The Lantern
Deborah Lawrenson
August 2011
400 pages
Published by HarperCollins
ARC given to me by Dawn. I owe her big time.
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For once I actually planned out my reading and read Rebecca before I read The Lantern. Making a commitment like that is a pretty big deal for me, since I’m usually a read-whatever-I-feel-like type of reader.
But it was worth it. Kind of like having read Jane Eyre before Rebecca (which was total coincidence on my part, in keeping with my usual reading habits), Rebecca informs The Lantern. All three books are very different, and all are very good on their own, but it’s fun to speculate about how they MIGHT be alike as you are reading along. Because, you know…all three have baddies. Or at least possible baddies. And it’s fun to compare and contrast said (possible) baddies.
If you’re into that.
If not, it’s still a very good book. There’s some beautiful language (again, like Rebecca…very evocative of place) and cool places (hello there, south of France…I think I’m in love with your lavender fields and old farmhouses) and some spooky haps. It makes for a nice fall read.
But then, it would make for a good summer read, too. Or winter. Or even spring.
Overview from B&N:
A modern gothic novel of love, secrets, and murder—set against the lush backdrop of Provence.
“Meeting Dom was the most incredible thing that had ever happened to me.” When Eve falls for the secretive, charming Dom in Switzerland, their whirlwind relationship leads them to Les Genévriers, an abandoned house set among the fragrant lavender fields of the South of France. Each enchanting day delivers happy discoveries: hidden chambers, secret vaults, a beautiful wrought-iron lantern. Deeply in love and surrounded by music, books, and the heady summer scents of the French countryside, Eve has never felt more alive.
But with autumn’s arrival the days begin to cool, and so, too, does Dom. Though Eve knows he bears the emotional scars of a failed marriage—one he refuses to talk about—his silence arouses suspicion and uncertainty. The more reticent Dom is to explain, the more Eve becomes obsessed with finding answers—and with unraveling the mystery of his absent, beautiful ex-wife, Rachel.
Like its owner, Les Genévriers is also changing. Bright, warm rooms have turned cold and uninviting; shadows now fall unexpectedly; and Eve senses a presence moving through the garden. Is it a ghost from the past or a manifestation of her current troubles with Dom? Can she trust Dom, or could her life be in danger?
Eve does not know that Les Genévriers has been haunted before. Bénédicte Lincel, the house’s former owner, thrived as a young girl within the rich elements of the landscape: the violets hidden in the woodland, the warm wind through the almond trees. She knew the bitter taste of heartbreak and tragedy—long-buried family secrets and evil deeds that, once unearthed, will hold shocking and unexpected consequences for Eve.
Not the bestest of summaries. The narration actually shifts back and forth between Bénédicte and Eve. The first time this happened I was totally confused about who Bénédicte was, and where she came from…but it didn’t take long before I fell into her story. And there are mysteries to puzzle out in both the past (Bénédicte’s story) and the present (Eve’s story (actually, more like Rachel’s story)).
Good times, y’all.
This was not one of my favorites. But I seem to be in the minority.
Beth F´s last [type] ..Review: The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood
Did you listen to it? Me and my bad memory can’t remember reading what the audio experience was like.
Good Lord. First I read good reviews. Then I read bad ones (ones that are irritated at the rip-offs). I’ve got it loaded on my iPod, but I keep pushing it off because I just don’t know. I am being wishy washy and I’m annoying myself.
Sandy´s last [type] ..Zombieland (2009)
I think this is one of those books that could backfire on the recommender. Like The Time Traveller’s Wife. Or, more recently, The Night Circus. Kind of a love it or hate thing. So I’m reluctant to say GO READ IT NOW.
I really liked this book a lot too, and felt that it was very ominous and atmospheric. I sort of hated Dom and Pierre all the way through, so it was hard for me to adjust my thinking towards the end. A very worthy read, I think! Great review, Jill!
zibilee´s last [type] ..The Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Ann Weisgarber — 336 pgs
I figured Dom wasn’t as bad as he was made out to be. But Pierre…I knew he was bad!
I started reading this book enjoying Eve’s thread more, but by the end I was much more taken with Benedicte’s thread. Glad you liked it!
Andi´s last [type] .."Stuff Week" at Estella’s Revenge
I could’ve gone for a whole book on Benedicte and her family.
I know that Raych over at Things I Done Read felt that this book suffered because she loves Rebecca so much, so part of me wondered if I should just go ahead and read this one first so that it doesn’t seem watered down or lesser, but then again, I rarely read two similarly themed books so close together, so I doubt it would really matter. I’ve tried to read Rebecca twice and just couldn’t get past the writing, but I am determined to try again… but maybe before that happens I will read this first. Or maybe not. At least I’ve read Jane Eyre!
Steph´s last [type] ..“The Radleys” by Matt Haig
GASP! You couldn’t get into Rebecca?? Hmmm…you might not go for this one, then. Stylistically, I think it’s closer to Rebecca than Rebecca is to Jane Eyre.
I can tell how much you liked this! I wish I could get to it soon.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last [type] ..Mailbox Monday
Quick, before fall is over!
I tried to get into this one and couldn’t. I’m planning to write about it in a DNF post, someday. Quote from Knight and Day (the movie): “Someday is just code for never.” No, no, really. I do plan to write about it. I will probably give it a second chance but I’m probably just going to end up in the minority. Something about it really put me off.
Well, Candace didn’t like it either, so you’re not alone!
I read this one for RIP and it definitely exceeded my expectations! I thought it was great the it was inspired by Rebecca while not being too much of a copy cat.
Stephanie´s last [type] ..Saturday Snapshot
Good choice for RIP!
I read Rebecca and Jane Eyre so far apart that I didn’t make too many comparisons. Maybe I should re-read these two and read The Lantern along with them.
Trisha´s last [type] ..Book Review: The Icebound Land
You’re awfully ambitious.
I thought that was a really solid read as well although I think I liked Rebecca more. It is one that I would definitely think about rereading a few years from now just to go back and enjoy the atmosphere that the author created. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it as well
Samantha´s last [type] ..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? and Thankfully Reading
I agree about Rebecca. It has a bit more of a timeless feel to it (even though there are parts that are quite dated).
Okay, that makes no sense.
I did not know that this plays well with Rebecca. Good to know since that is one of my fave books!
Amused´s last [type] ..Mailbox Monday: November 21, 2011
“given to me by Dawn. I owe her big time.” hahaha! Wait ’til I call in my chips
I did tell you that I was passing along because 1- you said you wanted to read it, and, 2 – I hoped to re-read REBECCA before picking up THE LANTERN … and that re-read wasn’t happening anytime soon.
Dawn – She Is Too Fond of Books´s last [type] ..I’m a card-carrying member of the …
I really enjoyed this book when I read it in October. Good review!
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Well, I’ve read all of those other books so I should be in good shape when I get to this one!
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