But if, like me, you've a soft spot for novels which are more squarely in that Vinesque territory, where a character with a secret past tries to gain greater insight into her role in terrible events from many years ago, and the way in which these events are suddenly a new threat to the life she's built from the ashes, then the Poison Tree does what it says on the tin. So if you're after a campus novel, then this really isn't it. They could just have easily been working in offices and/or theatres and events could have unfolded in much the same way. The fact that the central characters happen to be students when the back-story begins is neither here nor there. This felt much more Barbara Vine to me, which is also excellent company to be in. I saw no signs that the author was attempting to retrace Donna Tartt's steps. Not too sure where this could have arisen from, but it feels a bit unfair to me. I've read other reviewer which comparing it to The Secret History, yet feeling let down when it fails to measure up as a campus novel. As well as a story that carries you along, the writing is generously peppered with interesting observations and compelling description. I enjoyed this, and will certainly look for others by this author. SPOILER possibility.proceed with caution.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |