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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
This is a quiet, leisurely-paced sort of book that I probably wouldn't have continued if I'd had reason to put it down in the middle. As it is, I had blocked an afternoon for reading, and this is short enough that I was able to finish it before I lost my sunlight for it. I can't say that I'm widely read in gothics, and particularly the classics of the genre, but this one didn't quite hit the right notes for me. It wasn't bad; the build and the pay-off were done well enough, and I'm not at all annoyed for having read it. It simply wasn't gothic enough for me. The hints of those tones were there, but the menace never quite reached the right level of tension. I was never left to wonder much about character motivations and have those turned on their heads. This was largely a "what you see is what you get" story with a straightforward, almost coming-of-age sort of plot and a romance that was so barely-there (and barely developed) that it's shocking that anyone would apply that label to it.
Three stars for a generally pleasant read that I wouldn't say you shouldn't try, but that I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend, either.
Three stars for a generally pleasant read that I wouldn't say you shouldn't try, but that I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend, either.
cont'd
+ 285 comic revelation of magic and mystery's answer... :)
- 55 mtg of agnes trapp--flush, and expectations. :/
+ 285 comic revelation of magic and mystery's answer... :)
- 55 mtg of agnes trapp--flush, and expectations. :/
Mary Stewart never disappoints. I love this tale of Gilly and the house left to her by her cousin.
Cousin Geillis had foreseen this long ago, and seen, perhaps, on that day by the River Eden, how her own death would be linked with my coming to life, with the climb of that shy pond-creature out of the dark into the sunlight.
If anyone asked me what book best represents my tastes and ideal self, I would probably answer Thornyhold – a book full of rustic charm, kindness, wit, and a pinch of magic. This book made my heart light with all its beautiful imagery of the countryside; the descriptions of the jams, the fruits, the warm sunlight, and clear brooks rejuvenated me. It's so romantic it's almost a fault (some may find it a bit too perfect, but I fell in love with the setting and the way it was written).
I loved the main character, Gilly, particularly because she is me and I am her. We are both shy, quiet, lonely, awkward...but she and I are also clever and find much comfort in solitude. When Gilly said this: all the old fears and uncertainties came crowding back, to settle, dark and formless, like a weeping cloud. How had I ever dreamed that my love could be returned? That someone like him would ever look my way? I felt it, because this is often how I think now that I'm older and dealing with relationships. She reflects the same insecurities I have, but also portrays the kind of strength I possess (at least I hope I do), a quiet but unwavering strength.
I particularly loved this "is there actual magic or not? is she a witch??" tug-of-war throughout the entire book. It made Thornyhold so much more intriguing. Somehow Mary Stewart wrote her magic in a way that it was so believable; where else can one experience magic than in the corners and cracks of an old but beloved cottage? Gilly herself was aware of this, and this made me admire her even more. Here was a grown and sensible woman who never lost her belief in the stuff made of fairytales like witch gatherings and love potions.
My favorite part of the book was the last few chapters – where everything was coming together and I saw Gilly's personality and confidence shine through. It was such a triumphant and touching moment for me when Gilly finally figured out what she wanted out of life– she wanted to contribute to the legacy of the women of Thornyhold by sketching all the wonders around her. I also enjoyed how everything in the end tied together so simply, like magic (wink). There were no scheming villains or ugly witches, but real people with good and bad sides that were both highlighted in the book; take Agnes, who really was just as lonely as Gilly was, who was just as driven to find love and purpose in the mundane countryside... and even more talented as a witch than Gilly! There were only misplaced intentions, miscommunications, vivid dreams, and drugged food...
The most magical part of this book was how Gilly finally fell in love, and was loved equally in return (thank you Christopher John!).
It was so endearing, especially how Gilly herself described it:
Since this is not a tale of midnight witchcraft, but a simple, a reasonably simple, love story, it is fitting that the final chapters should open on the morning of a glorious day.
I sign off with Cousin Geillis' last few words: Love is foreseen in the beginning and outlasts the end.
If anyone asked me what book best represents my tastes and ideal self, I would probably answer Thornyhold – a book full of rustic charm, kindness, wit, and a pinch of magic. This book made my heart light with all its beautiful imagery of the countryside; the descriptions of the jams, the fruits, the warm sunlight, and clear brooks rejuvenated me. It's so romantic it's almost a fault (some may find it a bit too perfect, but I fell in love with the setting and the way it was written).
I loved the main character, Gilly, particularly because she is me and I am her. We are both shy, quiet, lonely, awkward...but she and I are also clever and find much comfort in solitude. When Gilly said this: all the old fears and uncertainties came crowding back, to settle, dark and formless, like a weeping cloud. How had I ever dreamed that my love could be returned? That someone like him would ever look my way? I felt it, because this is often how I think now that I'm older and dealing with relationships. She reflects the same insecurities I have, but also portrays the kind of strength I possess (at least I hope I do), a quiet but unwavering strength.
I particularly loved this "is there actual magic or not? is she a witch??" tug-of-war throughout the entire book. It made Thornyhold so much more intriguing. Somehow Mary Stewart wrote her magic in a way that it was so believable; where else can one experience magic than in the corners and cracks of an old but beloved cottage? Gilly herself was aware of this, and this made me admire her even more. Here was a grown and sensible woman who never lost her belief in the stuff made of fairytales like witch gatherings and love potions.
My favorite part of the book was the last few chapters – where everything was coming together and I saw Gilly's personality and confidence shine through. It was such a triumphant and touching moment for me when Gilly finally figured out what she wanted out of life– she wanted to contribute to the legacy of the women of Thornyhold by sketching all the wonders around her. I also enjoyed how everything in the end tied together so simply, like magic (wink). There were no scheming villains or ugly witches, but real people with good and bad sides that were both highlighted in the book; take Agnes, who really was just as lonely as Gilly was, who was just as driven to find love and purpose in the mundane countryside... and even more talented as a witch than Gilly! There were only misplaced intentions, miscommunications, vivid dreams, and drugged food...
The most magical part of this book was how Gilly finally fell in love, and was loved equally in return (thank you Christopher John!).
It was so endearing, especially how Gilly herself described it:
Since this is not a tale of midnight witchcraft, but a simple, a reasonably simple, love story, it is fitting that the final chapters should open on the morning of a glorious day.
I sign off with Cousin Geillis' last few words: Love is foreseen in the beginning and outlasts the end.
What a darling story! If you want to read a feel-good story with tenderness, gentleness, and a dash of magic, certainly give this one a try.
I was much more caught by this than I generally am by Stewart. I think the touch of magic added a sense of wonder that deepened the whole thing. Also, I did not completely disbelieve the whole romance. So, you know, that helped. [Nov. 2011]