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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
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.
Thornyhold is a real comfort read; rather melodramatic in places, it is both compelling and easy to read. It reminded me a little of the wonderful Lolly Willowes, along with the Miss Read series, and the quainter parts of Enid Blyton books. Whilst the storyline is rather implausible, it is an enjoyable and lighthearted read, which has been well written and characterised.
Thornyhold has to have been one of the lamest and most boring books I have ever read. The entire thing is exposition, and the only semblance of a climax (and any action at all) happens in the last ten to fifteen pages. Lauren Willig, one of my favorite authors, recommended this book on her website, so I was prepared for something witty and dashing, but this lacked greatly in it all. I don't generally care if a story is told in the past tense, but Thornyhold was the exception. From the beginning, I was constantly wondering why it was told in the past tense. The frame tale, which is finally explained in the last half page, is quite lame and certainly misplaced with the rest of the book.
The only reason this gets two stars is because of the sociological aspects of the story. It takes place in the late 1940s, when England is still in the throes of WWII rationing. I hadn't ever really thought about rationing after the War, until after I had read Sarah Lyall's The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British (non-fiction and hilarious), when she talks of moving to Britain in the 1990s, as the UK was just beginning to move beyond the rationing mindset. As such, Thornyhold was a good primary source of life in Britain post-WWII.
The only reason this gets two stars is because of the sociological aspects of the story. It takes place in the late 1940s, when England is still in the throes of WWII rationing. I hadn't ever really thought about rationing after the War, until after I had read Sarah Lyall's The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British (non-fiction and hilarious), when she talks of moving to Britain in the 1990s, as the UK was just beginning to move beyond the rationing mindset. As such, Thornyhold was a good primary source of life in Britain post-WWII.
Maybe because the prose was good, or maybe because I'd just myself moved into a new house, I really enjoyed reading this book, and could hardly put it down. It's a short, simple read. Fans of Jo Walton's Among Others would probably like this one.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Another great masterpiece by Mary Stewart. Waiting for Airs Above the Ground to come from BM...