In my ongoing book purge, I occasionally have to read a book to decide if it goes or stays. Such is the case with Mary Stewart, whose gentle mystery/romances I devoured in my younger days.
So I was surprised when, on rereading This Rough Magic, a book I'd loved, set on Corfu and full of ties to Prospero and Shakespeare's Tempest as well as gorgeous passages of description, to find myself losing interest and being a tad annoyed at the well- worn trope of the young woman who is at first antagonistic to the young man with whom she will sooner or later fall in love.
I don't know--I still love Pride and Prejudice--possibly the grandmother of this trope. But I eventually put the book down and added it to the box destined for the next library book sale.
But then I gave Stewart another chance and am currently rereading her Arthurian quartet -- The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, and The Wicked Day. And am delighted to say that the magic I remembered is still there. Her descriptions are gorgeous and if the Matter of Britain--the story of Merlin and Arthur--is more enchanting than the proto chick-lit of her earlier books, well it's not to be wondered at.
And on a blessedly rainy afternoon and evening, it's a delight!
6 comments:
I used to love her books when I was younger but I'm not sure they've stood the test of time. I've not read the Arthurian ones (I don't think) - maybe I'll try them.
When you look up from your reading, you have lovely sights to behold.
I agree about the more mystical writings, but my copies are long gone. Now what to do with Christmas decorating books. I could try putting them in the Little Free Library,
I don't think I've ever read any of those books. My introduction to mystery and suspense was through Ruth Rendell, a very different kind of writer. 😀
Yes, Rendell is somewhat dark, as I recall. Stewart's early books are pretty frothy. Her Arthurian ones are much different.
I discovered Mary Stewart in high school when I read "The Moonspinners." At that age, I liked it so much I would reread it every summer for a few years. It still sits on my bookshelf though I haven't read it in probably 50 years. I went on to Phyllis Whitney, Helen MacInnes and Agatha Christie, etc. I'm sure I, too, would find it rather dated but I keep it as it was the book that ignited a life-long joy in reading mysteries, including yours!
Post a Comment