Critiques et Commentaires

it was a painfully slow start of the story and some of the plot lines didn't pay off. but in the end a surprisingly interesting world and captivating book.

the language sounded more dated than in books from other authors of this period. but in some of the scenes the ideas and words just worked together and created a romantic horror.

a re-read, maybe the fifth or sixth time but first time in english. found this novel in a small library in a small german town during the nineties and love it since

that's what pulp is for (i guess): quite a good story wrapped in generic presentation. the mood is wildly swinging and the characters unstable or i would have enjoyed it a bit more. the last part even borrows the 'schnodderdeutsch' of 'die zwei' (the persuaders).

being a longtime fan of the Holmes stories, I'm being amazed how much this text adds grim reality background

great scenes and scenery, but strangely untouching characters still a fine read

tough choice how to rate and review this book: the life of Julie d’Aubigny is so fascinating that i would state, you really should read the book, no matter what. and the way in which Gardiner evokes the 17th century france is also convincing, less explaining, more atmosphere and anecdotes. so what's to dislike: i can't stand the attitute of the heroine, it's simple. one part of the book is Julie telling her own life on her deathbed to a priest. i'm aware, she is exceptional and to motivate and kind of explain her to the reader you want to give her a torn but free-minded character. but all i hear is an artist oscillating between self pity and hubris.

there's a lot of Gormenghast in this. like it

second reading, or listening to: it's again really good. still gripping and still thought provokeing