umka_bear

Finally finished with this lengthy book and my verdict: Not horrible but too many flaws to be even close to perfection. I'd read The Forgotten Garden by this author and even though it was also quite a large book I enjoyed very much. I ran right out and picked this book up, it has been on the shelf for some time but I thought that other books by this author should also be good reads. Weeeeeeell, that's not always a guarantee I'm finding out. In a nut shell, a 50 year old letter that was sent but by some odd circumstances was never delivered by post, suddenly resurfaces and opens a pandora's box of mystery, backtracking and questions into an old decrepit castle in Kent, England and it's eccentric inhabitants. The premise sounds exciting doesn't it? What's with the letter? What's in it? What's the age old mystery? Ooo, spooky old castle! Who lives there? What's their secret? How does it all link together? Now, one would consider all those and endless questions that could be answered, knowing the book is 500+ pages and think, yes, this is going to be good! Guess what? Let's just say this could have been accomplished in probably 300+ and done well. The author is a good writer. No doubt about that and I will not detract that from her. I commend her for her skill. Although, I found repetition in the wording, in the description of the characters, in the description of the scenes, various times with the back tracking I found myself thinking, "we're here.. again?". It was just too much. It felt very very long and drawn out. If I was a publisher I'd have urged to cut it down at least 200 pages and tighten it up. Tighten it up meaning, no repetition, no rambling, make things fit and be conclusive. I'm a reader, I love to read. I will press on when something has potential but no one wants to linger and go in circles only to be unrewarded in the end. I felt like I was listening to a senior citizen who was talking to me about the old days. You know how you want to listen out of interest and respect but sometimes they get a bit long winded, repeat themselves and you might have to remind them about getting to the point. This book went on and on like that and in the end when we were finally given the supposed conclusion or answer to the mystery, I realized it is something that I found out or suspected maybe back in the 200's. My point exactly, unnecessarily long. I'm not opposed to long books but if you offer those extra pages, do not make it a chore for the reader. So, all in all, it was a good story, it just needed a lot edited out and tightened up and it could have been a contender. That being said, we're giving it the 3 1/2 stars. The writing was skilled and good. Oh yes the characters and scenes were described well but repetitively. It was too much. It was like a cake with icing and fondant and fruit and nuts and syrup and sprinkles and chocolate syrup and whipped cream and jelly beans and gummie bears and chocolate kisses and marshmallow kids cereal alllllllllll sprinkled on top.. too damn much! Recommend it.. if you feel like sifting and picking through the excess for the good bits. Enjoy. Hey, sometimes we feel so inclined. Will I read other books by this author? I may attempt at least one more because the first one I read was really good although I have issues with this one. I was so relieved to finish this book. It was good visiting Uncle George but good gravy he talks too much!! (my analogy for this book....the long drawn out talk with a long winded old Uncle.) Next book.......................Next!!

2022-10-21 20:37