Utterly gorgeous. Not exaggerating when I say I find Kadono-san's work inspirational.Utterly gorgeous. Not exaggerating when I say I find Kadono-san's work inspirational....more
Actually...I'm not sure how to rate this. It's absolutely koo-koo, but...there's something about it. And God knows it's proved influential to this genActually...I'm not sure how to rate this. It's absolutely koo-koo, but...there's something about it. And God knows it's proved influential to this genre (even if no one wants to admit it ;-) ) The idea is intriguing, the execution is uneven, the writing is largely overwrought -- but that sort of works, given the subject matter and attempt at gothic period piece.
It's the sort of book I used to find inspirational in that it made me want to take some of the ideas and rewrite them from start to finish. ...more
I'm pretty sure this was the first Mary Stewart novel I read. And although Stewart did everything well, what she did particularly well--or what made mI'm pretty sure this was the first Mary Stewart novel I read. And although Stewart did everything well, what she did particularly well--or what made me idolize her as a young and aspiring writer -- was her vivid and evocative use of setting.
AND very witty, very amusing dialog. Yes, people are dying and mysterious things are happening, but Stewart's characters handle it all with panache and a refreshing sense of humor....more
Probably my least favorite of the Strachey novels. This one feels a little detached and impersonal, although it's still well-written and entertaining.Probably my least favorite of the Strachey novels. This one feels a little detached and impersonal, although it's still well-written and entertaining....more
I've read all of Stevenson's Strachey mysteries and highly recommend them.I've read all of Stevenson's Strachey mysteries and highly recommend them....more