I finished the book at 2:30 am this morning. I couldn't put it down when I went to bed last night. I had to know how the story ended. The funny thing is is that is what the book is about. Story endings. Vida Winter is a a famous best selling author. She has written her last book, is dying and is finally ready to share her own story. The person she picks, Margaret Lea, a bookworm, antique books seller and minor biographer, has misgivings. Ms. Winters has "given nineteen different versions of your life story to journalists in the last two years alone." This time, however, she will tell the truth. The truth, the real story of who she is and where she came from, is an amazing story of secrets, family, ghosts.
This was a great book. It was hard to put down once I got started. The characters are intriguing and the story Vida Winter's shares is horrific and sad, and surprising in the end.
"Do you know the feeling when you start reading a new book before the membrane of the last one has had time to close behind you? You leave the previous book with ideas and themes–characters even–caught in the fibers of your clothes, and when you open the new book, they are still with you"
These characters will be with me for awhile.
4/5
Classics Challenge
I'm glad you liked it! I couldn't put this one down either and while I knew something was amiss, I had no idea what the surprise was (I love that). I even found myself flipping back through the book for "clues."
ReplyDeleteI read this quite a while ago but I loved it. It is an excellent novel and it does stay with you a long time. It's one of those books that stays on my shelf as a keeper. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI tried reading this one once before and couldn't get into it. However, after reading your review I'll definitely try again!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds intriguing, like there are a few layers the reader has to work through? Sounds like the author does a good job keeping reader hooked!
ReplyDeleteSounds intriguing. I'll have to put this on my To Read list.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it! This is also one of my selections for the "Classics Challenge" :)
ReplyDeleteI read this book around Halloween a few years ago and remember is was a delightfully creepy read. Glad you enjoyed it too!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book I would definitely enjoy. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDelete