43 pages • 1 hour read
William SleatorHouse of Stairs
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1974A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.