Now old and ailing, she at last wants to tell the truth about her extraordinary life.
The enigmatic Winter has spent six decades creating various outlandish life histories for herself - all of them inventions that have brought her fame and fortune but have kept her violent and tragic past a secret. ( )Īll children mythologize their birth.So begins the prologue of reclusive author Vida Winter's collection of stories, which are as famous for the mystery of the missing thirteenth tale as they are for the delight and enchantment of the twelve that do exist. I'm happy to say that this was the pick for October and I'm grateful again that there are cool women who read (or listen to) stuff with me. I was invested in the story and needed to know the secrets of Vida Winter and Angelfield. It ticks enough of the boxes and it stays true to the classic style while bringing its own flavour. If you like gothic suspense, then I'm reasonably sure this book will tick the boxes. There were several times when I was loathe to close the book in order to get to movie watching! This was definitely a page turner for me and that doesn't happen all that often. Having read this during October, in the midst of my annual Halloween Horror Movie Marathon, it took me longer to finish than it otherwise would have. There are twists and secrets abounding and with the close of each chapter, more questions need answers and always Miss Winter insists that we wait for the whole story to be told. But once it gets going (around when Vida and Margaret meet), it roars ahead full at speed. There was nothing off-putting about the beginning but I was 20% in before I felt it pick up.
I honestly can't share much more about the plot without spoilers and I wouldn't want to.Īdmittedly it gets off to a bit of a slow start. The novel spans years and generations and uncovers dark secrets.
While Miss Winter tells her story, Miss Lea also ventures out to verify the facts as best she can. The story switches between Miss Lea's story (in the present) and the recounting of Miss Winter's story (in the past). Now elderly and ailing she is ready to draw the curtains back and tell the truth to Miss Lea. Miss Winter, a famous and reclusive author, has created intricate stories about herself for years, never telling the truth of her past. In her spare time she writes biographies which is how she comes to the attention of Vida Winter. Margaret Lea is the child of a rare books seller and his wife. Think Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, and Jane Eyre (which even plays a cameo). A gothic novel in the classic tradition done right.
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