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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a great read. Very well plotted, everything there for a reason. One of the twists even had me going for a fair bit. The descriptions of the natural setting are stunning and it feels a bit like watching a movie at times.
It is very old-fashioned, which I could see putting some people off. There was a fair amount of sexism; some of it was plainly tongue-in-cheek. Some of it wasn't. I don't mind this too much as it is a female author writing a period appropriate viewpoint. It's not always pleasant, but I do find it interesting to see depictions of past gender relations playing out on the page. And certainly our heroine holds her own.
There was also a flamboyant, effeminate male character that racked up a couple comments. But that's a bit complicated.I wasn't exactly pleased to see Frances so ready to christen "Little Lord Fauntleroy", though obviously he becomes less and less sympathetic as the story progresses. (Not that accessory after the fact should matter for this discussion, strictly speaking.) The only actual reference to homosexuality that I remember is quoted by Colin as having come from one of the villains. (At least I assumed it was. We don't get to actually hear the comment.) On the other hand, Tony is certainly one of the least contemptible antagonists, and arguably gets one over on the whole cast by the end. So I guess it's a wash.
It is very old-fashioned, which I could see putting some people off. There was a fair amount of sexism; some of it was plainly tongue-in-cheek. Some of it wasn't. I don't mind this too much as it is a female author writing a period appropriate viewpoint. It's not always pleasant, but I do find it interesting to see depictions of past gender relations playing out on the page. And certainly our heroine holds her own.
There was also a flamboyant, effeminate male character that racked up a couple comments. But that's a bit complicated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Domestic abuse, Homophobia
“But, as a form of exercise, I cannot recommend carrying a suitcase for a mile or so along sand and shingle at the dead of night, and then edging one's way along a narrow path where a false step will mean plunging into a couple of fathoms of sea that, however quiet, is toothed like a shark with jagged fangs of rock.”
An intrepid heroine, insta-love, nylon underwear, cigarettes, &, above all, gorgeous, beautifully described Cretan scenery - this Stewart suspense novel has it all! I could hardly tear myself away from it's pages.
If I wanted to, I could pick some nits - the hero & heroine have very little time together, one crucial plot point makes very little sense &
Spoiler
after all the action was over, our admittedly brave young couple forgot all about Nicola's cousin Frances who was sitting on a beach at night time with a twisted ankleMost highly recommended
This book was my mom's favorite when she was young, so I read it for her. Mystery isn't my favorite genre, and I found the plot rather slow at points, but Mary Stewart's talent for character and setting development is astounding. The description was beautiful:
Detailed imagery to the point of excess and dated in a very 1960s way, yet I loved every bit of it. A fun yarn to finish spinning on a full moon night.
This book went in a direction I never expected, and when I thought it was over there was more! An interesting mystery that unfolds.
I was starting to get just a little tired of Ms Stewart, but this one was really good: tight plot, great setting, good resolution. Oh, and Crete...
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was a great combination of adventure/mystery and romance. The setting took place in Crete and the author did such a wonderful job describing the place that I felt I was there. I read that a movie was made after this book, and it stars Hayley Mills....one of my faves!