Assessment:
Plot: The plot moves at a good clip, most notably due to the elements of supernatural suspense and the presence of melodramatic ghosts from England's past. The suspense ratchets up as the ghosts slowly become a reality and the reason for their being comes to light.
Prose: Smooth, detailed prose make reading a pleasure, while vividly evocative writing places each alternating chapter firmly within the confines of its respective era.
Originality: Lush and atmospheric, this novel is dark and moody with supernatural elements and accurate historical details. There are also elements of superstition, which will entice readers of horror and mystical suspense. Combining 1800s Haworth and present-day Britain makes for a wonderful mix of historical and contemporary within the context of this ghost story.
Character Development: The characters are distinct and each one has quirks and tendencies that make him or her stand out within the narrative. As the ghosts of the past begin to make themselves known to the characters, they begin to show cracks in their resolve to stay strong. The author is talented at keeping both past and present characters authentic and accurate to their their eras.
Date Submitted: March 09, 2017
This is Karen Perkins’s third Yorkshire ghost story, and probably the best of the bunch so far. The story draws heavily on the life of the famous Brontë sisters, the village of Howarth, and the wild and beautiful Yorkshire moors. The story weaves the Brontë family history, the tragic lives of the woolen mills workers, and an ancient mystery into the lives of a modern divorcé and her friends. The storytelling is spot-on, the prose concise, and the author’s love of her subject shines through like a beacon. 6 stars.
This book is multi layered. It fascinates on all levels. Past and present timelines are seamlessly merged at a critical flash point after a steady build up to a crucial ' happening'. It is well written, thoroughly researched and full of suspense. This book is littered with surprises or shocks depending on your point of view. I find it difficult to choose which timeline is my favourite. The current timeline is full of contemporary issues with people who are totally believable with all their human qualities. The author captures the frippery and challenges of modern life which is peppered with humour. The comparison between nineteenth and twenty first century life is drawn starkly with all the encompassing shades of light and dark. The depiction of nineteen century, Howarth, is graphic to the point that I felt I had stepped back in time. The supernatural aspects of this book are unusual and straddles both timelines with aplomb. After reading this book the ghostly content has continued to intrigue me when reflecting on the plot. In summary this is a thoroughly well written, scary book. I would heartily recommend it as a thoroughly gripping read. Congratulations, Karen Perkins. So folks,just read it, just read it.
