This was a beautifully written book – dominated by a character who we never meet and see only through other people’s memories and impressions. The story is remarkably suspenseful, and kept me turning those pages.
Written in the 1930’s, it feels fresh and not dated at all. The book captures the lifestyle of British aristocrats and shows how much stock people put into appearances and (outward) behavior.
The first two chapters drop us into the story through the main character’s memories, and so there is definitely some confusion at first. Once I finished the book I went back and re-read it, and it made a lot more sense. But it is important to persevere and get through the beginning stages in order to get caught up in it.
I was really impressed with the writing style of the author. She takes her time and adds little descriptors to minor elements of the scene, drawing us in without overdoing the tension. The ending was harrowing, and I wasn’t surprised later to find that the book was adapted into a Hitchcock movie (that won an Academy Award!)
I’m glad I stumbled on this book – one of the better reads of the year for me.
Next I am reading Muir’s Gambit by Michael Frost Beckner.
