The sequel to “Silent Ending”, this intriguing novel opens with everyone's worst nightmare: Maddie wakes up from a long, deep coma, strapped to a wheelchair and committed to a sanatorium for mentally ill patients. She very quickly realizes that struggling is counterproductive and her best course of action is to say little and stay very calm. Another patient, the wildly crazy Althea, takes a liking to her, and starts to hang around. The situation presents challenges, but also a chance to forge a mutually-supportive companionship in a place where most patients are drugged-up zombies, or dangerous lunatics.
Maddie's coping strategies and her courage in the face of a tragic and hopeless situation form the backbone of the story. The surprise ending is satisfying and efficiently ties up all the loose ends, although a supernatural element brings an unexpected dimension to the conclusion.
Although the book functions as a stand-alone, I would strongly suggest reading Book 1 in the series first, which sets the scene and introduces the main protagonists and their back story. Character development is excellent, the dialogue is convincingly natural, and the grittier aspects of a sane woman trapped in a mental institution are conveyed with realism laced with a deep empathy. The pace is steady but picks up steam towards the end. A strong psychological thriller suitable for a wide audience.
Maddie's coping strategies and her courage in the face of a tragic and hopeless situation form the backbone of the story. The surprise ending is satisfying and efficiently ties up all the loose ends, although a supernatural element brings an unexpected dimension to the conclusion.
Although the book functions as a stand-alone, I would strongly suggest reading Book 1 in the series first, which sets the scene and introduces the main protagonists and their back story. Character development is excellent, the dialogue is convincingly natural, and the grittier aspects of a sane woman trapped in a mental institution are conveyed with realism laced with a deep empathy. The pace is steady but picks up steam towards the end. A strong psychological thriller suitable for a wide audience.
A short story with supernatural elements which kept my attention to the end. Rafal has ascended the Mountain of Reflection to summon the Whisper of the Coals, a powerful demonic entity with infinite shape-shifting abilities. By following a very specific ritual, humans can attempt to have five wishes fulfilled in exchange for five offerings. Most supplicants run afoul of the evil spirit and make life-ending mistakes, but they continue to come, fatally attracted to the chance of realizing their wildest dreams. As they engage in the hazardous bartering process, the Whisper is intrigued by Rafal’s peculiar wishes, while remaining intent on adding him to its collection of dead trophies.
The ending was a surprise, and I did not see where the story was leading until the last wish was voiced. Despite the limited scope, the hero emerges as an uncompromising but likeable character. The writing is strong, tight, and blissfully free of grammatical mistakes. It was a relief to find so few issues after coming across some books in truly disastrous shape, lately.
The ending was a surprise, and I did not see where the story was leading until the last wish was voiced. Despite the limited scope, the hero emerges as an uncompromising but likeable character. The writing is strong, tight, and blissfully free of grammatical mistakes. It was a relief to find so few issues after coming across some books in truly disastrous shape, lately.
This is the fourth book of the Bess Bullock mystery series, and my first observation is that the author has succeeded perfectly in creating a stand-alone work that can be enjoyed without reference to its predecessors. The reader is given enough detail about Bess and her family to follow the action without interruption. I must admit that, from the description, I half expected an ageing sleuth along the lines of Miss Marple, but instead found this book to be quite different and unique in my experience.
Allen Boyer has employed an original voice which brings to mind the technique of the Naïve Painters applied to literature. His style is direct and deceptively simple but the spare prose acquires a power that stems directly from its rigour and discipline. This is a tender but unsentimental exploration of the inevitable process of ageing and delves into the very human desire for companionship and kindness.
Bess Bullock is a very loveable character, sturdy and kind but, at 81, still full of curiosity and a desire for adventure and “purpose”. She lives in comparative independence on the grounds of a large retirement centre and, when we first meet her in this book, she has just moved into a small but cosy house with her new husband, Chet Wooden. The loving relationship that has brought these two mature individuals together, after losing their previous life partners, is in itself delightful and touching, and it suggests that some things fortunately never change.
The Honey Hills Retirement Centre offers supportive and reassuring care for those who need it, but at a personal cost. Those who remember the classic TV series “The Prisoner” will recognise claustrophobic elements of an unseen but ever-watchful presence that makes the residents feel like they have no privacy. The dichotomy between support and intrusiveness is very well presented.
Bess is a former police woman and her instincts for sniffing a suspicious type of behaviour and investigating it are as keen as when she was in the force. The “mysteries” she is fond of exploring are often tame and quickly resolved but they serve the purpose of providing her with a sense of usefulness and purpose, and reinforce the underlying concept that we, as humans, realize our destiny best when we extend kindness and sympathy towards others. An unusual book with a simple but powerful message. Suitable for all ages and stages, it is an engaging, easy read that is perfect for bed-time reading.
Allen Boyer has employed an original voice which brings to mind the technique of the Naïve Painters applied to literature. His style is direct and deceptively simple but the spare prose acquires a power that stems directly from its rigour and discipline. This is a tender but unsentimental exploration of the inevitable process of ageing and delves into the very human desire for companionship and kindness.
Bess Bullock is a very loveable character, sturdy and kind but, at 81, still full of curiosity and a desire for adventure and “purpose”. She lives in comparative independence on the grounds of a large retirement centre and, when we first meet her in this book, she has just moved into a small but cosy house with her new husband, Chet Wooden. The loving relationship that has brought these two mature individuals together, after losing their previous life partners, is in itself delightful and touching, and it suggests that some things fortunately never change.
The Honey Hills Retirement Centre offers supportive and reassuring care for those who need it, but at a personal cost. Those who remember the classic TV series “The Prisoner” will recognise claustrophobic elements of an unseen but ever-watchful presence that makes the residents feel like they have no privacy. The dichotomy between support and intrusiveness is very well presented.
Bess is a former police woman and her instincts for sniffing a suspicious type of behaviour and investigating it are as keen as when she was in the force. The “mysteries” she is fond of exploring are often tame and quickly resolved but they serve the purpose of providing her with a sense of usefulness and purpose, and reinforce the underlying concept that we, as humans, realize our destiny best when we extend kindness and sympathy towards others. An unusual book with a simple but powerful message. Suitable for all ages and stages, it is an engaging, easy read that is perfect for bed-time reading.
A difficult book to read after the wonderful Merlin trilogy and quite different in style (written in the third person), this is the story of Mordred, the fateful result of the young King Arthur's incestuous union with his half-sister Morgause while he was still ignorant of his true birth while she knew his parentage very well.
Lady Stewart explained that all that is known of Mordred from historical record is that he was Arthur's illegitimate son and that he fell in the same battle. Many centuries later, in mediaeval legend, he was painted as a villain and a traitor but, given that these accounts are entirely imaginary, Stewart felt free to invent her own story, cleverly incorporating many of the contradictory snippets of information that have reached us.
She does this with great elegance but, for all her craft, she cannot entirely reconcile the ridiculous elements of Arthur's death with his personality as developed in the three preceding books, so I found the last chapter slightly disappointing but the sad ending did nothing to detract from the sheer joy of reading the rest of the book.
An engrossing story, substantial characters, the sense of being plunged into a historic time capsule and an unforgettable anti-hero. I really liked Mordred, he is tough and self-reliant but also highly intelligent, wise beyond his years, gifted with icy self-control and yet fully capable of loyalty and love. The tragic showdown which ends the narrative is truly monumental. As with all of Lady Stewart's books, I enjoy it more with each re-reading.
Lady Stewart explained that all that is known of Mordred from historical record is that he was Arthur's illegitimate son and that he fell in the same battle. Many centuries later, in mediaeval legend, he was painted as a villain and a traitor but, given that these accounts are entirely imaginary, Stewart felt free to invent her own story, cleverly incorporating many of the contradictory snippets of information that have reached us.
She does this with great elegance but, for all her craft, she cannot entirely reconcile the ridiculous elements of Arthur's death with his personality as developed in the three preceding books, so I found the last chapter slightly disappointing but the sad ending did nothing to detract from the sheer joy of reading the rest of the book.
An engrossing story, substantial characters, the sense of being plunged into a historic time capsule and an unforgettable anti-hero. I really liked Mordred, he is tough and self-reliant but also highly intelligent, wise beyond his years, gifted with icy self-control and yet fully capable of loyalty and love. The tragic showdown which ends the narrative is truly monumental. As with all of Lady Stewart's books, I enjoy it more with each re-reading.
I discovered this book through a song, the hauntingly beautiful “Beverly Penn” by The Waterboys (for those who are interested, it was recently reissued as a piano demo for "In A Special Place"). I was intrigued by the lyrics which seemed particularly inspired, even by the high standards of that exquisite musical poet, Mike Scott. After reading the book, I discovered that the song movingly captures the essence of the main plot in this concatenation of stories.
There are many threads, each one perfectly developed, taking place at times concurrently, but often in different spatial realities and it really takes the confident touch of a master story-teller to gather them and wrap up the whole wonderful unit in a most satisfying way, so that by the end, the reader feels that everything is right with this virtual world, at least.
This is a challenging book to describe (and equally so to read) but the best I can do is to say that it takes me away to another dimension in which I can happily reside for hours at a time. It's fantastic but also brutally realistic, historically valid but also gloriously fanciful.
The key character, Peter Lake, is one of the most likeable literary creations I have ever encountered. We grow to love his quirky personality and admire his unpretentious inner beauty. With the news that this book is about to be made into a movie, I am particularly nervous about the actor choice for Peter Lake. Twenty years ago, Pierce Brosnan might have been suitable but now ...? Later postscript: disastrous choices for both lead characters, such a shame!
There are many other players in this large cast to grow fond of (my other particular favourite is, of course, Beverly) and even some truly funny interludes; in fact I could often imagine Helprin giggling quietly to himself as he had fun with his own creations. Perhaps, and for very different reasons, the true hero of the story is the horse Athansor, presented in all his glorious power but also, heartbreakingly, in a very different state … but that would spoil the enjoyment, and this is starting to sound like a literary dissertation instead of a product review.
The sheer beauty of the writing would be reason enough to buy this book, but I really treasure its enveloping and transporting powers. A book to revisit often, to delve into layers that were not apparent the first time around. One final piece of advice: with nearly 700 pages, it might make sense to look for a hard-cover issue. I bought a used one in excellent condition.
There are many threads, each one perfectly developed, taking place at times concurrently, but often in different spatial realities and it really takes the confident touch of a master story-teller to gather them and wrap up the whole wonderful unit in a most satisfying way, so that by the end, the reader feels that everything is right with this virtual world, at least.
This is a challenging book to describe (and equally so to read) but the best I can do is to say that it takes me away to another dimension in which I can happily reside for hours at a time. It's fantastic but also brutally realistic, historically valid but also gloriously fanciful.
The key character, Peter Lake, is one of the most likeable literary creations I have ever encountered. We grow to love his quirky personality and admire his unpretentious inner beauty. With the news that this book is about to be made into a movie, I am particularly nervous about the actor choice for Peter Lake. Twenty years ago, Pierce Brosnan might have been suitable but now ...? Later postscript: disastrous choices for both lead characters, such a shame!
There are many other players in this large cast to grow fond of (my other particular favourite is, of course, Beverly) and even some truly funny interludes; in fact I could often imagine Helprin giggling quietly to himself as he had fun with his own creations. Perhaps, and for very different reasons, the true hero of the story is the horse Athansor, presented in all his glorious power but also, heartbreakingly, in a very different state … but that would spoil the enjoyment, and this is starting to sound like a literary dissertation instead of a product review.
The sheer beauty of the writing would be reason enough to buy this book, but I really treasure its enveloping and transporting powers. A book to revisit often, to delve into layers that were not apparent the first time around. One final piece of advice: with nearly 700 pages, it might make sense to look for a hard-cover issue. I bought a used one in excellent condition.
Absolutely enchanting! When a novel starts with a gigantic, friendly dog, I'm already hooked. There are more charming animals taking the story forward, but always retaining their intrinsic character, no awkward anthropomorphism to spoil the intelligent narrative.
At thirty-two, Myra Erickson finds herself in a new town, alone, heartbroken and in dire need of a job. She fled her previous life in Indianapolis after a bitter romantic breakup and a family fight. Now her talent for photography has brought her to the attention of two very different men. Max Carter is the head of the influential Preservation Society, but there is something about him that sets Myra's metaphysical antennae on full alert. Jeff Andrews, a handsome but brusque neighbour, is forever chiding Myra for her friendship with his gigantic guard dog. Soon after her first job interview, Myra comes under attack, and her witch's magic is urgently needed to protect her and her new friends in The Pink Palace.
The descriptions of Myra's magic gift reminded me of the masterly treatment by Mary Stewart. It is magic at its most human and believable, vulnerable and strong at the same time, and I loved reading about the magic spells. The story has all the ingredients of a great, feel-good read with enough suspense to keep me hooked and turning the pages, including the perfect male love interest. The famous historical quarter of Louisville, Kentucky is beautifully described.
Although a strong romantic theme forms the backbone of the story, the assorted group of people who inhabit Wyrd House play a pivotal role and provide much of the human interest. The dialogue is fluent and realistic. Characterization is excellent with a wealth of very likeable individuals and some satisfying villains. The pacing throughout is even and sustained. Suitable for the widest audience, this was a pleasure to read, and a book I will certainly want to read again.
At thirty-two, Myra Erickson finds herself in a new town, alone, heartbroken and in dire need of a job. She fled her previous life in Indianapolis after a bitter romantic breakup and a family fight. Now her talent for photography has brought her to the attention of two very different men. Max Carter is the head of the influential Preservation Society, but there is something about him that sets Myra's metaphysical antennae on full alert. Jeff Andrews, a handsome but brusque neighbour, is forever chiding Myra for her friendship with his gigantic guard dog. Soon after her first job interview, Myra comes under attack, and her witch's magic is urgently needed to protect her and her new friends in The Pink Palace.
The descriptions of Myra's magic gift reminded me of the masterly treatment by Mary Stewart. It is magic at its most human and believable, vulnerable and strong at the same time, and I loved reading about the magic spells. The story has all the ingredients of a great, feel-good read with enough suspense to keep me hooked and turning the pages, including the perfect male love interest. The famous historical quarter of Louisville, Kentucky is beautifully described.
Although a strong romantic theme forms the backbone of the story, the assorted group of people who inhabit Wyrd House play a pivotal role and provide much of the human interest. The dialogue is fluent and realistic. Characterization is excellent with a wealth of very likeable individuals and some satisfying villains. The pacing throughout is even and sustained. Suitable for the widest audience, this was a pleasure to read, and a book I will certainly want to read again.