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irreverentreader's review
4.0
What a fascinating book! And to think I almost couldn't track it down since no one publishes it anymore. It's always so interesting what books last, and which ones don't, and I'm honestly surprised that this one did not stand the test of time.
Although maybe I shouldn't be because this book is sensual and gripping in a way that leaves one feeling rather conflicted in the end. Whether it is the powerful aura surrounding the relationship between Mrs. Armine and Baroudi, the mesmerizing description of Egypt and the Nile, or the inner-workings of the toxic and manipulative, yet charming Bella Donna, I found myself very taken by the author's skill to put you not only in location but also in his character's heads.
What I love about this read was the honest inner workings of the character's emotions and the blunt discourse on the power struggle between sexes. While none of the characters are distinctly likable, Hichens does a fantastic job of making one understand their motives--even when they act despicable. I even think the author revels in making the reader themselves feel a little bit despicable for being able to relate. It was quite the inner turmoil as I read; I felt tense nearly the whole time. And that is the sign of a good book.
The main downside is that it was wordy. Hichens could have used a good editor to cut it down from 500 pages to 350. And maybe the ending could have been spruced up a little bit for more of a punch. But overall, I really enjoyed this unknown novel and wish that it could have gotten its due.
Although maybe I shouldn't be because this book is sensual and gripping in a way that leaves one feeling rather conflicted in the end. Whether it is the powerful aura surrounding the relationship between Mrs. Armine and Baroudi, the mesmerizing description of Egypt and the Nile, or the inner-workings of the toxic and manipulative, yet charming Bella Donna, I found myself very taken by the author's skill to put you not only in location but also in his character's heads.
What I love about this read was the honest inner workings of the character's emotions and the blunt discourse on the power struggle between sexes. While none of the characters are distinctly likable, Hichens does a fantastic job of making one understand their motives--even when they act despicable. I even think the author revels in making the reader themselves feel a little bit despicable for being able to relate. It was quite the inner turmoil as I read; I felt tense nearly the whole time. And that is the sign of a good book.
The main downside is that it was wordy. Hichens could have used a good editor to cut it down from 500 pages to 350. And maybe the ending could have been spruced up a little bit for more of a punch. But overall, I really enjoyed this unknown novel and wish that it could have gotten its due.
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