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I'm the King of the Castle

By Susan Hill
Series: Penguin Essentials
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3.49 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
I'm the King of the Castle by Susan Hill delves into the psychological tension between two boys, Edmund Hooper and Charles Kingshaw, who are thrust together when Kingshaw's mother takes a job as a housekeeper for Hooper's father. The novel explores themes of bullying, power dynamics, and isolation as the boys' interactions become increasingly antagonistic in the ominous setting of an isolated country house. Tensions escalate, revealing the darker aspects of childhood and the pressures of emotional neglect.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy tense and atmospheric psychological dramas focusing on complex relationships and power dynamics. It delves into the theme of childhood cruelty and explores how oppressive environments can affect young lives, creating a gripping narrative with deep emotional impact.

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'Some people are coming here today, now you will have a companion.' But young Edmund Hooper doesn't want anyone else in Warings, the large and rambling Victorian house he shares with his widowed father. Nevertheless Charles Kingshaw and his mother are soon installed and Hooper sets about subtly persecuting the fearful new arrival.

But young Edmund Hooper doesn't want anyone else in Warings, the large and rambling Victorian house he shares with his widowed father. Nevertheless Charles Kingshaw and his mother are soon installed and Hooper sets about subtly persecuting the fearful new arrival.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A chilling novel that explores the extremes of childhood cruelty, now published as a Penguin Essential for the first time.

Some people are coming here today, now you will have a companion.

But young Edmund Hooper doesn't want anyone else in Warings, the large and rambling Victorian house he shares with his widowed father. Nevertheless, Charles Kingshaw and his mother are soon installed, and Hooper sets about subtly persecuting the fearful new arrival.

In the woods, Charles fights back, but he knows that his rival will always win the affections of the adultsβ€”and that worse is still to come . . .

Series: Penguin Essentials

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

I'm the King of the Castle by Susan Hill is often noted in reviews for its compelling and chilling depiction of childhood cruelty and power dynamics. Critics frequently praise the tense atmosphere and psychological depth of the characters, particularly the intricate portrayal of bullying and oppression amongst children. It's recognised for its haunting narrative and the way it explores themes of innocence, isolation, and the impact of environment on behaviour. The novel's unsettling and atmospheric storytelling has left a lasting impression on many readers, highlighting Hill's skill in creating an enduring, thought-provoking tale.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241970782

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 August 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 111.0mm

Height: 181.0mm

Weight: 118g

Pages: 208

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Series: Penguin Essentials Susan Hill

About the Author

Susan Hill was born in Scarborough in 1942, and educated at grammar schools there and in Coventry. She read English at King's College, London, of which she is now a Fellow. As well as I'm the King of the Castle, her novels include Strange Meeting, The Bird of Night, In the Springtime of the Year, Air and Angels, The Service of Clouds,The Various Haunts of Men, The Pure in Heart, The Rise of Darkness, The Beacon, The Vows of Silence and The Small Hand. She has written several volumes of short stories, including A Bit of Singing and Dancing; two ghost novels, The Woman in Black and The Mist in the Mirror; and a number of stories for children. Her autobiographical books are The Magic Apple Tree and Family. She is married with two adult daughters and lives in North Norfolk.

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