisters and their uncle are all that remain after the deliberate poisoning of their entire family. The courts could not prosecute any of them because of lack of evidence. The uncle is not really a suspect because he almost died with the family and is now bound to a wheelchair. Because there was not any kind of conviction the sisters are relentlessly harassed by the local residents and therefore do not go into town unless absolutely necessary. Both sisters are strange, the oldest is too eerily kind and over the top, peaches and cream, the younger sister is similar to a wild animal with bizarre actions and screwball ceremonial rituals. They live in a home outside of town for years before a distant cousin, with an agenda, comes to live with them to see just what he can swindle from the estate. The strange goings on become even more warped and elevated when the devious cousin try's to step in and relegate all actions and decisions that are made. Eventually a not so accidental tragedy strikes and the sisters are thrown into an even more demented and isolated existence.

Agorphobia is just one of their defects. I could not decide, "psychopath or sociopath". A creepy story made even darker by Shirley Jackson's ability to spin a good spooky yarn. No gore or terrifying moments, just weeeird. It's perfect for Halloween.

Oddly Amazing and A New Favorite

A whimsical, creepy, and twisted gothic tale full of psychological suspense, eccentric characters, and a dark family secret!

Narrator made this book amazing

Classic Shirley Jackson horror, creepy and atmospheric. The narrator was excellent, really brought the book to life.

Something out of a nightmare

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Not unless they were a psychology major or needed a book to report on/pick apart, in which case, definitely do read. There is nothing uplifting about this book and pretty much no reason to read it for leisure. It's VERY well written, but it is sad, black, bleak, and morose.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My stomach was in a knot the entire time I was reading it. There was nothing uplifting about this book.

Any additional comments?

Again, it's VERY well written, but it is sad, black, bleak, and morose. I don't know why anyone would read this for leisure.

Unexpected and wonderful

Didn’t quite know what to expect but pleasantly surprised by this book. It leaves an eerie feeling of a open ended story.

Exquisite spine-tingling blend of reader & tale

Not always is a story read by the right reader. And often that’s ok. But with a psychological thriller , the voice is essential. Dunne embodies Merricat Blackwood to the hilt, perfectly complementing the nuances and complexities of Jackson’s tale. Excellent pairing.

Excellent Chilling Book for those whistling nights

Bernadette Dunne narrates this book with excellent tempo and the melody of her voice gives you chill that last throughout the night. Shirley Jackson's novel is an excellent chilling read! Mary Cat leaves you wondering and questioning and falling for her magic. I found myself agreeing with her mentality and then wondering about my own. All around a great book!

Creepy, funny, deliciously gothic.

This book hit the spot. It had everything, dark humor, an old house with several generations' worth of old things, a feeling of being barricaded against a hostile and uncaring world, and an aching longing.

So Bummed Out

Tells the story of eccentrics who survived the family poisoning. Your main character is delusional, her sister is down trodden and the surviving uncle is obsessed with documenting what happened the day of the poisoning. It is a depressing book and ends with no redemption or solutions. It totally bummed me out.

So great!

What made the experience of listening to We Have Always Lived in the Castle the most enjoyable?

The narrator has a sweet-girly voice that stands juxtaposed to the creepy story of the two sisters

What does Bernadette Dunne bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

At first, I was put off by the narrator's voice, never having listened to another Shirley Jackson book before, but after a few minutes, I was completely engrossed in the story.

Any additional comments?

I was on a Shirley Jackson kick, after I read this book, I went on to Shirley Jackson's latest biography (which was VERY long) and then onto "The Haunting of Hill House." I have to say that after listening to all three, I went back and listened to "We've Always Lived int eh Castle" again!