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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
3.5 stars.
I felt like I was constantly teetering in this book… suspense was building but a very subdued, muted suspense. Pieces would be revealed that didn’t feel shocking and I waited to see if that was it… or if there was more. I felt like I was scraping at thin ice the entire time and the book concluded with me narrowly escaping from falling in. The novel was set up to explode but I didn’t feel like it ever did. :/
I felt like I was constantly teetering in this book… suspense was building but a very subdued, muted suspense. Pieces would be revealed that didn’t feel shocking and I waited to see if that was it… or if there was more. I felt like I was scraping at thin ice the entire time and the book concluded with me narrowly escaping from falling in. The novel was set up to explode but I didn’t feel like it ever did. :/
This book was incredibly subtle, but unputdownable. It was like a slow burning fire; smoldering at first and suddenly fiery hot by the end.
Frances, a thirty-something, single woman takes up an offer to survey the architecture of a semi-abandoned mansion in the English countryside. Upon arriving, she discovers there is a couple also there, Peter and Cara. They are mysterious and intriguing for to her. Partly because Frances has been an introvert most of her life, therefore socially awkward and partially because of Peter and Cara’s volatile relationship. Nonetheless, the three strike up an unlikely friendship and spend hours together exploring their home for the summer and getting to know each other. As the summer and book progress however, there are some unsettling events that Frances observes, both from her new friends and those of supernatural nature. The reader is taken on a rollercoaster of a read as you try to unravel what is really going on not just at the Lynton’s estate, but also in Cara, Peter’s and France’s past, present and future lives. Most of the book is simply stunning narrative, thoughtful description of the estate, perfectly executed symbolism and the occasional mysterious event but by the end, you’re left reeling. Full of intricate backstories, deceit, deception and spellbinding storytelling, Bitter Orange is an unlikely, yet satisfying novel that leaves you content yet unnerved.
Frances, a thirty-something, single woman takes up an offer to survey the architecture of a semi-abandoned mansion in the English countryside. Upon arriving, she discovers there is a couple also there, Peter and Cara. They are mysterious and intriguing for to her. Partly because Frances has been an introvert most of her life, therefore socially awkward and partially because of Peter and Cara’s volatile relationship. Nonetheless, the three strike up an unlikely friendship and spend hours together exploring their home for the summer and getting to know each other. As the summer and book progress however, there are some unsettling events that Frances observes, both from her new friends and those of supernatural nature. The reader is taken on a rollercoaster of a read as you try to unravel what is really going on not just at the Lynton’s estate, but also in Cara, Peter’s and France’s past, present and future lives. Most of the book is simply stunning narrative, thoughtful description of the estate, perfectly executed symbolism and the occasional mysterious event but by the end, you’re left reeling. Full of intricate backstories, deceit, deception and spellbinding storytelling, Bitter Orange is an unlikely, yet satisfying novel that leaves you content yet unnerved.
Lush and descriptive writing! Loved Frances as a character--the slow reveal was very nicely done. Really enjoyed this!
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Claire Fuller is a master of spookiness, in much the same vein as Shirley Jackson. I read her previous book, Swimming Lessons, which is very much about "ghosts" and sadness and missing people. And this novel is as well. She takes the classic unreliable narrator trope and weaves a tangled web of deceit and lies, and you aren't sure what's going to happen next! And all in a spooky, abandoned manor house, inhabited by at least two liars. I highly recommend this novel.
The book seemed so intriguing and while the writing was good, the story unfortunately lacked...everything. From the characters to the actual story, nothing much happened. I read to the very end hoping that there would be some pay off, some action or secret revealed. The couple of "surprises" that were there seemed to be forced upon the two dimensional characters in a most underwhelming way.
This book read like a nineteenth century gothic tale, in some ways, but actually took place in 1969. In continuously had trouble reconciling this time period with the behaviors and language of Frances, Cara, and Peter. Sort of a mystery and sort of something else I can't quite put my finger on. An okay read.
I love stories set at decaying country manors in the England--particularly simmering, slow-burning novels like Bitter Orange. From her deathbed, Frances Jellico narrates the events of the summer of 1969 to a man named Victor, who is not really a chaplain. She relates how, following the death of her mother, she accepted a job surveying the architecture of Lyntons, a manor purchased by a wealthy American businessman. At 39, Frances is unmarried and has spent the majority of her adult life caring for her ill mother. This summer is the first time Frances has experienced freedom from filial responsibility. When she arrives at Lyntons, she finds that her employer has also hired Peter to create a report on the artifacts in the old house. France is entranced by Peter and his beautiful young wife, Cara, and despite her insecurities she finds herself drawn out of her shell by the bewitching duo. Soon Frances is eating all her meals (and drinking bottles of wine) with Peter and Cara, and as their friendship develops, Cara confides details of her and Peter's backstory, including a virgin birth, a lonely childhood in Ireland, and the secret promise she and Peter made to each other. Meanwhile, in the bathroom of her attic bedroom, Frances discovers a secret spyglass in the floor which allows her to peer undetected into Cara and Peter's bathroom...
This book was gripping and savory. Themes of guilt and penance, unrequited love, and many of the characters are not what they seem.
This book was gripping and savory. Themes of guilt and penance, unrequited love, and many of the characters are not what they seem.