2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I liked it :), April 3, 2008
This review is from: Legend of the Seventh Virgin (Mass Market Paperback)
This is the first Victoria Holt book I have read. I found the story quite interesting and different. We don't always have to love the main character. Kerensa kept me wondering when she would learn life lessons and took me for quite a ride. A good study in human character, how people grow up, grow or not grow, attitudes. This is one I shall keep on my own bookshelf. :)
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
I did not think it would be this good!!!, April 7, 2011
Kerensa Carlee, a childhood companion of mine, obtained her name from Victoria Holt's novel, The Legend of the 7th Virgin. Kerensa (in the book) came from nothing. Her younger brother and her were shifted away from their parents and brought to Granny Bee's house. Growing up Kerensa (still in the book) was faced with obstacles. She needed money in order for the family to survive. She went to the neighborhood job market, and met a potential buyer Mellyora. Together the two became in sync. The curve balls that life threw at Kerensa and her new friend Mellyora were sure strike outs, but with teamwork each character saw a way to win, even if it meant crossing the line.
Melloyra was from a privileged family. Kerensa hopped into the picture thinking she was going to work a graveyard job with a persnickety family. Melloyra was the opposite. She took Kerensa under her wing and showed her how to live the fine side of life. They became sisters in a sense. When Melloyra's father died so did her rank. Now the two women had to find a new home, one where they could stay together, and continue their lifestyle.
Then came the Larnston family. This upscale family took both women in to work as house keepers. The Larnston's had two sons. One was suspected to be heirs once their father died. Justin was married to Judith. Johnny had no one. So what better storyline to have Johnny marry kerensa? But this left Mellyora in the backburner to become Kerensa's new hostess? Did I mention that Melloyra might have an infatuation for Justin (he's married remember). This is where the plot thickens: One, Kerensa and Johnny end up having a son (Carlyon) who will rule the Larnston land since Judith can't bear a child. But Judith ends up being an alcoholic and slips over Carlyon's stuffed animal and dies, which means Melloyra might have a chance with Justin since he is next in line. But that will mean Kerensa's and Melloyra's role will be reversed. WOW!!! This is starting to get pretty intense, but it only gets better. Take a breath before I continue.....
Did I say continue? I meant to say take a breath and finish the book. I did not know the read was going to be this intriguing. I now see that books are not labeled best sellers for nothing. And as for my friend who attained her name from this book; I know her life will not turn out like the main character, but hopefully her decision process in life resembles heart and integrity like it did in this novel.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Out of the ordinary for Victoria Holt, April 23, 2008
This review is from: Legend of the Seventh Virgin (Mass Market Paperback)
This is a good weekender book--and the main character holds your attention throughout. Kerensa is not particularly likable, but you do come to understand her and why she is so determined to change her life. Many people would just take life's humiliation, whine and complain, but go on with things exactly as before, but she takes the bull by the horns and turns Fate her way. She is strong-willed and very ambitious--but she does not waste her time in dreaming of a better life--she goes after it! I came to actually admire her in a way--even though nothing really turns out as she wants, I liked her pride and willfulness. She is not all bad, though, and her fierce love for her grandmother and brother, and then later, the pastor's daughter, show her in a better light. Granny Bee is one of my favorite Holt characters--I love the story of her and her Spanish husband. For Holt fans, this book is another one (like "The Secret Woman", and one other I cannot remember) that includes several references to a Spanish comb and mantilla, which was also used in connection with a masked ball (The Secret Woman)--I have come to think this must be connected somehow with the author's past.
Mellyora's character is a bit pale, compared to Kerensa, but is still fairly realistic--I did like the fact that though she is a sweet, quiet blonde, she is strong in her convictions and will fight for what she feels is right. Other than her, Kerensa and Granny Bee, though, some of the other main characters, like Justin and Johnny and Judith, seem rather 1-dimensional--Justin is especially ghostlike, almost not there at all. Kerensa's obssession with the 7th Virgin is interesting, especially considering the ending. The ending is not what you would expect and takes clever turn; it is not, as would seem at first, a moral judgment on Kerensa, as much a gentle warning that, as Granny Bee reminded her, no matter how much you plan and push to get your way, other forces are at work which can change everything in the twinkle of an eye! It is not a warning against going for what you want, only a caution to remember that your life path converges with others' paths, and thus can be altered in ways you don't expect.
One thing I like is that you really get a period feeling, what with the language and customs of Cornwall so well presented--you can tell Holt had done some research and taken trouble to be authentic with the area, the culture and the time.
This is not great classic literature, but it is a good story, involving and interesting. It is also suitable for young adults if you would like to get them more into reading. I came to Victoria Holt first at age 12, with "The Secret Woman" and became addicted early on. She writes in the romantic/gothic tradition, where sexuality is hinted at, but only used as another color in the story, not the main draw--at least until "Judas Kiss", which suddenly veers into the erotic and prurient (surprising after years of polite innuendo). This one is safe for teens and interesting for adults as well.
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