Source: Purchased
Description: Artist Jennifer Silver has come to the picturesque, secluded Valley of the Storms in the French Pyrenees to meet with a young cousin who is about to enter the convent there -- only to discover that the young woman has died in a dreadful car accident. Or did she?
Lies abound in this strange and frightening place, but seeking the truth could lead Jennifer to her own violent death.
Genre: Mystery - Classic
Why I Picked This Book: I've been wanting to read more Mary Stewart and I kind of picked this title at random.
My Impression: Stewart absolutely excels at atmosphere. While there are some flaws in this book Stewart pulled me in and I could feel the ominous gloom of the convent bearing down on me. I liked Jenny and Stephen. Jenny is determined that something is not right with the situation that is explained to her and Stephen while doubtful listens and supports her. Jenny has been underestimated her entire life and really only her father and Stephen see that there's more to her then there seems. The pacing for the last half was fantastic and I flew through the last 200 pages anxious to find out what happened next and to see how it all worked out.
Why I Picked This Book: I've been wanting to read more Mary Stewart and I kind of picked this title at random.
My Impression: Stewart absolutely excels at atmosphere. While there are some flaws in this book Stewart pulled me in and I could feel the ominous gloom of the convent bearing down on me. I liked Jenny and Stephen. Jenny is determined that something is not right with the situation that is explained to her and Stephen while doubtful listens and supports her. Jenny has been underestimated her entire life and really only her father and Stephen see that there's more to her then there seems. The pacing for the last half was fantastic and I flew through the last 200 pages anxious to find out what happened next and to see how it all worked out.
Now for the flaws. I feel like the book was a bit too long. There is a bit too much description and while I appreciated the atmosphere the detail ran a bit long as well. As well while I liked both Stephen and Jenny I didn't feel like I really knew them. The ending while it pulled me in and kept me reading the ending felt a bit disjointed and like things weren't fully explained.
I enjoyed this read and am glad I read it. I definitely want to read more from Mary Stewart - especially since reading that she considered this one of her weakest books.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would! I really enjoyed Stewart's writing and her way of creating atmosphere.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy a good Gothic-y read I would recommend this one even with its flaws.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy a good Gothic-y read I would recommend this one even with its flaws.
This sounds good. I always like Gothic stories. I haven't read this author in a long time.
ReplyDeleteIt has been decades since I read this one. I do agree that, for me anyway, it's not one of Mary Stewart's better books. I love Wildfire At Midnight and This Rough Magic. Also, The Gabriel Hounds and Touch Not The Cat. All written before 1976!
ReplyDeleteI do believe I read this in the very distant past. I remember loving anything I read by her in those times but I haven't read her for years. Wouldn't mind sampling her again.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear you enjoyed it. 😊
ReplyDelete