Book Review Club ~ June
Any longtime reader of this blog knows that I adore Mary Stewart. She was one of the first authors of romance I ever read, and she is still, after many, many books and many, many authors, my favorite. I have read all of her romantic suspsense novels–I believe there are fifteen–and I own most of them, the bulk of which are used-book store copies with fascinating covers from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Several though, are falling apart, and while I intend to hang lovingly on to them, I am slowly supplementing my collections with the latest editions.
But I digress. This post is only about one Mary Stewart book, arguably my favorite. I’m reviewing it for Barrie Summy’s Book Review Club. Click the typewriter above to link over to Barrie’s blog and read a collection of other reviews by a collection of other excellent reviewers.
Book of the Month….(insert drumroll here)…This Rough Magic.
The title is taken from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and there is much mention of the play in the book, with the characters hypothesizing that Corfu (the setting of the book) is in fact the inspiration for the setting of The Tempest.
I digress again.
Who can I thank for introducing me to this book and Mary Stewart in general? My mom, who is a big fan herself–Ms. Stewart is also her favorite.
Quick Summary: Struggling actress Lucy Waring has left London at the invitation of her very rich, very pregnant sister to spend time on her husband’s family estate in sunny Corfu. Fully expecting to do nothing more exciting than sunbathe and explore, she is unprepared for the mysterious neighbors and the grim coincidences that cross her path. She soon finds herself embroiled in a nasty scheme of smuggling and murder, with a thrilling little bit of romance on the side.
I know, I didn’t give you too much to go on, but I don’t want to give anything important away–this is why I don’t care too much for blurbs.
What I will tell you is what I loved about it! So, so many things! The setting, in lush and exotic Corfu, the Shakespearean tie-ins, the dialogue–brilliant, simply brilliant, the swoon-worthy hero, Max Gale. Ms. Stewart, considered by many to be the mother of the modern romantic suspense novel, can get you on the edge of your seat with just a smattering of words and she can paint a crisp, almost tangible picture with stunning realism. I remain in as much devoted awe today as I was twenty-five years ago when I read this book for the first time.
And I am not the only Stewart devotee. Julie and Jennie are sisters who maintain a gorgeous website devoted to Mary Stewart and her spell-binding novels. I encourage you to click over to ‘Extras’ and view the slideshow showcasing a selection of Ms. Stewart’s cover art over the years.
And, of course, I highly recommend This Rough Magic, or really any of Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense novels. You simply cannot go wrong.
06/03/2009 at 3:40 pm
Your enthusiasm for this author and work is contagious to read. "… a smattering of words and she can paint a crisp, almost tangible picture with stunning realism." is my kind of writer but unfortunately (as I mentioned today on another blog ) that this isn't my typical genre. But I will make note for a couple of family members who would enjoy this when birthdays and holidays roll around. Thanks and I enjoyed stopping by your blog.
06/03/2009 at 4:05 pm
I loved this book when I read it years ago. In fact, I read it, then everything Mary Stewart. I think it's time for a re-read!! Thanks, Alyssa!
06/03/2009 at 5:05 pm
Alyssa, I agree completely. I, too, adore Mary Stewart, and THIS ROUGH MAGIC is arguable my favorite of hers. I reread it about ten years ago and it was just as magical as I remembered. Her descriptions of Corfu are breathtaking. She was a wonderful, wonderful writer. Maybe it's time to reread more of her books. Thanks for the reminder of one of my favorite authors.
06/03/2009 at 5:07 pm
Of course I meant "arguably" my favorite of her books. Darn typos.
06/03/2009 at 5:45 pm
I've never heard of this author, but you "sell" her beautifully. (And Corfu? Yes, definitely.)
06/04/2009 at 2:44 am
I am also a fan of Mary Stewart and have read I think most of her books. I'm going to visit the web site. My favorite was her King Aurther series. Nice review, I loved your "voice" as you described her works.
06/04/2009 at 3:33 pm
Ooo, I was hooked by the title and the premise. Shakespeare with romance on Corfu sounds magical indeed. I’m adding this one to my to read list. I haven’t read this author before. Terrific review!
06/04/2009 at 7:23 pm
I need to check this one out! I bought The Ivy Tree (or at least I think that's the name of it…it's not in front of me at the moment) and I found it incredibly difficult to get into. Was it you that said I should give the others a chance? I really do want to try some others.
06/04/2009 at 10:12 pm
I was a Stewart fan, too, years ago…now you're making me want to start over. I know I read all of them, but apparently I don't remember the plots of the ones I didn't own. (Those I remember because I read them over and over as a teenager. *sigh*) Thanks for the review!
06/05/2009 at 5:15 am
I think I've missed this author altogether!
06/06/2009 at 3:16 am
Yes, Stephanie, it was me who said that. The Ivy Tree is probably my least favorite and really kind of confusing. Go for another one! This Rough Magic is verrry good.