Customer Reviews

The Shifting Fog

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This delightful book, originally published in Australia, will soon be available in the United States in a slightly edited form as "The House at Riverton." As a good read, HAR was comparable to "The Thorn Birds" for me, although the subject matter is very different. Ms. Morton, a new author with great potential, considerable already realized, embeds the origins or equivalents of many current issues into this novel set primarily in the 1920's, but actually spanning the century with the life of its chief protagonist, Grace.

The Shifting Fog was a recommendation on my Amazon list. I read the description of the book (per the audio edition) and knew I had to have it. Unfortunately, it was no longer available through Amazon so I had to go to an auction site and actually bought it from a bookstore in another country! If you liked Upstairs, Downstairs or period drama from WWI and the 1920s you definitely have to read this book!

Grace is born 1n 1900 and gets a position as parlormaid at Riverton Manor when she is 14 (her mother had also worked at Riverton Manor). Over time, Grace becomes interested in the lives of the two teenage sisters who reside at Riverton during the summers (their father is "second in line" so Riverton is not their home).

The story continues through WWI and the affect that has on both "upstairs" residents and "downstairs" residents, and afterward until an evening in 1924 when a friend of the family, Robbie Hunter (who is also a depressed poet) commits suicide at a lake on the Riverton estate, in front of both Hannah and Emmeline (the sisters). After that night the sisters never speak again.

The story is narrated by Grace via flashbacks from 1999 when a film producer shows up at the nursing home where Grace now lives. Ursula the film producer is making a film about the events surrounding the suicide of Robbie Hunter and has tracked down Grace for her first hand account.

Aside from the era being very well drawn, the characters of Grace, Hannah, Emmeline, and the supporting cast are very rich and you can definitely lose yourself in this book. If you have seen Upstairs Downstairs you will recognize a lot of the descriptions of the duties and relationships of both the family and their servants - including their secrets. It is a wonderful book to curl up with.

I highly recommend it (if you can find it!).

This is an excellent book, a beautiful narration. Kate Morton is a great storyteller! Caroline Lee has the perfect voice for the narration. One of the few books I truly did not want to end!

Go to Audible's website and listen to the sample of this book. The characters are fascinating. You aren't really drawn in by a plot, but by the very human relating and foilables, such as we all have.

I'd say the main theme is how such little deceptions cause such major events in life. There is suspense about how it all happened and the flash back from old age is done remarkably well. The reader has such a colorful voice. The little characteristics of her words become very special in her telling of the story. I'd give more than 5 stars if I could!

Excellent read, taking you to another place and time and immersing you in another way of life. All of Kate Morton's books have struck me and kept my attention.

The book is excellent. I had ordered by mistake as I had read the renamed versin, The House At Riverton. I have now read all Kate Morton's books and highly highly recommend them. Her flashback technique is excellent. I have shared The Shifting Fog with a friend who is also enjoying it.

Kate Morton is Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl for grown-ups.

While she doesn't write about magic faraway trees or boys who live in giant peaches, she has a gift for storytelling that sweeps you up into the lives of her characters and their worlds.

Morton has written three books to date - The Shifting Fog / The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden and The Distant Hours.

Each book is set in the grand manor houses of early 20th century England. Present day events become loose threads that unravel the long-held secrets contained within their walls.

I loved all three books so much I can't pick a favourite and I recommend them all.

The Shifting Fog review is actually a review for The House at Riverton. People may be confused when looking for books by Kate Morton. The House at Riverton is an excellent read,

this book was reprinted in march 2009 under the name of The house at riverton. same book in paperback. can be found on amazon used books. Was very good.

For people who love stately stories about times long past, when nothing much happens except that Upstairs and Downstairs, members of the opposite sex ogle each other, dream of a stolen kiss and a perfect match, and then set about revealing shocking -- yes, shocking! --Secrets Never Before Revealed, this is the perfect book.

I confess, I've never read Miz Austin beyond the single book that was required in high school. I simply can't identify with people who live such shallow, self-centered lives.

I'm sure the author of 'Shifting Fog' will be delighted to be compared to Jane Austin -- and good for her. Nevertheless, this book affects me the same way Austin's did -- a consummate bore.

That said, I know very well that there are tens of millions of people who will love this book, glory in its romance, delight in the (modest) fates of each and every character, revel in the restraint and serenity. So - go for it. In that sense, "The Shifting Fog" is a classic.

But for those of us who need some little incentive to keep turning the pages, we'd best be advised to look for something else