Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

A stranger comes to the house. Merricat fears that everything will change for the worse, unless she takes command of the situation.

Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and her uncle Julian. Not long ago there were seven Blackwoods - until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance has returned home, where Merricat protects her from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers.

Episode Three:
A stranger comes to the house. Merricat fears everything will change for the worse, unless she takes command of the situation.

"If you haven't read We Have Always Lived In The Castle you are missing out." Neil Gaiman.

"Her greatest book...at once whimsical and harrowing." Donna Tartt.

"A masterpiece of Gothic suspense." Joyce Carol Oates.

Shirley Jackson, who died 50 years ago, was perhaps best known for her short story, The Lottery, and her novel, The Haunting Of Hill House, twice filmed and thought to be the last word in haunted-house tales. Her work has received increasing attention from literary critics in recent years. She has influenced such writers as Stephen King and Nigel Kneale.

Reader: Bryony Hannah
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.

15 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Reader Bryony Hannah
Author Shirley Jackson
Abridger Jeremy Osborne
Producer Karen Rose

Broadcast

  • Wed 2 Mar 2016 22:45

Books

Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.

Finding Your Story

Finding Your Story

Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?

Short stories to keep

The fiction podcast featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers