The synopsis of When the Night Bells Ring appealed to me so much. Dystopian North America, a ghost town, a supernatural presence in anOoh scary – not!
The synopsis of When the Night Bells Ring appealed to me so much. Dystopian North America, a ghost town, a supernatural presence in an abandoned mine, the American West during the height of the gold rush – one of my favourite eras, not to mention gothic tones.
In the near future climate catastrophe has brought on the apocalypse. Following the Great Valley Fire, Mads and Waynoka have fled Los Angeles in search of a more stable environment on the East Coast. They stop to rest in Virgil, Nevada. Upon realising it was once a thriving mining town, they venture deep into the mine in search of a water source. An accident leaves Mads injured, cutting off their only exit route. They are trapped way beneath the surface! Then, Waynoka finds a diary, first entry dated July 26th, 1869. It tells the story of Lavinia, her husband, and two children, newly arrived in Virgil. Lavinia immediately notices there is something off about the town. And, as it turns out, she is right to be worried. Because there is something truly evil lurking in the mine. And, Waynoka and Mads are about discover that it’s still there.
Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? I had such high hopes for this horror read only to have them dashed. My main issue was the writing. Both timelines felt rushed, and lacked tension or suspense. Consequently, I never felt creeped out or unperturbed, let alone scared. It also meant I failed to connect with any of the characters, and wasn’t emotionally invested. I also had an issue with the diary entries as there was too much telling and not enough showing. When Lavinia writes about a young couple she met upon arriving in Virgil as ‘acting oddly’ and ‘they seemed spooked’ does nothing for me. I want that conversation relayed, so I can witness their body language and facial expressions for myself. Heaps of authors include diary entries that read like flashbacks, or start as diary entries and then morph into flashbacks. This entire novel just left too much to the imagination. No spooky or gothic vibes whatsoever.
Writing is subjective though, and When the Night Bells Ring has received rave reviews, and freaked readers out. Maybe the audiobook will work better? If you do decide to try it, I hope it’s a winner. For me, this was not a great start for my first lead-up-to-Halloween read.
I’ll like to thank Edelweiss, CamCat Books, and Jo Kaplan for the e-ARC.
Lessons in Chemistry introduces 1960’s housewives to the concept of applying everyday chemistry to cooking.
Elizabeth Zott has two equally important deLessons in Chemistry introduces 1960’s housewives to the concept of applying everyday chemistry to cooking.
Elizabeth Zott has two equally important defining roles, both of which she takes very seriously. She is a brilliant chemist, a rarity in the 1960’s, and she’s also a single mother to four-year-old Madeline (Mad). Having experienced great hardship and adversary in her life, and due to circumstances beyond her control, Elizabeth reluctantly accepts a job offer to host an early evening cooking show, aimed at housewives. But, just like Elizabeth herself, Supper at Six is no ordinary show. Using chemical processes, Elizabeth teaches, encourages, and inspires her audience to not only create delicious, complex, and nutritious culinary dishes, but to value and believe in their self-worth, both in and out of the kitchen.
Eloquent, beautiful, and compassionately written, Lessons in Chemistry stole my heart. I experienced a torrent of emotions while reading – happiness, amusement, anger, hate, grief, and sadness. Some parts saw me seething with rage at the ignorance and bigotry characters displayed. Other bits made me smile and jump for joy at the support, tenderness and love I witnessed. Then there were the delightfully funny lines, several of which saw me erupting into fits of laughter. Finally, there were those sections where I had to bite my lip to keep myself from crying. On one occasion I had to turn my kindle off and put it away as I was in danger of bursting into tears in a public place.
The character of Elizabeth was a true innovative leader who demanded nothing less than gender equality as she bravely and tirelessly stood her ground and fought to receive the same rights as men in every sector of her life. As you can imagine none of the above went down well with the majority of the males she encountered, and even some women, in a 1950’s and 1960’s environment, resulting in Elizabeth being viewed as odd, argumentative, disruptive, and worse, and she faced sexism, belittlement, trivialisation, and abuse as a result.
There were other characters (but I’m loathe to spoil) who were just as strong, compelling, memorable and delightful, although I will mention that there was an adorable dog narrator, (yes you read that right), which I thought was pretty cool.
However, there were a couple of things which prevented this from being a 5-star read for me. This is going to be an unpopular opinion, but as much as I loved Elizabeth, her opinions were just a little too modern day I thought, almost as if she had been plucked from 2021 to land in 1962, (and there were some other things too but I can’t give them away) meaning this read like more of a fantastical 50’s/60’s rather than an authentic one. Not that it’s not okay to do this, but I prefer my historical more on the authentic side. My second little gripe related to the long-winded descriptions of rowing, as in the sport. I felt too much time was spent on this and I ended up skimming those bits.
All up though, it was a remarkable read, as well as a pleasure. Not to mention that it was definitely in a class of its own in terms of quirkiness and uniqueness.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Doubleday, and Bonnie Garmus for the e-ARC
Readers, set the table for the 5th April, 2022.
P.S: Okay, so it took me longer than it should have to realise that E.Z. was certain character’s way of shaming Elizabeth, as we pronounce the letter ‘Z’ ‘Zed’ not ‘Zee’....more
Ordinary Grace is a beautifully written story focusing on family, small town life in 1961, and coming of age, as the novel is narrated through the eyeOrdinary Grace is a beautifully written story focusing on family, small town life in 1961, and coming of age, as the novel is narrated through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy. It deals with themes of tragedy, grief, loss, faith, miracle, and forgiveness. I was supposed to only be listening to it while walking, and exercising, but after two days of this I abandoned that idea as I just couldn't stop listening. Even though both Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land are both 5 star reads, and favourites of mine, I think I loved this one slightly more since it did involve small town secrets, crime and mystery. ...more
In the 1920's the small farming community of Lonesome Tree in the Texas Panhandle was beautiful and prosperous, and for newly married Elsa Martinelli,In the 1920's the small farming community of Lonesome Tree in the Texas Panhandle was beautiful and prosperous, and for newly married Elsa Martinelli, her salvation from a lonely and reclusive upbringing. She quickly grew to love and respect the land, and settled into a hard but rewarding existence. That all changed with the stock market crash of ’29 and the start of the Great Depression. Then came the years of drought followed by the dust bowl – a series of storms with high winds and choking dust responsible for killing every crop planted and filling Elsa's home and beloved land with sand, dirt, and destruction.
With no end in sight to the dust, drought, and despair, unable to make ends meet, and with their health in jeopardy, Elsa and her family are forced to abandon their home and flee west to California in the hope of finding work and a better life. What they find instead is discrimination, injustice, poverty, and danger at every turn.
The Four Winds was not only one of the best historical novels I've ever read, but one of my favourite books ever, focusing on a very dark chapter in America's history. And I almost didn't read it, was put off because I'd heard there were scenes involving scared, starving, dying animals, which is a real trigger for me. And I'm not going to lie, those parts were difficult to stomach, but they weren't as bad or as graphic as I had feared, and they were thankfully brief and minimal. The depths of human pain, suffering and cruelty the characters endured affected me more, and saw me crying the hardest. But equally Elsa and her family's compassion, resilience, perseverance and determination, was an inspiration and the love and hope they maintained even in the saddest and most desperate of circumstances was incredible.
Kristin Hannah's extensive and richly detailed research combined with a realistic representation of the historical era was equally captivating and harrowing. I swear I could taste the dust. She blended fact and fiction seamlessly together in a dramatic, informative, engrossing, fast-paced manner. I'm embarrassed to admit that everything I previously knew about dust bowls I learnt from watching the sci-fi movie Interstellar and I honestly thought the storms depicted were largely a dystopian invention rather than a real life ecological and natural disaster. The characters were wonderfully drawn and memorable and the mother/daughter relationship between Elsa and Loreda (our two narrators) was my favourite. I loved that despite everything that was happening, Loreda was still portrayed as a typical teenager with all the growing pains and resentment and anger towards her mother you would expect from a girl her age.
Suffice to say I will be recommending The Four Winds far and wide to everyone I encounter....more
I was completely swept up in this family's lives from the first page to the last.
The dismissal of a driver sets in motion a series of overlapping eveI was completely swept up in this family's lives from the first page to the last.
The dismissal of a driver sets in motion a series of overlapping events ending in the tragic disappearance of an eight-year-old boy whose whereabouts will remain unknown for forty-seven years.
9 Soi Nine – A large house in the centre of Bangkok, complete with swimming pool and garden enclosed by a high wall. For the past four years it's been home to an American family of five – Robert and Genevieve Preston and their three children, Beatrice (12), Philip (8), and Laura (7). Genevieve and her children lead a privileged chauffeured-driven life of parties, socializing, shopping trips, beauty parlours, hair salons, and ballet and judo lessons for the kids. And the running of the household is expertly managed by the Thai servants who cater to their every whim. Yet, Genevieve is dissatisfied with her life, is desperate to return to the States – her husband promised her they'd only be in Asia a year. And Robert has secrets of his own. His wife believes he's involved in a humanitarian project, building a dam in the north of Thailand but he's really there to gather American intelligence regarding the Vietnam War.
By the end of that long hot summer of 1972 their son will be gone without a trace.
What Could Be Saved saw me taking my time lingering and savouring. It's a slow satisfying burn and I admired every word of the beautiful prose. The heart-breaking story of a family torn apart by grief, loss, betrayal and their own secrets and shame, as well as the eternal bond that exists between siblings no matter how long they've been separated. There are plenty of twists and turns and shocks, and those final chapters left me reeling.
The plot followed two timeliness. 2019 sees Laura (now in her early fifties) receiving an email from a stranger saying she has a man with her claiming to be Philip Preston, Laura's missing-for-decades-brother. A subsequent Skype call to verify see's Laura traveling to Bangkok to investigate – a city she hasn't seen since she was seven-years-old. The 1972 plot thread follows the Preston family that fateful summer with multiple POV's including Genevieve, Robert, Laura, Philip, and Noi (a Thai servant girl who worked for the Preston). I liked that Liese O’Halloran Schwarz deliberately withheld the date and details surrounding Philip's disappearance as the most nail wracking and suspenseful part while reading the 1972 flashbacks was wondering when and where he was going to go missing. Almost as tense were the clever ways the author delayed the reveal of an adult Philip revealing what had happened to him the day he vanished and where he'd been for those subsequent years.
The Bangkok setting was unique, interesting and fascinating and contained the right balance of beautiful (the culture, architecture, art, food) and seedy (underage prostitution, servants treated no better than slaves, poverty and racism). There's some distressing content but the trance-like narration kept things from ever being too graphic or detailed. Not all the characters were likeable, but their POV's were never dull, and their pain was real and resonating. I will definitely be reading Liese O’Halloran Schwarz's first novel, The Possible World. I read on my kindle, but have since bought myself a physical copy to add to my collection....more
Something monstrous is preying on the people of Shanghai.
No one is safe.
No one is immune.
1926 – Two rival gangs, the Scarlets and the White Flowers, Something monstrous is preying on the people of Shanghai.
No one is safe.
No one is immune.
1926 – Two rival gangs, the Scarlets and the White Flowers, rule Shanghai with an iron fist. Communism and colonialism are ever present challenges, but their biggest threat is each other. That is until seven people die in gruesome, unexplained ways, and sightings of a repulsive supernatural type creature are reported. As the death count and terror rises, Roma (White Flower) and Juliette (Scarlet), once friends and lovers (torn apart by betrayal and the blood feud that exists between their families), must put aside their hatred to stop the ‘madness' penetrating their city. Because if they fail, everyone will die.
A sea monster slithering out of the Huangpu River and infected people with a sickness that drove them crazy enough to kill themselves, before disappearing into the murky depths once again, played on my worst fears. The very idea of something foreign invading the brain and taking control gave me the heebie-jeebies. Chloe Gong did a masterful job with the action, horror, and gory scenes. I really felt the city's dread, panic and urgency the entire time I was reading.
The setting was a unique one with interesting politics, seediness, corruption, and violence, but there was also beauty to be found even in the darkest of times. The gang culture aspect – the rules, customs, practices, code of conduct – and the rivalry and blood feud that existed between the two families was equally fascinating and appalling. Roma and Juliette were constantly pulled in two directions, with betrayal, bloodshed, and very personal losses on both sides – torn between love and loyalty. And These Violent Delights ended on, not one, but two explosive cliff hangers, both of which will have far reaching consequences. The fall-out is going to be epic!
But I'm afraid I had some issues. My biggest was that a lot of the dialogue was somewhat confusing and disjointed, and just didn't strike me as how people speak or behave. There were ill-timed jokes and teasing too that didn't fit with the seriousness of the situation, as well as unnecessary conversations that neither furthered the plot or revealed anything about the character's personalities. What’s more, the language was far too modern for the time period. The emotions felt off too. Characters cared more about how they were going to clean bloodstains from their carpet than the horrors of people ripping their throats out in front of their eyes.
I also struggled with Juliette. She was such a bitch and a bully, and no matter what the situation she always responded with threats and/or violence. Roma, I liked, but I have no idea what he saw in Juliette. The main characters had zero romantic and sexual chemistry. What's more, the promised Romeo and Juliette romantic sub-plot was almost non-existent, which was one of the main reasons I was drawn to this book. The two characters shared all this history that was barely touched on. I feel the story could've benefitted from flashbacks to their first meeting, early friendship/relationship. Maybe the author intends to step-up the romance in book 2, but at 449 pages I expected more from this volume.
I'm an adult who has always loved YA but I feel I was too old for this and that it is better suited for a teenage and new adult audience. There's no question that These Violent Delights has been a phenomenal success for Chloe Gong, and I'm thrilled that a NZ based author is doing so well.
I'd like to thank Tandem Collective Global, Hachette NZ, and Chloe Gong for the gifted copy....more
‘Whether this is a devil dressed as a man, or a man dressed as a devil, our course of action remains the same.’
If you're a fan of any, or all, of
‘Whether this is a devil dressed as a man, or a man dressed as a devil, our course of action remains the same.’
If you're a fan of any, or all, of these authors and books – Ken Follet, Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, The Shining, or Lord of the Flies, then The Devil and the Dark Water is going to be a sure-fire winner for you. Even if you're not, there is still plenty to enjoy.
The year is 1634. When passengers set sail on the Saardam (one in a fleet of seven Indiaman ships) at Batavia, for an eight-month journey to Amsterdam, they anticipated boredom, misery, and the potential hazards of pirates, storms, fire, shipwreck, disease, or accident. What they didn't expect was a manifestation of a dead leper haunting the decks and cargo hold. A whispering voice echoing through the night – taunting and tormenting, offering rewards and riches in return for servitude. An ominous eighth lantern out at sea that shouldn’t be there. And the prediction of three unholy miracles, each worse than the last – two of which have already come to pass.
All I can say is WOW!The Devil and the Dark Water was equally as original, clever, puzzling, and enthralling as Stuart Turton's debut, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. Strap yourself in for a wild voyage of epic proportions. TDATDW fits multiple genres – historical, horror, gothic-horror, crime, mystery, suspense, thriller, action, adventure, drama, and romance. It’s a slow burn, but pay attention and read carefully, as it's always the small details that count, otherwise you may be confused by the end reveal. To give you some context, the first 35% only covers the first day of the voyage, beginning with the passengers arriving, boarding, and then setting sail. I feel this gradual build approach was necessary due to the extension cast of characters introduced, as well as to get your head around the layout, hierarchy of the crew and passengers, and the operation, routine, and conduct aboard the Saardam – all things pertinent to the plot. Included at the front is a ‘Manifest of Notable Crew and Passengers’ which I kept flipping back to until I had all the players straight.
The prevalent question continuously plaguing me throughout was whether or not the threat was supernatural? Was someone actually possessed or controlled by a Devil entity to do its bidding, or was the answer trickery perpetrated by a cunning mastermind/s? And, I was constantly torn one way or the other, my every theory (and admittedly all my ideas were weak) soon shot down by the author. The growing hysteria and paranoia of the people on board increased the tension, claustrophobia and desperateness of the situation and had me anxious for the characters that were my favourites. Superstitious beliefs were commonplace in the 17th century, and crew and sailors on board the Saardam used charms, prayers, and rituals as a protective barrier to ward off the Devil and disaster. Fights, resentments, rivalries, riots, and insubordination went hand-in-hand with such closed quarters, and when exacerbated by a satanic presence inciting discord, rage, hatred, fear, and terror, mutiny and murder were but a stone’s throw away.
The Devil and the Dark Water definitely makes my top three favourite reads of 2020. In his Author’s Note Stuart Turton has promised another book in the next two years, and I'm going to hold him to that! With Halloween approaching, this would be the perfect time to read this....more
For you reading pleasure, I present the long-awaited prequel to The Pillars of the Earth (1989), The Evening and the Morning (2020). TPOTE is long thoFor you reading pleasure, I present the long-awaited prequel to The Pillars of the Earth (1989), The Evening and the Morning (2020). TPOTE is long thought of as a classic historical masterpiece, a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with, but don't concern yourself, because this latest installment of the Kingsbridge series is just as immersive, dramatic, captivating and spellbinding, and I guarantee you will be as glued to all 832 pages as I was.
Set at the end of the dark ages, on the cusp of the first millennium, the action and danger was immediate – less than three pages in see Viking ships raid and pillage a small English fishing village. The four main characters, and POV's, are; a Peasant boat builder, an English Monk, the Bishop of Shiring, and the daughter of a French Count. It's set mainly in England, with the threats of Vikings in the East and the Welsh in the West, but there are sections in Normandy, France. Much of the plot revolves around the personal lives of the main players – their loves, losses, dreams, scandals, betrayals, marriage and children.
In The Evening and the Morning, we encounter a small hamlet with approximately five buildings (I'm not going to spoil things and reveal its original name), and witness it grow and prosper into the busy town which is known as Kingsbridge in The Pillars of the Earth, and beyond. I'm embarrassed to admit it took me longer than it should have to recognise pre-Kingsbridge. It wasn't until the ferry was built that a light bulb went off.
Those familiar with the Kingsbridge trilogy will recall that each tome has its share of wicked, corrupt, shady characters, who usually hold positions of power or dominance, which they abuse to spread hatred and discord, and carry out their revenge. Fans will also know that Follet is a firm believer in good triumphing over evil, and that even though the heroes and heroines face brutality, tragedy, challenges, adversary, and heartache, by the end the villains have received their much-deserved comeuppance and punishment. Content wise, I found this one tamer than the other books in the series, but prepare yourself for period typical violence and barbarity – torture, rape, abuse, war, poverty, disfigurement, disease etc.
The Pillars of the Earth was followed by two sequels, World Without End (my favourite because it incorporated the bubonic plague of the fourteen century) and A Column of Fire (which I own, but haven't yet read, set in the sixteenth century). All, including this one, can be read and enjoyed as standalones, since they are set in different centuries, with characters that are either descendants or ancestors. Ken Follet is a true talent, and The Evening and the Morning was an addictive, engrossing, epic experience, that I have no hesitation in recommending.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Macmillan, and Ken Follet for the e-ARC.
In the days leading up to that fateful day in April of 1912, the guests of the infamous luxury ocean liner, Morbidly fascinating, ghostly, and spooky!
In the days leading up to that fateful day in April of 1912, the guests of the infamous luxury ocean liner, the Titanic, are being plagued by strange occurrences – cold spots, disappearing belongings, whispered voices emanating from the sea, overwhelming feelings of paranoia and suspicion, and sudden unexplained deaths. Is it a warning, an omem of death, or something even more monstrous?
Four years later, during WW1, a survivor of the sinking, works as a nurse on the Britannic (a fleet mate of the Titanic, with an eerily identical layout) which is being used as a hospital. There she encounters a patient who shouldn't be there. And unbeknownst to everyone on board, this voyage too will end in disaster.
Trapped at sea, isolated, alone, with no way off, haunted by an unseen presence – I could not have been more excited to read this. Not only that, the ship in question was the Titanic, which sold me on the idea even more. The writing had a surreal, hypnotic quality which suited the mystical storyline. Events alternated between the Britannic (1916) and the Titanic (1912), and Alma Katsu seamlessly wove historical fact and fiction. Post finishing, I went into research mode, as my knowledge of the Titanic was limited to the actual sinking rather than the names and backgrounds of the passengers, and I knew next to nothing about Britannic (bombed and sank by the Germans during the first world war). It surprised me how much of The Deep was based on real events, rather than the author's imagination. I'm glad I went in blind, and didn't do my research beforehand. Having said that, if you are a Titanic expert, I think there is still enough within the pages to satisfy, as the emphasis of the novel is on the paranormal.
There were instances where the plot felt somewhat disjointed, possibly due to the dreamlike prose, but it's only a small gripe. I had my suspicions regarding the supernatural happenings that proved to be correct, but that didn't distract from my overall enjoyment, and there was still a stockpile of unexpected revelations. The large cast of characters, and multiple POV's was a lot to take in, so read carefully. Those familiar with the history will likely find this easier, since some of the names will be known to them, but I didn't know who anyone was, and was able to keep track just fine.
I have a copy of The Hunger on my bookshelf, and if it's as absorbing and seductive as this one, then I'm in for another treat. All aboard!
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers – Bantam Press, and Alma Katsu for the e-ARC.
First things first, Daisy Jones & The Six was not a real 70's rock band. I thought it wasn't, but was mystified ovLet's Rock 'n' Roll Seventies Style!
First things first, Daisy Jones & The Six was not a real 70's rock band. I thought it wasn't, but was mystified over why a local bookstore had a stack of books prominently displayed on the nonfiction autobiography/biography table, which prompted me to Google it just to double check. It is however loosely modelled on Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks.
This wonderful book charmed and delighted me from start to finish. Taylor Jenkins Reid adopted a unique interview/documentary style format to tell the story of Daisy Jones & The Six, an iconic pop/rock group, with its band members – their family, friends and associates – recalling their experiences being part of the musical scene during the 1970’s. This was something I've never seen used before in fiction and it was refreshingly original, ambitious and sophisticated. All the characters felt like actual real people, who were honest and passionate, sharing their intimate details and opinions, and I had to keep reminding myself that they weren't a real group.
Everything about the book felt authentic to the time, and the inclusion of actual period detail made it all the more realistic. The author completely captured the music industry, and band lifestyle – the highs and lows, the price of fame, creative talent, ambition, personality clashes, life on the road constantly away from your loved ones, and how readily available everything was in excess – money, alcohol and drugs, sex, and indulgence. There was plenty of drama, romance, and sacrifice, culminating in a satisfying, bittersweet, sentimental ending.
Bravo Taylor Jenkins Reid, bravo! This was my first book by this talented author and I can't wait to delve into her previous novels. I'm thrilled to hear that Reese Witherspoon is set to adapt Daisy Jones & The Six into a TV show because not only would it make a fantastic series, but I'm dying to hear what the lyrics included in the back of the book actually soyund like performed as songs....more
As inspirational and courageous as it was tragic and heart-breaking!
4.5 rounded down.
This is the story of the senseless horrors two sisters, Vianne anAs inspirational and courageous as it was tragic and heart-breaking!
4.5 rounded down.
This is the story of the senseless horrors two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, endured during World War Two, living in a constant state of fear and uncertainty in German-occupied France. More than that it is the story of bravery and resilience, love, family and friendship, and the incredible lengths characters in this novel went to, not only to protect those closest to them but also to help and save total strangers.
A powerfully moving novel written with such depth and insight, with compelling, multi-layered characters to kept you emotionally invested. Kristin Hannah tackled almost impossible to comprehend subject matter with dignity and sensitivity. I’ve read my fair share of World War Two novels combining fiction with fact, but most of them have been set in concentration camps, so it was interesting and informative to read a different take on events. I’ve never fully appreciated just how dangerous and destitute life was for the women and children left at home, especially in European countries controlled by Germany, so this book was a real eye-opener.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that there are an abundance of sad and shocking scenes, so stock up on the tissues before starting. There were also plenty of tense, nail-biting moments that saw me holding my breath, desperately turning pages to find out what happened next.
I did find the first half a little slow-moving, which is why this wasn’t a 5-star read for me, but the last half picked up the pace, and the ending moved me to tears, so all-in-all a near perfect read. The only other thing I feel I should mention is that maybe the lead up to Christmas month wasn’t quite the right time to read about such a heavy subject, so perhaps bear that in mind if you’re planning to pick this up.
A haunting story that will stay with me, detailing a shameful time in history that we should never forget....more
On a warm September day in San Francisco in 1888, twenty year-old Charlotte Smith walks to the edge of the pier and jumShe’s been reduced to a number.
On a warm September day in San Francisco in 1888, twenty year-old Charlotte Smith walks to the edge of the pier and jumps. Why? Because, she wants to end up in Goldengrove – the mental asylum her sister, Phoebe (bi-polar, possible schizophrenia), was sent to by their parents. She naively believes that if she informs the doctors that they are both sane, she’ll be able to convince them that a mistake has been made, and that they will be free to leave. But, Charlotte finds herself trapped in Goldengrove, as helpless and forgotten as her sister and the other woman – all of whom have been committed for anything ranging from depression and epilepsy through to adultery.
As historical fiction, this just didn’t work for me. There’s no question that it was thoroughly researched, but it read like nonfiction, focused too much on fact, and lacked imagination. For the most part, it was a bore to read – long-winded, with overly long flashbacks that took too long to get to the point. I was expecting suspense, but aside from a couple of semi-interesting twists, and a little bit of mystery, there really wasn’t any. The treatment and suffering of women during this time period – drugged, neglected, abandoned, punished, starved – made for horrific reading, but lack of character development, made it difficult to emphasise, even when Charlotte (and others) were enduring monstrous psychological and physical torture.
The only part that did spark some emotion within me was the bond between Charlotte and Phoebe. It was obvious Charlotte cared deeply for her older sister, had been tasked with the role of looking out for (and protecting) her from a young age, and felt Phoebe was misunderstood by her parents. This, coupled with the guilt she felt over Phoebe being committed to Goldengrove Asylum, and because Phoebe had saved her own life on many past occasions, meant Charlotte would go to any lengths to save her. And Charlotte sure was accident prone as a child – she almost drowned, was nearly trampled by a horse, was rescued from eating poisonous berries, and came close to falling off a cliff – but I suppose this was accurate for the late nineteenth century.
From a seeking knowledge, and understanding, point-of-view, this book scored five out of five, and those who enjoy historical fiction bordering on nonfiction will find a lot to relish here, but lovers of fiction (like me) will likely be disappointed.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Sourcebooks – Landmark, and Greer Macallister for the e-ARC.
Historical fiction at its upmost finest! So many genres, balanced to perfection!
More than deserves all five Halloween pumpkins 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃 as well as stars Historical fiction at its upmost finest! So many genres, balanced to perfection!
More than deserves all five Halloween pumpkins 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃 as well as stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 – I loved every moment of reading this. The writing was mesmerising and poetic, Hester Fox has a real way with words that had me spellbound! There are a few suspenseful mysteries to keep you guessing, and hold your attention – there’s the identity of the ghosts and why they are haunting Willow Hall, witchcraft in the family bloodline, and whether or not Lydia has magical abilities, and the mystery surrounding why the Montrose’s had to flee Boston under a cloud of scandal. I figured out the scandal right away, and I think savvy readers will too, but it was still tantalisingly shocking, and there was one ginormous twist that I had no idea about. The ghost story and the witchy-plot also had many a surprise in store.
Family dynamics and drama, and the close-knit bond, or lack thereof, that exists between sisters, as well as other family members was a running theme during the novel. The relationship between Lydia and Catherine reminded me so much of Cassandra and Rose from another favourite book of mine – Dodie Smith’s, I Capture the Castle. A polar opposite to Lydia/Catherine was the sisterly, almost mother/daughter, love between Lydia and Emeline. A joy to behold. Jealously, particularly misunderstanding, were also highlighted throughout in Lydia’s relationship with other characters. But the sub-plot that really had me invested was the romantic one. It had everything I loved in a historical romance, so much sweetness and tenderness, and Lydia’s emotional responses, her fears and doubts were spot-on, and are things we have all felt at some point in our lives. Can’t say anything more than that, as I don’t want to spoil anything.
How scary is this book you ask? Well, I wouldn’t call it scary exactly, there were moments that sent ominous, sense of foreboding, shivers up my spine, but they were few and far in between. I will say though that Hester Fox’s detailed and gruesome descriptions of ghosts would have normally have had my teeth chattering, but those scenes were also highly emotional, and I think most readers will find that feeling overrides their fear.
How sad is this book you ask? At times, very, so stock up on tissues before you start.
Instead of the usual old, crumbling, dark, dank mansion that I’ve come to expect from historical paranormal fiction set in the nineteen century, the author defied convention, and instead made Willow Hall a newly-built house, yet it was still haunted by past ghosts. It still retained its gothic setting though, since it was a remote location, and for several other reasons, but I will leave it up to you to discover them for yourself.
I think it goes without saying that I will be waiting with bated breath for Fox’s next book. I pray she writes more in this vein, as it doesn’t get any better than this. The perfect any season read. ...more
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