I found this unique cover image on Goodreads, though I have not seen this cover before. I'd love to find a copy of this particular edition.
(http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3974466-here-i-stay)
Andrea Torgesen has purchased an old mansion that she plans to fix up and run as an inn or boarding house. Andrea has had a tough life, and her brother Jim is no exception. After having a terrible car accident and almost dying, Jim is coming to live with Andrea. She sees him as her responsibility, and she brooks no opposition from him about his recovery. Her slowly budding interest in Martin, a lovable liberal lodger, complicates matters.
When Jim starts seeing things, and eerie happenings occur, Andrea wonders what she is fighting against. Battling Jim's unhealthy obsession with the family grave plot on the property, Andrea finds herself in a struggle with life and death.
Characterization: 4/5 [Andrea is not particularly likable, but I think her character is realistic considering her tough life. Moreover, she does change and grow in the course of the novel, so she is truly a round character. I found myself moved by this novel, so I would say that I grew to love all the characters. I picture Andrea as Valerie Bertinelli (younger) and Jim as a young Tobey Maguire.]
Plot: 5/5 [This one kept me in suspense, and I love the twist at the end. Michaels is not afraid to take risks as an author and disrupt the expectations of readers or genre. If you like Gothic Novels that don't play by the rules, this one is for you.]
Atmosphere/spooky elements: 5/5 [I got chills regularly from this novel with its ghosts, old documents, family graveyard, spooky photo, and the characters' obsessions. I also like the aspect of history repeating.]
Literary elements: 4/5 [This one is pretty fluffy, but Michaels always includes some feminism and liberal politics. I personally like both.]
Rating: 4+ stars ****+
I recommend this one. It is innovative and enjoyable, and I rank it in my top five of Michaels' novels. I want to add a note here, though: the ending is quite unsettling and might trigger some readers. I don't recommend it for all readers. If you want to know more, you can send me a message or post here, and I'll get back to it so as not to add a spoiler on the blog.
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10 comments:
I so agree with you about how good this one is (as well as how unpredictible). It's one of Michael's best.
I totally agree! I think we are in the minority, though. This is in my top five of hers... for sure.
I'd say my top five favorite Michaels are:
Ammie, Come Home
The Crying Child
Here I Stay
Witch
The Walker in Shadows
What about you?
Ammie Come Home
Here I Stay
Someone in the House
House of Many Shadows
Greygallows
Patriot's Dream
I can't pick just five. LOL. It's obvious she is my favorite author...
I liked Witch and The Crying Child so much, too! :)
haha!
OK, maybe I should have asked if there were any you didn't like?
I wasn't so crazy about:
Sons of the Wolf
Patriot's Dream
The Dancing Floor (I think that's what it's called).
Yes, I don't like 'Sons of the Wolf' or 'Into the Darkness.' :)
I find your comments about comparing your favorites and then comparing the ones you didn't like very helpful. I checked and my public library has a few of the books you mentioned. You guys talked me into reading "Here I Stay." I don't recall running across any of Barbara Michaels' books before. Thanks for the introduction.
Clark, you are in for a treat! I hope you like this one. She is really probably my favorite author-- modern author anyway. :)
Hi Clark!
Hope you enjoy your first foray into Barbara Michaels. If you do, you're in for a treat as she's a very prolific writer.
She also writes under the name "Elizabeth Peters". Her Peters books are primarily mystery/suspense (she has a few series, too) while those titles under her Michaels name are gothic/supernatural. I love both types from her :)
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