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Books : The Villa in Italy
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Rating: 
- Beautifully written mystery
Having read The Frozen Lake I was keen to read another of Elizabeth Edmondson's novels and have not been disappointed. Four strangers collect at the Italian home of the late Beatrice Malaspina, drawn there by a legacy to each of them which they can only claim if they can find a codicil to her will. None of them knew the deceased, and their gradual discovery, first about their own lives, and then about how they are connected with her, is a fascinating and wonderfully written tale. Ms Edmonson perfectly captures the sense of peace and calm that they all find at the villa, and I found it hard to put down. Little of the outcome can be guessed at, and if I have a tiny complaint it is that so much is unravelled in the final few pages, and I wanted a few more to find out how they all settled after discovering the truth. Though perhaps it was just that I didn't want the book to end. I am a big fan of her writing style and look forward to reading more by her. Many books I purchase get passed on or given to the charity bins, but this is one to put back on the shelf to be enjoyed again sometime. Highly recommended if you like Rosamund Pilcher, Michelle Pavey.
Rating:
- Who needs enemies with families like these?
I've read Edmondson's 2 previous novels which were excellent so approached this with great expectations. This was as complex as the others with an extremely original plot and fascinating characters, especially Lucius,but it was a bit far-fetched and gelled too well. Readers want a complete ending of course, but somehow this was a bit beyond belief for me. I did like the Greek references, however, which reminded me a little of Fowles's The Magus - on a simpler level. Edmondson might have been trying too hard for the opus magnum and for me it didn't quite work. I enjoyed the book, especially the flashbacks of Marjorie, George and Lucius, but it was a bit too neat. I'll look for her next novel however. Hope it's a bit shorter too - I found myself skim reading some bits and that does detract from the enjoyment. It never fully gripped me but I knew I had to finish it.
- Beautifully written mysteryHaving read The Frozen Lake I was keen to read another of Elizabeth Edmondson's novels and have not been disappointed. Four strangers collect at the Italian home of the late Beatrice Malaspina, drawn there by a legacy to each of them which they can only claim if they can find a codicil to her will. None of them knew the deceased, and their gradual discovery, first about their own lives, and then about how they are connected with her, is a fascinating and wonderfully written tale. Ms Edmonson perfectly captures the sense of peace and calm that they all find at the villa, and I found it hard to put down. Little of the outcome can be guessed at, and if I have a tiny complaint it is that so much is unravelled in the final few pages, and I wanted a few more to find out how they all settled after discovering the truth. Though perhaps it was just that I didn't want the book to end. I am a big fan of her writing style and look forward to reading more by her. Many books I purchase get passed on or given to the charity bins, but this is one to put back on the shelf to be enjoyed again sometime. Highly recommended if you like Rosamund Pilcher, Michelle Pavey.
Rating:
- Who needs enemies with families like these?I've read Edmondson's 2 previous novels which were excellent so approached this with great expectations. This was as complex as the others with an extremely original plot and fascinating characters, especially Lucius,but it was a bit far-fetched and gelled too well. Readers want a complete ending of course, but somehow this was a bit beyond belief for me. I did like the Greek references, however, which reminded me a little of Fowles's The Magus - on a simpler level. Edmondson might have been trying too hard for the opus magnum and for me it didn't quite work. I enjoyed the book, especially the flashbacks of Marjorie, George and Lucius, but it was a bit too neat. I'll look for her next novel however. Hope it's a bit shorter too - I found myself skim reading some bits and that does detract from the enjoyment. It never fully gripped me but I knew I had to finish it.