43 pages • 1 hour read
House of Stairs
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Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
1974
YA
13-18 years
Super Short Summary
In House of Stairs by William Sleator, five orphaned teenagers—Peter, Lola, Blossom, Abigail, and Oliver—find themselves trapped in a mysterious house made entirely of endless stairs. As part of an unethical experiment, they must navigate the bizarre environment and uncover the truth about their captivity, relying on each other while dealing with the psychological effects of their situation.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
5,185 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Sleator's House of Stairs is widely praised for its psychological intensity and unique plot, skillfully targeting a young adult audience. Critics laud its exploration of human behavior under pressure, though some find the characters underdeveloped. Its stark, minimalist setting amplifies tension, yet a few readers felt the ending was abrupt. Overall, it remains a compelling read.
Who Should Read House of Stairs?
Readers with a taste for psychological thrillers and dystopian fiction will be captivated by William Sleator's House of Stairs. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 and Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games will appreciate the novel's chilling exploration of human behavior and societal control under extreme conditions.
5,185 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lola
Lola
A brash and abrasive 16-year-old orphan who questions authority and resists the cruel experiment. Her strong sense of morality and loyalty leads to a close friendship with Peter.
Blossom
Blossom
A haughty and self-centered 16-year-old orphan who remembers her life of privilege before entering the orphanage. Her manipulative tendencies often lead to conflict with the other characters.
Abigail
Abigail
A slender and tall 16-year-old orphan with a gentle demeanor who is initially friendly and unassuming. Her romantic interest in Oliver and interactions with others reveal her struggle with independence.
Oliver
Oliver
A friendly and attractive 16-year-old orphan who initially captivates Peter and Abigail. His role shifts as he becomes more controlling and manipulative in the group dynamics.
176
Novel • Fiction
1974
YA
13-18 years
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