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hpuphd's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not sure if someone unknown to the novels of Patricia Highsmith would like this book, but for those who enjoy Highsmith it should prove addictive. The first half is tighter in plot and organization, but the whole story is eerily, pleasantly disturbing. Jill Dawson deserves credit for seemingly having mastered all the facts of Highsmith’s private life to have made her such an original (and off-putting) character in this novel.
eeclayton's review against another edition
2.0
It was very atmospheric, true to Highsmith, and amazingly well researched. Even so, I couldn't enjoy it very much. Many parts were just boring, repetitive, and gave biographical info that slowed the story down. The ending was really anticlimactic.
I love Highsmith's work, and it seems it's best to read books written by her, not about her.
I love Highsmith's work, and it seems it's best to read books written by her, not about her.
pasteque78's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
zzzrevel's review against another edition
2.0
You really MUST be aware of the life of Patricia
Highsmith BEFORE reading this novel. I wasn't.
Thus this review is only meant for those
type of people.
I did at least read over some snippets
of her bio as I got about 50 pages or so into
this novel and this helped. (There is also
an acknowledgment section at the end
that draws some parallels between
Highsmith's life and Dawson's book.)
Anyway, WITH background knowledge, the
story is somewhat interesting, probing into the
mind of a not-all-there author's life.
Again, without the background, you don't
understand some of the references she
makes.
Then ultimately this book is just ok. It's
sort of a "psychological thriller" which is
so in vogue right now, but I thought it
hit or miss as I tried to keep up with
the story which is blurred with flashbacks.
Highsmith BEFORE reading this novel. I wasn't.
Thus this review is only meant for those
type of people.
I did at least read over some snippets
of her bio as I got about 50 pages or so into
this novel and this helped. (There is also
an acknowledgment section at the end
that draws some parallels between
Highsmith's life and Dawson's book.)
Anyway, WITH background knowledge, the
story is somewhat interesting, probing into the
mind of a not-all-there author's life.
Again, without the background, you don't
understand some of the references she
makes.
Then ultimately this book is just ok. It's
sort of a "psychological thriller" which is
so in vogue right now, but I thought it
hit or miss as I tried to keep up with
the story which is blurred with flashbacks.
margot95's review against another edition
3.0
This took me forever to finish (3 months for less than 250 pages!), and I'm not sure if it was my reading slump or the novel itself.
The premise is fascinating, and I admire the research that went into the novel. However, as far as mysteries go, this just left me a little cold. The alternating between first and third person is rather tiresome and doesn't add much beyond muddling reality and imagination, which isn't dealt with in a satisfying way in my opinion.
I sound much more negative than I meant to. This is a good novel, the prose is gorgeous and the characters are interesting. I just expected more. I also suspect I would've enjoyed this more if I'd known more about Patricia Highsmith's life and works.
The premise is fascinating, and I admire the research that went into the novel. However, as far as mysteries go, this just left me a little cold. The alternating between first and third person is rather tiresome and doesn't add much beyond muddling reality and imagination, which isn't dealt with in a satisfying way in my opinion.
I sound much more negative than I meant to. This is a good novel, the prose is gorgeous and the characters are interesting. I just expected more. I also suspect I would've enjoyed this more if I'd known more about Patricia Highsmith's life and works.
mcnorton4's review against another edition
5.0
Absorbing, compelling, sensual. I have only read a little Highsmith (The price of salt is amazing) but I will be reading more of her and Jill Dawson. This book really swept me up. I don't normally listen to music when I read but Dusty Springfields Classics and Collectibles was the perfect soundtrack.
maccymacd's review against another edition
5.0
Where has this book been?!!! It was wonderful. Have immediately added Jill Dawson other books to my TBR pile. For a suspense, crime reader this has ticked all my boxes.
Dawson has painted a wonderfully realistic portrait of suspense writer Patricia Highsmith who has fled to Suffolk to a cottage to write her next novel. She is also contending with a strange woman named Ginny who claims to be a journalist turning up at her house, an affair with a married woman that is being hidden from the public and peculiar letters being sent to her from a stranger that are scaring her. Is she going mad? Is this actually happening? What is real and what is false? I just ADORED Dawson's writing, it flowed so easily in my head, the story was creepy and there are numerous references to Highsmith's novels woven into the fabric of the story which made it even more attractive to me.
Dawson has painted a wonderfully realistic portrait of suspense writer Patricia Highsmith who has fled to Suffolk to a cottage to write her next novel. She is also contending with a strange woman named Ginny who claims to be a journalist turning up at her house, an affair with a married woman that is being hidden from the public and peculiar letters being sent to her from a stranger that are scaring her. Is she going mad? Is this actually happening? What is real and what is false? I just ADORED Dawson's writing, it flowed so easily in my head, the story was creepy and there are numerous references to Highsmith's novels woven into the fabric of the story which made it even more attractive to me.
itsahavartiparty's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting premise, with a mix of literary and genre elements. I think I would have preferred if it leaned a little more genre. I found the conclusion a little too loose and unsettled, but I did enjoy this as a character study.
micrummey's review against another edition
3.0
Set in 1964 Suffolk novelist Patricia Highsmith is trying to finish 2 books when a Journalist, Ginny wants to interview her. An engaging fictionalised tale of a part of Highsmith's life. It becomes apparent towards the end of the book Highsmith isn't sure of events that have happened beforehand so she becomes an unreliable narrator as in the Talented Mister Ripley. They are subtle nods and references to other Highsmith novels which aren't always apparent and thankfully Dawson explains these in the Acknowledgements section of the book.
I did like the references to Highsmith's fascination with snails and when describing objects in the book like telephone boxes and pavements she uses the american expressions booths and sidewalk.
As a crime novel or suspense thriller as Highsmith would have described the book loses some of its sparkle but non the less the book is worth reading.
I did like the references to Highsmith's fascination with snails and when describing objects in the book like telephone boxes and pavements she uses the american expressions booths and sidewalk.
As a crime novel or suspense thriller as Highsmith would have described the book loses some of its sparkle but non the less the book is worth reading.