William Sleator: House of Stairs (2001, Peter Smith Pub Inc)
Hardcover
English language
Published June 9, 2001 by Peter Smith Pub Inc.
Set in a dystopian America in the near future, the story tells of the experiences of five 16-year-olds who were living in orphanages who wake up to find themselves in a strange building that has no walls, no ceiling, and no floor: nothing but endless flights of stairs leading in every direction, seemingly infinite, so that it is impossible to get one's bearings or have perspective. On one landing is a basin of running water that serves as a toilet, sink and drinking fountain; on another, a machine with lights that intermittently produces food. The five, thrown together in these bizarre circumstances, must learn to deal with the others' disparate personalities, the lack of privacy and comfort, their clear helplessness, and a machine that only feeds them under gradually more exacting situations.
This book has stuck with me for years. It's the story of how 5 very different
orphans have to deal, in a house of stairs. My favorites were Peter, and Lola, for obvious reasons. If I said any more about the book, I'd ruin it for all those who are interested in the book.
