We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962)

Two outcast sisters and an uncle with diminishing faculties are all that remains of the Blackwoods after tragedy struck the family six years ago. That poisonous event permeates the plot with unspoken force and what's left of the Blackwoods have hunkered down in their manse to weather the storm of bigotry from outside. Only eighteen year-old Mary Catherine leaves the home for supplies each week, braving the villagers' scorn and judgement. History is poised to repeat itself when cousin Charles enters the scene with designs of getting the family (and himself) back on track. Merricat shares her experiences through a wickedly prismatic narrative voice. Shirley Jackson's final novel is a psychological character study into trauma, fear and revenge. It's also our first mystery review of the Halloween season.

FastFacts@2:45; Summary@17:30; PIPES@44:30