Customer Reviews

The Visitors' Book

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Nothing original here. Cinderella finds her prince on a Caribbean beach, but he's afraid of spiders. The poor little servant girl falls for the young master. An ages old mystery emerges that probably doesn't matter anymore. Plenty of nasty secrets and lies. The wisely beautiful and seductive Godmother knows almost as much as the oh so faithful and humble retainer. Peeks into a London literary scene that only bore. Women pandering to their men who patronize them in return. The premise of Victoria and her Gardens of Laybridge only teases, as the only flowers really mentioned are those named Lilly, Rose and Daisy. If your idea of a really fabulous story includes adults who sleep most of the day, drink too much, and who are catty and snide and unfaithful to each other - then this is the book for you! An insulting, pompous, shallow and dull story, written by a condescending author. Lovely book for an Anglo-Snob.

Obviously, I really really didn't like it. Although I considered toning down what, for me, is a very mean spirited review. And decided it was truthful.

Extremely successful historical author Victoria Hussey worries about her godson Orlando Manners who abruptly married Lindy within a week of meeting her. Still Victoria knows what it is like to fall in love at first sight as she reflects back on the first time that she met Orlando's Uncle Bruno, whom she believes never returned her feelings. Deep inside Bruno has loved Victoria too, but feels unworthy of her.

Rose, the daughter of Victoria's housekeeper Peg, is heartbroken because she has loved Orlando forever. Now Lindy is coming to meet Victoria and Peg knows she must keep Rose in line before her daughter causes trouble. However, that week in the nearby cottage shows to all how the hard working Lindy fails to fit in with this "me-me" crowd that includes her new spouse. Then there is what to do with THE VISITOR'S BOOK that she just received from Victoria that explains much about the death of Orlando's "parents".

When THE VISITOR'S BOOK focuses on relationships, readers have quite a serious comedy of errors. However, when the plot twists into a mystery it loses steam. The entanglements caused by adding one person into the various equations are cleverly written so that the audience observes a geometric impact on everyone. Surprisingly readers will feel empathy towards the outsider Lindy who is the only character not afraid to show her feelings without any layers of masks. Fans of deep relationship dramas will conclude that Caroline Upcher has done sub-genre readers a great favor with this gracefully flowing novel.

Harriet Klausner

I enjoyed this book, although at times it was lagging. I do love the different love stories going on, although I hate when you know what is going to happen next!