"The Lantern"--by Deborah Lawrenson--A modern Gothic novel of love, secrets, and murder—set against the lush backdrop of Provence, France (see my review)

 

The Lantern

When Eve falls for the secretive, charming Dom, their whirlwind relationship leads them to purchase Les Genevriers, an abandoned house in a rural hamlet in the south of France. As the beautiful Provence summer turns to autumn, Eve finds it impossible to ignore the mysteries that haunt both her lover and the run-down old house, in particular the mysterious disappearance of his beautiful first wife, Rachel. 

Whilst Eve tries to untangle the secrets surrounding Rachel's last recorded days, Les Genevriers itself seems to come alive. As strange events begin to occur with frightening regularity, Eve's voice becomes intertwined with that of Benedicte Lincel, a girl who lived in the house decades before. 

As the tangled skeins of the house's history begin to unravel, the tension grows between Dom and Eve. In a page-turning race, Eve must fight to discover the fates of both Benedicte and Rachel, before Les Genevriers' dark history has a chance to repeat itself. 

"In the tradition of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, a modern gothic novel rich in atmosphere and suspense, set in the lush countryside of Provence--a beguiling story of love, scents, secrets, and murder

Drawn to a confident and artistic wealthy older man she barely knows, bookish Eve recklessly embarks on a whirlwind affair that soon offers a new life and a new home--Les Genévriers, a charming yet decaying hamlet nestled amid the fragrant lavender fields of Provence.

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--which he refuses to talk about--his silence arouses suspicion and uncertainty. And, 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 truly be in danger?"

--Garth Stein, author of "The Art of Racing in the Rain"

MY REVIEW: Reading "The Lantern", by Deborah Lawrenson, was sometimes difficult, and often frustrating. There are wonderful elements present in the work. The lush beauty of Provence, France and all its bounty is the key to why the characters remain at a location where horrific events occur. The story is told in two different first-person narratives from different time frames in the same setting. Each one of their stories is evocative and intriguing. However, the book advances in a "two steps forward, one step back manner". The narrative of one of the characters proceeds to an involving point, and then abruptly the next chapter picks up with the other character. The evolution of the story does not flow smoothly. Near the end of the book, when more information is revealed about all of the characters, the story line begins to become more cohesive. Definitely Gothic, but not great Gothic. A provocative read, best undertaken when it can be read with few interruptions. I am sure that any five people who read this book will have five different opinions. That is not a bad thing, because it means the author left a vivid impression.

Book Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

Deborah Lawrenson

 

Deborah Lawrenson spent her childhood moving around the world with diplomatic service parents, from Kuwait to China, Belgium, Luxembourg and Singapore. She studied English at Cambridge University and worked as a journalist in London. She has written eight novels and her writing is praised for its vivid sense of place.

Deborah is married with a daughter, and lives in Kent, England. Deborah's novels include "300 Days of Sun", "The Lantern", and "The Sea Garden".

https://www.deborah-lawrenson.co.uk/