We first discussed the genre known as Gothic when I reviewed “Spindrift” by Phyllis A. Whitney. Another author to write, and excel, in the Gothic genre is Mary Stewart, whose runaway hit “Nine Coaches Waiting” was hailed by critics of her time as one of the best novels to hit the shelves.
Linda Martin is half-French, half-English. During the latter part of World War II, it became necessary for her and her mother to leave France, so she left behind the only home she had ever known and came to London. Both her parents passed away and she was raised at an orphanage, and her years in France were a bittersweet memory. Choosing to pass herself off as English, she had no intention of returning to France until she found herself broke and in desperate need of a job.
Madame de Valmy was looking for an English governess for her nephew. Linda decided to take the job, feeling that she needed to hide the fact that she spoke French fluently. After all, hadn’t Madame made it clear that she wanted someone who would speak just English to the young master? Heading off to France with the de Valmy’s, Linda is immersed in memories from her childhood but must pretend that it’s all new to her.
Little by little, her past creeps out until she must finally admit that she is no stranger to the French language, and finds that it’s not that big of a deal after all. What is a big deal, though, is her relationship with Raoul de Valmy and the fact that he wants to marry her. In addition, someone seems determined to harm young Philippe, her charge. Tensions mount as she discovers a plot behind the taking of Philippe’s life, which in turn endangers her own.
While Gothic is, by its very nature, a melodramatic genre, when it’s well-written, it can be very enjoyable. I liked this book quite a bit and would recommend it.
(This book was published in 1958 by Ballantine Books.)
Related Blogs:
Rebecca — Daphne Du Maurier
The Widow of Larkspur Inn — Lawana Blackwell