Content Warning: The narrative includes depictions of bullying, physical violence, and psychological abuse. Some of the language used in the novel also reinforces body shaming and fatphobia.

“The whirring around them had been going on for quite a long time. It sounded as though they were in an elevator, but the movement was so smooth that he could not tell whether they were being carried up or down or even to the side. Once again, as they had done several times in the past hour, his hands moved involuntarily to reach up and push the blindfold away from his eyes; and once again they were stopped by the cord that bound his wrists. But he did not struggle against the cord. Peter never struggled.”

The opening of House of Stairs introduces the novel’s narrative style and tone. The first chapter is seen through Peter’s perspective and begins with the young boy arriving in the house of stairs. The narrative immediately places the protagonists in a closed environment and provides minimal background information to the reader. This approach creates a sense of unfamiliarity and possibly confusion, which heightens tension and creates anticipation about the rest of the story.

“All he could see were stairs. The high, narrow landing on which he stood seemed to be the only flat place there was, and above and below him, growing smaller in the distance, were only flights of steps. Without railings they rose and fell at alarming angles, forking, occasionally spiraling, rising briefly together only to veer apart again, crossing above and below one another, connected at rare intervals by thin bridges spanning deep gulfs. Nothing supported them; the glossy white material from which they were made seemed to be strong enough to arch alone across great distances. They were not outdoors, the all-pervasive yet indirect glare came from artificial light, but he could see no walls, floors, or ceilings. Only stairs.”

This passage describes the setting in which the entire narrative, apart from the epilogue, takes place. The rather bare environment in which the protagonists dwell evokes unfamiliarity and unease in order to enhance the mystery of their situation. In addition, the minimalist setting leaves room for the emotional aspect of the narrative, which revolves mainly around human relationships.

“Walking down the corridor at the old orphanage, the first orphanage, the one he loved. His room. His and Jasper’s room. The window seat, the two beds. Jasper looking up from his desk, smiling, glad to see him. Jasper saying something. Something very important. The most important message, the secret message.”

In this quote, Peter is experiencing one of his daydreams for the first time. At this point in the story, Peter’s memories are clear, and although he feels nostalgic, he is able to distinguish between his dream and reality.