Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Philippa Carr is also known as Victoria Holt !, April 24, 2001
A story of love, envy, passion and betrayal, by Britain's famed historical romance novelist. Fatherless since birth, young Rebecca Mandeville soon becomes motherless as well, left with her infant sister, Belinda, in the custody of Benedict Lansdon, the stepfather she despises. As Rebecca grows into a clever beauty and Belinda into a hellion determined to get her way at all costs, another child, Lucie, is added to the household. Together they make a complex triangle laced with affection but also with jealousy. And when Benedict remarries, family tensions erupt in one catastrophe after another- blackmail, scandal, devastating accusations and the hint of passion made violent. But it isn't until Benedict's new wife disappears, amid cries of murder, that Rebecca and Benedict, together, are able to pick up the pieces of the shattered family to which both are bound. Rich in historical detail, this book is an evocative portrait of victorian England by one of England's greatest storytellers. You won't be disappointed !
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The more things change, September 4, 2007
Author Carr chose an appropriate title for this gothic novel, for change is its major theme. Central character Rebecca sets it up from the first chapter, when she warns the reader that her idyllic childhood is about to be shattered by her mother's second marriage to a man Rebecca cannot accept. When her mother dies, Rebecca's stepfather, Benedict, cannot adapt. Her younger half sister Belinda, though showered with love from her caretakers, cannot forgive her father for his coldness.
Then Benedict remarries, and from this point the story is a series of jolting changes that drive the plot along, but it is a long time before any of the players can overcome their bitter emotions and move forward with their lives. It is not too difficult to guess who the "changeling" is, but knowing in advance does not spoil the satisfaction of seeing what direction things take. Set in Victorian London and Cornwall.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not my fave PC book, but it comes pretty close!, October 17, 2001
I loved Victoria Holt books but I disliked the Jean Plaidys; so when I found out there was another name and that my aunt had most of the books, I was excited! I'm missing the first three and my series ends with this one, but I'll find the first and last books someday. "Song of the Siren" is my favorite PC book, and "The Changeling" probably comes pretty close. I didn't expect the ending!! Great book, great series. I'm eagerly awaiting the others!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
|
|
