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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoyed the touch of magic in this book - I could have handled even a bit more! 4.5 stars One of my favorite Mary Stewart novels to date.
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a character driven story told from the point of view of Gilly, a young woman who after the deaths of her parents, inherits a mysterious house from her mother’s cousin. This cousin, Geilis, believed to be a witch by her small English village, also passes on her cat, rooms of herbs and cures, and a mysterious reputation.
Gilly is more or less modeled after Jane Eyre. A young girl who experiences a bleak, poverty stricken childhood and then is sent to a school run by rather cruel caretakers, there are a lot of similarities. I admire her for working very hard to get over her childhood mistreatment and working to carve a place of her own.
There are two main differences though. First off, this novel takes place in post WWII England, which was a very different time. Additionally unlike Jane, Gilly has a fairy godmother in her cousin Geilies. This cousin not only befriends her and provides for her education, but also wills her Thornyhold, her mysterious and isolated home in the north of England.
A lot of detail is centered on Thornyhold itself. There are detailed descriptions of the house and grounds, and while it makes it a little easier to visualize, it definitely slows down the story and takes too much attention away from what Gilly does. However the history of the house is very interesting, but the book doesn’t cover as much as I would like.
You could almost describe the book as magical realism. While there aren’t that many fantastical elements, there is a lot of mystery and folkloric influences. It appears as though anything that’s happens that could be deemed “magical” has completely logical explanations. Still, it does leave the reader to wonder.
As far as romance goes, there really isn’t much of it. That’s where the novel differs from a Jane Eyre retelling. Apart from an infatuation that’s free of any angst and the like, it’s not prevalent. Gilly is completely self sufficient and more than that, completely content in her own company. WE LOVE TO SEE IT!
Atmospherically while Stewart’s non Arthurian books are usually gothic/mystery/ romances, Thornyhold is basically a cottagecore lovers perfect novel. If you love a pastoral setting, and old houses with lots of plants and animals, you would absolutely adore this book. It’s a light-hearted read that’s quick and will put you in a restful mood. It’s not a fast paced read by any stretch of the imagination, and if you’re looking for action you may want to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a quiet escape for a bit this book will do you good!
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love this book. Love it. I' not sure how many times I've actually read it over the years, but it's just lovely. Cottagecore witchy vibes.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Emotional abuse
I picked this up from a For Free shelf in a used book store. It was a very sweet story, although more of a light romance than the fantasy I was expecting. I was surprised to find no made-for-tv movies based on it on IMDB.
I read this during a terrible heat wave- I find I migrate to Gothic romance/mystery during the summer for some unknown reason. Maybe it reminds me of The Secret Garden in some way. Or reading that book at my Aunt's house in the summer when I was little. Anyway, I love to read books like this, while I am sitting in my air conditioned house and it is 95 degrees outside and climbing.
Stewart reminds me of Barbara Michaels; she has a similar feel, in her story lines and actual writing. Thornyhold was a perfect read the week I read it. I had been knee deep in Gillian Flynn's books, which are good but very murky and intense. It was a nice break, with its gentle story line and easy magic. The mystery and suspense were minimal. I had a hard time personally with a few of the things that happened, regarding animals, yet none of the parts were so bad that I had to totally skip them. (as I had to recently in another book) The end was predictable, but it was just the right time for this book for me. I needed something simple and enjoyable, and this fit the bill exactly.
Stewart reminds me of Barbara Michaels; she has a similar feel, in her story lines and actual writing. Thornyhold was a perfect read the week I read it. I had been knee deep in Gillian Flynn's books, which are good but very murky and intense. It was a nice break, with its gentle story line and easy magic. The mystery and suspense were minimal. I had a hard time personally with a few of the things that happened, regarding animals, yet none of the parts were so bad that I had to totally skip them. (as I had to recently in another book) The end was predictable, but it was just the right time for this book for me. I needed something simple and enjoyable, and this fit the bill exactly.
Vivid descriptions of scenery framed with beautiful prose - which, surprisingly, I did enjoy. I wish the rest the plot was as well-developed as the descriptions of the gardens in this book.
The main character, Gilly, is the only "real" (I use this term loosely) character in the book. By real, I mean that we are given enough of her history to get a sense of her: a lonely girl, with no hope of making it on her own, relies on magical godmother to provide her with everything she wants - the loving family that she never had.
The rest of the cast is predictable and one-dimensional, typical of this genre. The mystery was barely concealed; the love-at-first sight bit was too Disney for my liking.
The main character, Gilly, is the only "real" (I use this term loosely) character in the book. By real, I mean that we are given enough of her history to get a sense of her: a lonely girl, with no hope of making it on her own, relies on magical godmother to provide her with everything she wants - the loving family that she never had.
The rest of the cast is predictable and one-dimensional, typical of this genre. The mystery was barely concealed; the love-at-first sight bit was too Disney for my liking.
I love the fantasy of being left a lovely home in the pastoral countryside and vaguely becoming a witch but otherwise it doesn't have much going for it. Quite slow and uneventful.
This book is not for everyone but I really enjoyed it! The best part of the book was the writing style. The way she described nature and settings was beautiful and it transported you to the Thornyhold. The reason to read this book is for the feeling it gives. It's mysterious and magical yet still leaves you with a happy warm feeling when you finish it. I appreciate the way real magic is portrayed. It's described as a more instinctual and based upon feeling. I also liked how it was more of a choice and it's something you can decide how much you want it in your life. It was a real refreshing take on magic and more closely follows my own beliefs of magic(because of course I believe in magic). I really liked the main character she felt like she would be a good friend. Her character arc was very believable and relatable and one many of us has undergone throughout our life. BUT, you have to love reading, be appreciative of flowery writing styles, and patient to read this book. There is no heavy plot. It is more about discovery and being transported to a specific setting. If you need a big plot with drama or action or really anything big happening don't read this. Romance is present but it's not a focus or even focused on. It just happens in her life. But I and probably many out there can go into a book reading it for the feeling it gives us and need nothing more. I will definitely re read this book in a few years and can't wait to get transported back to Thornyhold.