ISBN: 1-55690-057-0 Order from: Recorded Books
Despite several overly extended passages, mildly jarring view-hopping, some stridency and several lose ends, this feminist version of romantic suspense presents an entertaining and original plot, with gradually developing protagonists.
Reviewed by David on February 19, 2000
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: In mid-1800, Megan, a young impoverished governess, comes to the sprawling, old Greyhaven House in her desperate bid to find employment.
As though by magic, Megan finds light, warmth, eccentricity and exotica, and above all kindness. There is even a hope of love for the infatuated young Megan. However, as Megan's wishes come true, other, darker developments take place around the House, until both Megan and her new friends are surrounded by danger.
Full Review: This is the unabridged recording of Black Raibow.
What starts as a conventional romance turns into a novel of life amid social change, as well as an excercise in selective blindness that can be practiced by otherwise intelligent people.
The main characters, Megan and Jane Mandeville, alternate the viewpoints. Aside from rather amusing perception of each other as naive and kind, there is a significant amount of frustration as things deteriorate at rather tedious length.
The otherwise excessive length is occasionally alleviated by (rare) glances of suspense and wit, and redeemed by a darkish but satisfying and properly foreshadowed ending.
The supernatural elements are virtually absent in this novel, and except for a number of tedious subplots, and occasionally strident feminist hand-wringing, this is a satisfying, light-weight entertainment.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 6.5;
Recorded Books, 1982, Audio cassette, 7 cassettes
ISBN: 1-55690-057-0 Order from: Recorded Books