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Vixen
Rosie Garland’s extraordinary tale is a story of superstition and devotion in the time of the Black Death and will bewitch both new readers and fans of her much-loved debut, The Palace of Curiosities.
Devon, 1349. In Brauntone, where seagulls screech across the fields and the wind has a mind to change, Father Thomas arrives as the new priest. Determined to impress his congregation, he quells fears of the coming pestilence with promises of protection.
For Anne, the priest’s arrival is an opportunity that at sixteen, she feels all too ready for. Convinced a grand fate awaits, she moves in as Thomas’s housekeeper, though hopeful of something more. But his home is a place without love or kindness. So when a strange, mute Maid is discovered, washed up in the marshes, and taken in, Anne is grateful for the company. Their friendship is to give Anne the chance of a happiness she thought she’d never know.
But soon the plague strikes Brauntone, spreading panic. And as the villagers� fear turns to anger, Thomas must sacrifice anything to restore their faith in him.
Devon, 1349. In Brauntone, where seagulls screech across the fields and the wind has a mind to change, Father Thomas arrives as the new priest. Determined to impress his congregation, he quells fears of the coming pestilence with promises of protection.
For Anne, the priest’s arrival is an opportunity that at sixteen, she feels all too ready for. Convinced a grand fate awaits, she moves in as Thomas’s housekeeper, though hopeful of something more. But his home is a place without love or kindness. So when a strange, mute Maid is discovered, washed up in the marshes, and taken in, Anne is grateful for the company. Their friendship is to give Anne the chance of a happiness she thought she’d never know.
But soon the plague strikes Brauntone, spreading panic. And as the villagers� fear turns to anger, Thomas must sacrifice anything to restore their faith in him.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 19, 2014
24 people are currently reading
2,099 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Garland
24Ìýbooks124ÌýfollowersBorn in London to a runaway teenager, Rosie has always been a cuckoo in the nest. She's an eclectic writer and performer, ranging from singing in post-punk gothic band The March Violets, through touring with the Subversive Stitch exhibition in the 90s to her alter-ego Rosie Lugosi the Vampire Queen, cabaret chanteuse and mistress of ceremonies.
She has published five solo collections of poetry and her award-winning short stories, poems and essays have been widely anthologized. She is winner of the DaDa Award for Performance Artist of the Year and a Poetry Award from the People's Café, New York. Her most recent poetry collection, 'Everything Must Go' (Holland Park Press 2012) draws on her experience of throat cancer.
She won the Mslexia Novel competition in 2012 and her debut novel 'The Palace of Curiosities' was published in March 2013 by HarperCollins. Her second novel, 'Vixen', (Borough Press 2014) is now available in all formats.
She has published five solo collections of poetry and her award-winning short stories, poems and essays have been widely anthologized. She is winner of the DaDa Award for Performance Artist of the Year and a Poetry Award from the People's Café, New York. Her most recent poetry collection, 'Everything Must Go' (Holland Park Press 2012) draws on her experience of throat cancer.
She won the Mslexia Novel competition in 2012 and her debut novel 'The Palace of Curiosities' was published in March 2013 by HarperCollins. Her second novel, 'Vixen', (Borough Press 2014) is now available in all formats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 8, 2017
I'll be honest in saying it was the gorgeous cover enveloping this story that grabbed my attention. I read the synopsis before purchasing it, and though it didn't jump out at me, I still thought I would give it a go. As a writer, it's important to read any and all kinds of stories. But I'm afraid Vixen just wasn't for me.
� Writing
Garland has a very flowery writing style, words that make you squint instead of nod with understanding. I appreciate poetic writing, and it is fitting for a story like this. However, I did find it to be difficult to read and become invested in at times. But there were also some pretty pairings of words that made me stop and reread the sentence.
Yeah, it definitely wasn't an uplifting kind of book. But I could relate to words such as these. Garland created emotional turmoil that was relatable and understandable. Some of it wasn't, but I could appreciate the words threaded together throughout this novel.
There were a few fantastic pairings of words, but there were also many words that made the novel feel awkward and strange. (Please note I don't even like typing these words out, but this is the life of a book reviewer.) ANYWAYS, I lost track of how many times Garland dropped the words "turd", "cunny", and "fart".
This was a brash, blunt book, and I wasn't expecting that. I've read A Game of Thrones. I've read blunt books. I've read dirty words and I don't have an issue with them, if they're used in moderation.
It got to a point where it felt like the author was dropping these words for shock value. Maybe I adapted that improperly, but that's how it began to feel and it only continued to make me uncomfortable.
� Plot
The novel begins with Thomas arriving as the new priest in Brauntone (I think they mean Braunton?) in Devon, England. Anne, who's in desperate need of a change in her life *cough* a man *cough*, she offers to be Thomas's housekeeper. Then Vixen becomes entangled in all of their lives.
This is a tale of love and death and superstition. It's a depressing book that takes place during the time of the Black Death and focuses on the importance of love and strength, what it means to persevere.
The idea for the plot was a great, though I only wish it didn't drag on so long.
� Characters
Each character in this novel went through a significant development and had a strong arc, but I'm afraid I wasn't fond of most of them. I enjoyed Anne's development the most. Watching her grow from a lonely maiden into a strong woman was empowering. I do really like the direction the author took her in, especially with her love interest and how it was delivered. I think that was done well.
But when it comes to Thomas, I wasn't a fan. Thomas's chapters were the least interesting for me. He was meant to be unlikable, and he certainly was. Although, I felt like his chapters didn't heighten or bring anything to the overall story.
Again, I do appreciate Vixen's development and the direction the author took her in, but her first few chapters left me baffled and therefore unable to connect with her for a long while. Overall, I just wasn't able to gain a deep interest with Vixen, but her growth was amazing.
� Overall
It had some memorable sentences and scenes with a rich atmosphere, but once it was all put together, it was quite overwhelming. I think this is a good book and did enjoy parts of it, but overall, it wasn't for me.
� Writing
Garland has a very flowery writing style, words that make you squint instead of nod with understanding. I appreciate poetic writing, and it is fitting for a story like this. However, I did find it to be difficult to read and become invested in at times. But there were also some pretty pairings of words that made me stop and reread the sentence.
I need no one, I want no one and no one wants me. That is the finest way to pass through this world, running so swiftly even the air cannot stick. I shake off everything as a fox sheds its tail when the hounds take hold. I'll skip through this world tailless rather than not at all.
Yeah, it definitely wasn't an uplifting kind of book. But I could relate to words such as these. Garland created emotional turmoil that was relatable and understandable. Some of it wasn't, but I could appreciate the words threaded together throughout this novel.
If I can choose to be miserable, I can also choose to be happy. Perhaps I am not chained to my feelings. I can slip free.
There were a few fantastic pairings of words, but there were also many words that made the novel feel awkward and strange. (Please note I don't even like typing these words out, but this is the life of a book reviewer.) ANYWAYS, I lost track of how many times Garland dropped the words "turd", "cunny", and "fart".
This was a brash, blunt book, and I wasn't expecting that. I've read A Game of Thrones. I've read blunt books. I've read dirty words and I don't have an issue with them, if they're used in moderation.
It got to a point where it felt like the author was dropping these words for shock value. Maybe I adapted that improperly, but that's how it began to feel and it only continued to make me uncomfortable.
� Plot
The novel begins with Thomas arriving as the new priest in Brauntone (I think they mean Braunton?) in Devon, England. Anne, who's in desperate need of a change in her life *cough* a man *cough*, she offers to be Thomas's housekeeper. Then Vixen becomes entangled in all of their lives.
This is a tale of love and death and superstition. It's a depressing book that takes place during the time of the Black Death and focuses on the importance of love and strength, what it means to persevere.
The idea for the plot was a great, though I only wish it didn't drag on so long.
� Characters
Each character in this novel went through a significant development and had a strong arc, but I'm afraid I wasn't fond of most of them. I enjoyed Anne's development the most. Watching her grow from a lonely maiden into a strong woman was empowering. I do really like the direction the author took her in, especially with her love interest and how it was delivered. I think that was done well.
But when it comes to Thomas, I wasn't a fan. Thomas's chapters were the least interesting for me. He was meant to be unlikable, and he certainly was. Although, I felt like his chapters didn't heighten or bring anything to the overall story.
Again, I do appreciate Vixen's development and the direction the author took her in, but her first few chapters left me baffled and therefore unable to connect with her for a long while. Overall, I just wasn't able to gain a deep interest with Vixen, but her growth was amazing.
� Overall
It had some memorable sentences and scenes with a rich atmosphere, but once it was all put together, it was quite overwhelming. I think this is a good book and did enjoy parts of it, but overall, it wasn't for me.
July 28, 2015
Beautiful, very feminine story about the feeling of otherness within a small village community in the Middle Ages. A girl can be a miracle, can be a witch, can be a curse or salvation... In the darkness there can be also some place for love and light...
June 21, 2018
2.5 Stars.
This was okay but I lost interest towards the end.
This was okay but I lost interest towards the end.
February 2, 2017
4.5 stars. What a gorgeous, moving and atmospheric story to start the year with! Highly recommended for those who love lush prose and medieval settings.
April 13, 2015
The old adage goes that you should never judge a book by its cover. It's true that I adore the cover of this book, and it's also true that I decided to read this book because of the cover, which I guess in part means that my friend, the cover designer, did a really good job!
It wasn't until I had this book in front of me that I realised that it's author, Rosie Garland, was also the singer in Goth Band, the March Violets, who featured on the soundtrack to one of my favourite 80's movies, Some Kind Of Wonderful. I know, completely unrelated, fascinatingly uninteresting fact for you.
This is an interesting, clever read in alluringly poetic and lyrical prose, that follows the arrival of the great plague to a village in Devon. It is told from the perspective of three protagonists, a Priest, a girl, and their maid (the Vixen or fox of the title). Where is starts off gentle and beautiful, we are plunged int disalusionament and delirium as our protagonists surcumb to the symptons and fate of the Black Death.
It wasn't until I had this book in front of me that I realised that it's author, Rosie Garland, was also the singer in Goth Band, the March Violets, who featured on the soundtrack to one of my favourite 80's movies, Some Kind Of Wonderful. I know, completely unrelated, fascinatingly uninteresting fact for you.
This is an interesting, clever read in alluringly poetic and lyrical prose, that follows the arrival of the great plague to a village in Devon. It is told from the perspective of three protagonists, a Priest, a girl, and their maid (the Vixen or fox of the title). Where is starts off gentle and beautiful, we are plunged int disalusionament and delirium as our protagonists surcumb to the symptons and fate of the Black Death.
September 12, 2015
First off, if you spotten this gorgeous book on the shelf you will probably be instantly attracted to the cover. It's quietly beautiful in a sea of brightly colored books; somehow the splash of orange attracted my eye like none around it. Plus, well, it's a fox. I love foxes, and the title 'Vixen' helped as well.
This wasn't really like any other book I've ever read. At times crude, and others beautiful, I initially couldn't even read it. I had no idea what was happening with any of the story line, and even once over fifty pages had passed I was none the wiser. What the heck was I reading?
But then somehow it settled down into an actual story, and it wasn't half bad. I did not see the romance angle coming at all until all of a sudden it was there, and it was beautiful too. No spoilers!
Completely contrary to the book I expected but nonetheless delightful, three stars. Try it for yourself!
This wasn't really like any other book I've ever read. At times crude, and others beautiful, I initially couldn't even read it. I had no idea what was happening with any of the story line, and even once over fifty pages had passed I was none the wiser. What the heck was I reading?
But then somehow it settled down into an actual story, and it wasn't half bad. I did not see the romance angle coming at all until all of a sudden it was there, and it was beautiful too. No spoilers!
Completely contrary to the book I expected but nonetheless delightful, three stars. Try it for yourself!
November 19, 2021
I read like 40% and I don't know what's the point of the book. Where I'm at in the book, I figure out that Vixen is a shapeshifter?? Or putting some kind of illusion? Anyways, i don't know what the hell is going on. But I'll try to to add it to my #bnf because the cover is so beautiful. Let's see what happens.
December 5, 2021
So the writing style was brillaint as was the Vixen herself she made me giggle. However i picked this up in lesbian section in a bookshop but it's bisexual (not a bad thing just not what i was looking for) and also full of potential rape scenarios. I detest this without a TRIGGER warning. The women is this book were treated as less than and it tried to make me feel sorry for a male abuser - absolutely not. There was no happy ending but at least there was a very odd consensual romance in there....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2018
This is the second book by Rosie Garland that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed both. They would be best described as dark fairy tales.
Vixen is set in South West England in the time of the plague. Frightened people are looking for miracles and their priest, Thomas, is determined to provide them. It looks with an unflinching and critical gaze at the corruption of Catholicism and the rampant misogyny that accompanies the religious doctrine.
When a child is found close to death the priest declares she is sent by God to save them. In his vanity he believes he owns this miracle and his housekeeper Anne and it his right to use and ill-use them as he wishes. The child, known as Vixen and The Maid, is more pagan than Christian and more woman than child, but both escape the priest’s notice.
It is a wonderful tale, full of heartache, death, violence and tenderness. Rosie Garland’s prose is poetic and evocative.
Vixen is set in South West England in the time of the plague. Frightened people are looking for miracles and their priest, Thomas, is determined to provide them. It looks with an unflinching and critical gaze at the corruption of Catholicism and the rampant misogyny that accompanies the religious doctrine.
When a child is found close to death the priest declares she is sent by God to save them. In his vanity he believes he owns this miracle and his housekeeper Anne and it his right to use and ill-use them as he wishes. The child, known as Vixen and The Maid, is more pagan than Christian and more woman than child, but both escape the priest’s notice.
It is a wonderful tale, full of heartache, death, violence and tenderness. Rosie Garland’s prose is poetic and evocative.
September 1, 2016
3.5 stars might be closer, but then, historical fiction isn't really my thing so I feel like it should get bonus points for keeping my interest until the end.
As it happens, I got my hands on an Advance Copy and -- might as well be honest -- read it as much for the wonderful cover as anything else. I haven't read The Palace of Curiosities so I don't know how they compare.
I can say this about Garland: she uses language with an almost reckless calculation sometimes, or maybe I mean a calculated recklessness. Maybe both? Either way, she's got style. It's not always comfortable or easy to read (and I have no idea how accurate it is to the times or subject matter) but it is compelling.
It'll be interesting to see how well it picks up interest among the literary and/or book club crowds. Can see it going either way, really.
As it happens, I got my hands on an Advance Copy and -- might as well be honest -- read it as much for the wonderful cover as anything else. I haven't read The Palace of Curiosities so I don't know how they compare.
I can say this about Garland: she uses language with an almost reckless calculation sometimes, or maybe I mean a calculated recklessness. Maybe both? Either way, she's got style. It's not always comfortable or easy to read (and I have no idea how accurate it is to the times or subject matter) but it is compelling.
It'll be interesting to see how well it picks up interest among the literary and/or book club crowds. Can see it going either way, really.
February 24, 2015
This has got to be one of the strangest books that I have ever read. But it kept me captivated until the end.
If you decide to read it, hang in there through the first few "vixen" chapters. It gets better!
If you decide to read it, hang in there through the first few "vixen" chapters. It gets better!
October 5, 2015
Really liked this book. The blend of superstition/religion with the power of the church is evocative then with the horror of the plague results in a powerful tale. Beautiful writing and worth your time
January 20, 2019
Loved it. Her original style of writing and her form of grim fairy tale seperate this book from any other I've read. I won't forget it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Will definitely try one of her other books.
August 9, 2019
The characters were engaging enough that I was picking this book up throughout the day more often than I ‘needed� to (to reach my TBR goal for the week) and it has one of the most beautiful book covers I’ve seen in ages, however I didn’t think the book overall was particularly amazing.
June 27, 2020
This is circa 2013/2014. I wish I'd read this book before.
Isn't the cover beautiful? Oh, and the words inside are a delight.
In 1347, as the Black Death sweeps England, we find a god-fearing populace, those who look for redemption in saints and relics. A new priest gains the attention of Anne, who is looking to make a match similar to that of her friend Margret (who is the 'wife' of the priest in the neighbouring parish). Life proves harsher than expected and joy is found in unexpected places. Vixen is a fable, a love story between Anne and her Maid in a time of cruel men and devastating disease. It is also very much a tale of modern women.
Highly recommend.
Isn't the cover beautiful? Oh, and the words inside are a delight.
In 1347, as the Black Death sweeps England, we find a god-fearing populace, those who look for redemption in saints and relics. A new priest gains the attention of Anne, who is looking to make a match similar to that of her friend Margret (who is the 'wife' of the priest in the neighbouring parish). Life proves harsher than expected and joy is found in unexpected places. Vixen is a fable, a love story between Anne and her Maid in a time of cruel men and devastating disease. It is also very much a tale of modern women.
Highly recommend.
April 26, 2018
Set in fourteenth century Devon, 'Vixen' tells the story of Father Thomas and his young housekeeper Anne, whose lives are thrown into turmoil by two new arrivals to the community: a young, mute girl and a deadly plague. Anne, who had hoped for rather more than to be merely Father Thomas's housekeeper, discovers a passionate friendship with the 'Maid' as the priest spirals further and further down a dark path in a desperation to restore his parish's faith.
This is a story as much about what it meant to be a woman in the middle ages as it is about love and passion. The writing is beautiful and intricate - possibly a little too much so at times - and the characters well-drawn and compelling. I read it because I enjoyed 'The Palace of Curiosities' so much, but it isn't a story I would have been immediately drawn to otherwise. It's an unusual book, feeling almost magical at times, with a plethora of unfamiliar words referring to times locked in history. It's very worth reading this on a Kindle so you can look them up as you're going along!
It's probably not for everyone, but if you've read and enjoyed Rosie Garland's work before, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
This is a story as much about what it meant to be a woman in the middle ages as it is about love and passion. The writing is beautiful and intricate - possibly a little too much so at times - and the characters well-drawn and compelling. I read it because I enjoyed 'The Palace of Curiosities' so much, but it isn't a story I would have been immediately drawn to otherwise. It's an unusual book, feeling almost magical at times, with a plethora of unfamiliar words referring to times locked in history. It's very worth reading this on a Kindle so you can look them up as you're going along!
It's probably not for everyone, but if you've read and enjoyed Rosie Garland's work before, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
August 12, 2018
My library labels this book as historical fiction, but to do so is to simplify it. It's much richer and more interesting than that. Equally, I don't want to give spoilers.
Set during the mid-14th century when everyone is terrified of the Black Death, this novel explores how our lead characters try to cope with this climate of fear. Amongst this turmoil, there is room to explore gender roles and the role of religion as priests realise prayers are useless against the Plague.
I like the structure: having chapters from the points of view of each of the main characters gives us a good insight into their different ways of thinking, thus helping us understand the characters.
I liked it and will look for more of this author's books.
Set during the mid-14th century when everyone is terrified of the Black Death, this novel explores how our lead characters try to cope with this climate of fear. Amongst this turmoil, there is room to explore gender roles and the role of religion as priests realise prayers are useless against the Plague.
I like the structure: having chapters from the points of view of each of the main characters gives us a good insight into their different ways of thinking, thus helping us understand the characters.
I liked it and will look for more of this author's books.
August 13, 2017
It's brilliantly written, and draws one in to the setting easily. There were a few moments where I felt the sense of the 1300s slip, and a more modern tone crept in, but that was very occasional. The characters are well rounded, and change subtly over the course of the story, in ways that are easy to follow and understand. I was hoping for a happy ending, but it's not the kind of story to give you that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2018
I was drawn into the beginning of the story with the Vixen’s views on religion and humanity. With the introduction of Anne and Thomas, I was enveloped in their characters and the way they each told their story from differing points of view. It didn’t end how I’d hoped, but I enjoyed reading this book and waiting for what came next.
January 21, 2021
An enthralling evocation of period - an interesting read whilst we are experiencing our own 'plague'! Garland's prose is terrifically rich and sensuous. The twisting relationships between the three central characters create a tremendous emotional frisson which builds to a compelling and satisfying climax.
January 24, 2018
A strange little gem of a book. It took me a little while to really warm to it, but once I did the characters really grabbed me, especially Anne and the Vixen. It is a fairytale for grownups, about the evils of men and the goodness of love. Highly recommended.
January 31, 2018
Vixen is a novel about religion/superstition in mid 1300's England.
I love Rosie Garland's earthy writing style, the characters were interesting
and well developed. I felt that I was immersed amongst the village and nature
scenes. Loved it!
I love Rosie Garland's earthy writing style, the characters were interesting
and well developed. I felt that I was immersed amongst the village and nature
scenes. Loved it!
June 24, 2021
In the line of her writing Garland takes us back to the Medieval times but introducing something that was considered unthinkable in that period. A story about religion, the pestilence pandemic and love that keeps you interested from beginning to end.
June 3, 2017
Absolutely beautiful, I devoured this book.
August 18, 2019
4.5 stars
February 23, 2019
Perfect read for LGBT History Month. I loved it. Takes a minute to get used to but is just beautifully written. Anne and Vixen are brilliant characters.
January 28, 2020
A stunning book, original, poetic, unforgettable: everything I look for in a novel.
February 14, 2018
There was much to like about this book. Garland's prose is largely excellent, and I thought she evoked the atmosphere of the rural 1300s setting very well. The backdrop of the impending Black Death was great; lots of interesting characters and ideas were brought into play throughout the story; and for a long book that isn't exactly heavy on action, I flew through it, which must say something.
However, I can't help but feel like it could have delivered so much more than it did. Fantastic themes are set up and ever-so-slightly touched upon, but never really amount to much, and the way one element of the story in particular was handled left me feeling pretty frustrated.
It's a shame that there was this sense of wasted potential with regards to how much further the themes could have been taken, as there were also elements of gender roles and corrupt religious power that could have hit home harder. I wasn't all that keen on the slight hints of magical realism at the book's beginning and end either. I felt they didn't add anything.
All of that said, there was just something about the overall feel of the book that I liked, and I enjoyed its look at the enduring nature of love and the questioning of faith when the two are put under immense pressure.
However, I can't help but feel like it could have delivered so much more than it did. Fantastic themes are set up and ever-so-slightly touched upon, but never really amount to much, and the way one element of the story in particular was handled left me feeling pretty frustrated.
It's a shame that there was this sense of wasted potential with regards to how much further the themes could have been taken, as there were also elements of gender roles and corrupt religious power that could have hit home harder. I wasn't all that keen on the slight hints of magical realism at the book's beginning and end either. I felt they didn't add anything.
All of that said, there was just something about the overall feel of the book that I liked, and I enjoyed its look at the enduring nature of love and the questioning of faith when the two are put under immense pressure.
March 13, 2017
I suppose my lucky streak of awesome books had to end sooner or later... With "Vixen", I am afraid I succumbed to the book's gorgeous cover-art and my own blind optimism.
Thomas is the new priest of the small Devon village of Brauntone. He is a man of rigid principles and punitive morals. Anne is a young girl who finds a way to become Thomas' housekeeper, expecting that he will then take her as his mistress. Vixen is a strange creature who, not unlike Scheherazade, seduces and amuses Death in order to remain alive. But her evasive maneuvers take her closer and closer to Brauntone... After a fierce storm, she is found by the villagers and taken in as a mute waif by Thomas and Anne. But Death - in the disguise of the Great Plague - is getting closer...
I confess that this book didn't start well for me: the prose is beautiful and rich, but a little too much so and one has to be really focused to keep up with the more convoluted sentences.
I immediately found Thomas' fanatical and arrogant behavior utterly annoying: there isn't an ounce of genuine kindness in this Man of God. Few things aggravate me more than self-righteous and hypocritical priests... Anne's harebrained idea to seduce him struck me as immature and very stupid. I mean, he had never really spoken to her or showed her any interest: what exactly made her think that establishing herself in his household would lead to sharing his bed? Sure, that was rather common for men of the cloth in that day and age, but the poor thing was in for a rough disillusion. As for Vixen, the nature of her character is never clear. It is hinted that she was human at some point, but then she learned to... shapeshift?
Sadly, nothing improved much as the messy story went along. I don't mind unlikable characters at all: I would never read anything interesting if I had to like the protagonist of ever book I read! But Thomas, Anne and the Vixen are not just undeveloped, dis-likable characters: they are also boring, and that is the greatest sin ever committed by a book... Bad characters that engage you are wonderful. The ones that make you shrug and go "who cares?" are inexcusable. When you combine that with a slow and uneventful narrative, that makes for a very dull read indeed.
Garland's prose is very pretty and evocative, but it's not enough to make up for the boring story and uninteresting characters. I turned the last page still having no idea what the point of that story was... It would have made a fine short story, but stretching it to a novel-length was a bad idea. I don't like to leave books half-read, but this one, I really finished out of sheer stubbornness. I'm still curious about Garland's "The Palace of Curiosities", but I admit my enthusiasm is lessened by this very disappointing experience.
Thomas is the new priest of the small Devon village of Brauntone. He is a man of rigid principles and punitive morals. Anne is a young girl who finds a way to become Thomas' housekeeper, expecting that he will then take her as his mistress. Vixen is a strange creature who, not unlike Scheherazade, seduces and amuses Death in order to remain alive. But her evasive maneuvers take her closer and closer to Brauntone... After a fierce storm, she is found by the villagers and taken in as a mute waif by Thomas and Anne. But Death - in the disguise of the Great Plague - is getting closer...
I confess that this book didn't start well for me: the prose is beautiful and rich, but a little too much so and one has to be really focused to keep up with the more convoluted sentences.
I immediately found Thomas' fanatical and arrogant behavior utterly annoying: there isn't an ounce of genuine kindness in this Man of God. Few things aggravate me more than self-righteous and hypocritical priests... Anne's harebrained idea to seduce him struck me as immature and very stupid. I mean, he had never really spoken to her or showed her any interest: what exactly made her think that establishing herself in his household would lead to sharing his bed? Sure, that was rather common for men of the cloth in that day and age, but the poor thing was in for a rough disillusion. As for Vixen, the nature of her character is never clear. It is hinted that she was human at some point, but then she learned to... shapeshift?
Sadly, nothing improved much as the messy story went along. I don't mind unlikable characters at all: I would never read anything interesting if I had to like the protagonist of ever book I read! But Thomas, Anne and the Vixen are not just undeveloped, dis-likable characters: they are also boring, and that is the greatest sin ever committed by a book... Bad characters that engage you are wonderful. The ones that make you shrug and go "who cares?" are inexcusable. When you combine that with a slow and uneventful narrative, that makes for a very dull read indeed.
Garland's prose is very pretty and evocative, but it's not enough to make up for the boring story and uninteresting characters. I turned the last page still having no idea what the point of that story was... It would have made a fine short story, but stretching it to a novel-length was a bad idea. I don't like to leave books half-read, but this one, I really finished out of sheer stubbornness. I'm still curious about Garland's "The Palace of Curiosities", but I admit my enthusiasm is lessened by this very disappointing experience.
February 20, 2020
I am struggling to put my thoughts on this book into words. This is an oddball book and kind of quaint, but in the end I think I kind of liked it.
Initially I was pulled in by the beautiful cover. Yes, I admit that this was a cover buy. Look at it!
It certainly took me a bit of bewilderment to get into the book, but once I got to know our main characters I was invested in the Maid and Anne especially. The three perspectives (one male, two female) contrast each other very well. Their views of the world around them is so different.
In the beginning I thought this would be a magical realism tale, but it was a very human story instead. It explores superstition, gender roles and religion in a climate of fear, but also humanity and love. The writing did retain a touch of otherworldliness throughout and it did mean I felt I was being kept at a distance. I did feel that it suited this story, so I did not mind that.
This novel won’t be for everyone and it did not quite win me over, but I appreciated it and grew to enjoy it.
Initially I was pulled in by the beautiful cover. Yes, I admit that this was a cover buy. Look at it!
It certainly took me a bit of bewilderment to get into the book, but once I got to know our main characters I was invested in the Maid and Anne especially. The three perspectives (one male, two female) contrast each other very well. Their views of the world around them is so different.
In the beginning I thought this would be a magical realism tale, but it was a very human story instead. It explores superstition, gender roles and religion in a climate of fear, but also humanity and love. The writing did retain a touch of otherworldliness throughout and it did mean I felt I was being kept at a distance. I did feel that it suited this story, so I did not mind that.
This novel won’t be for everyone and it did not quite win me over, but I appreciated it and grew to enjoy it.
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