The Globe by Cloudfic
Discover books, writers and the worlds behind the stories.
Cloudfic Back to The Globe
House of Stairs by William Sleator

Featured Science fiction

House of Stairs

by William Sleator

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.

Science fiction Juvenile fiction Brainwashing Technology
Author William Sleator
Published Oct
Format Book

Your reading world on The Globe

Discover your next book. Keep the ones that matter.

Join The Globe for a free reader profile and discover books, writers and stories in one place.

Claim your free reader profile

About House of Stairs

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.

Discuss this book

Reader discussion will appear here once The Globe community opens book conversations.

Are you the author or publisher?

Claim this page to verify the book information, add an author profile, update purchase links or request removal.