Illusions [Paperback]

Charlotte Vale Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 19, 1987

"Illusions" provides an in-depth exploration of the victim/captor relationship that is sympathetic to both parties, allowing readers to see the lengths to which grief can sometimes take people.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In an intense, suspenseful tale reminiscent of John Fowles's The Collector, Allen (Time/Steps portrays a coincidental encounter that culminates in a woman's abduction, rape and terrorization. After her young stepson dies, renowned children's book illustrator Stanleigh Dunn is prostrated by grief. She decides to visit England, where she plans to see her father, from whom she has been estranged. On the flight from New York, Leigh strikes up a conversation with Daniel Godard, a dapper businessman who is as attracted to her as she is to him. Although miffed when Daniel arrives at her hotel, Leigh nevertheless succumbs to his sexual advances, hoping to temporarily obliterate her sorrow. Back in New York, she tentatively emerges from bereavement, but Daniel, still haunted by his wife's gruesome suicide and gripped by an encompassing, unhealthy desire for Leigh, begins to stalk her. Daniel's self-control wanes; he kidnaps Leigh, imprisons her in his apartment and repeatedly molests her until remorse brings him to his senses. Allen builds the tension to an almost unbearable pitch in her riveting novel, which penetratingly explores the fragile boundaries between sanity and madness, lust and obsession.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Stanleigh Dunn and Daniel Godard are both fleeing from personal grief when their mutual physical attraction brings them together. While Leigh views their meeting as transitory, Daniel decides he wants a lasting relationship and pursues Leigh despite her negative response. What begins as an innocent meeting between two people trying to comfort one another turns into a nightmare of terror and abuse as Daniel's sexual obsession for Leigh overcomes him. The sub-plots add the troubled but fascinating family relationships for both main characters. An emotional and disturbing novel with well-developed characters; and unusual in that the reader can empathize with both victim and victimizer. Recommended for larger fiction collections. Leslie A. Bleil, Western Michigan Univ. Lib., Kalamazoo
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Island Nation Press (December 19, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892738325
• ISBN-13: 978-1892738325
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,551,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Charlotte Vale-Allen was born in Toronto and lived in England from 1961 to 1964 where she worked as a television actress and singer. She returned to Toronto briefly, performing as a singer until she emigrated to the US in 1966. She sold her first novel Love Life in 1974. Prior to this book's publication she contracted to do a series of paperback originals, with the result that in 1976 three of her books appeared in print. Her autobiography, the acclaimed Daddy's Girl, was actually the first book she wrote but it wasn't until 1980, after she'd gained success as a novelist, that the groundbreaking book was finally published. One of Canada's most successful novelists, with over seven million copies sold of her 39 books, Ms. Allen's work has been published in all English-speaking countries, in Braille, and have been translated into more than 20 languages. The mother of an adult daughter and grandmother of twins, since 1970 she has made her home in Connecticut.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've EVER read!!!!, June 16, 1999

By 

Marion "[e-mail]" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Illusions (Hardcover)

This book was like reading a dream. It drew me into the story like a magnet. The writing was mysterious, enigmatic. This is her first book I've read and I intend to read every book she's written. The sex scenes were well written and very true to life. The plot kept me guessing; I could not put this book down. A fabulous story which I highly recommend!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book is Not an Illusuon, July 29, 2001

By 

elizabeth robison (Tucson, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illusions (Paperback)

Leigh Dunn,an illustrator of children's books, is flying to London to visit her father, from whom she has been estranged for years. Having survived the earlier loss of her husband and son, this trip was prompted by the recent death of her beloved stepson,Joel. On the plane she meets Daniel Goddard, a businessman. The two fall into a brief encounter in London,which is only that for Leigh, but is much more for Daniel. After returning to New York ,Leigh,still grieving for Joel and upset over her reunion with her father,cannot re-establish herself in her old life. Her mother, an author of romance novels, and her agent Miles try to encourage her, but she is unable to ,and a quarrel with her mother plunges her deeper into despair. In the meantime,Daniel is becomming obsessed with her and falling deeper into his obsession. Leigh slowly comes back to life,making amends with her mother, and falling in love with Miles. Just at a point where good things are happening to Leigh an unspeakable act by Daniel changes the course of everyones' life, almost destroying everyone.This leads to a very exciting ending. This is an earlier book,1987,of Charlotte Vale Allen's, but is as contemporary as today. As always,her characters have such dimension you feel that they really exist. Her story-line moves quickly forward, never missing a beat. Once started, this book is difficult to put down.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Very Odd Book, March 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Illusions (Hardcover)

I do not reccommend this book. This is probably one of Miss Allen's worst writings. The plot is not very well thought out, and the writing is atrocious. The book has some very sick and disgusting sexual scenes, that will make your stomach churn. This book isn't for the faint of heart!