Consider the Lily

Rating:
Summary: Descriptive talent but depressing
Review: I have to agree with Calyndula on this one--and more so. This book shows real talent in creating a sense of place and mood, but I couldn't bring myself to care about any of the characters enough to finish the story. With Perfect Love, her next book, Buchan found a more sympathetic voice--recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Slow Going
Review: This is a haunting and sad book...the writing is skilled and evocative, the characters are interesting. But it is SO evocative that I found myself depressed every time I entered the stark and dreary world that Buchan so skillfully creates. Even the gardening bits failed to offset the general miasma of gloom that permeates this book, at least for me. Buchan is a fine writer, but this book is hard going, albeit beautifully written. It has a Bronte-like feel, but without the passion. And the ghostly elements left me unmoved, which is unusual for me. Read it for the fine writing, but don't expect a quick or lighthearted experience.