Nightmarish Novels - We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Name: Nightmarish Novels - We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Start: 2026-04-05T13:00:00-05:00
Location: Bound to Happen Books

Schedule

Sun, 05 Apr, 2026 at 01:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Bound to Happen Books | Stevens Point, WI

The novel is written in the voice of eighteen-year-old Mary Katherine "Merricat" Blackwood, who lives with her agoraphobic sister, Catherine, and ailing uncle, Julien, on an estate. These three are the sole survivors of a familial tragedy that has resulted in them becoming isolated from the town.
The three have grown accustomed to their isolation, leading to a quiet, happy existence. Merricat is the family's sole contact with the outside world. She walks into the village twice weekly and carries home groceries and library books.
On one such trip, Merricat feels that a dangerous change is approaching. However, before she can return to warn her sister, their estranged cousin Charles appears for a visit and is welcomed into the home.
Charles quickly begins to have a close relationship with Constance and gains her confidence. He makes many references to the money the sisters keep locked in their father's safe, and gradually forms something of an alliance with Constance, encouraging her to leave her home.
Merricat perceives Charles as a threat and tries various disruptive means, both sympathetic magical and otherwise, to drive him from the house. Charles is aware of Merricat's hostility, is increasingly rude to her, and is impatient with Julian's weaknesses. Uncle Julian is increasingly disgusted by Charles and suspects that Charles came there for the Blackwoods' fortune.
Content Warnings (Per StoryGraph):
* Graphic:
Fire/Fire Injury, Death, Murder
* Moderate:
Death of a Parent, Mental Illness, Bullying
* Minor:
Child Death, Child Abuse, Classism
All are welcome, even if you've not started/finished the novel!
Copies will be available for purchase at the front desk of Bound to Happen Books. You will receive a discount for being in the book club. An update will be posted when these have arrived!