Every now and then a very special book comes along - and The Painted Bridge by Wendy Wallace is just such a novel; one that lingered in the VV's mind long after she had finished reading.
Wendy Wallace's prose is beautifully crafted, and it is with great integrity that she paints the poignant story of Anna, a young woman married to an older clergyman, who may or may not be on the verge of a nervous breakdown, during which period of mental confusion she is wickedly deceived by her husband into entering the doors of a private asylum.
There, personal tragedies and horrors are witnessed; the result of cruel and misguided treatments that were all too common - and medically approved - at the time. But during this confinement, Anna is lucky to find herself the subject of more enlightened interest when a young doctor visits to photograph the patients, believing that madness (or sanity) can be observed in the expressions of the afflicted.
With her intricate observation of medical and photographic science, Wendy Wallace takes historical facts which would only shock us now and through them she weaves a harrowing personal story where deceptions of the present and past will gradually become unpicked to result in the book's stunning climax.
The cover is simply gorgeous - and the iconic Victorian imagery of a bird locked or flying free from a cage suits the novel to perfection. And, if you are not already enticed, take a look at this book trailer which reflects all the menace and tension - and romance - that is offered in The Painted Bridge -
Sounds just up my street...but am going to read Somnambulist first. Very soon, that!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thank you Essie for this absolutely beautiful review.
ReplyDeleteYou summarise The Painted Bridge wonderfully and illustrate what you as a writer already know - books are created first by the writer then by the reader.
Adele, I know you will enjoy this book - and Wendy, my absolute pleasure. Thank YOU!
ReplyDeleteLovely review for an exquisite book, well put by the VV. I loved the book, read it in two sittings and can second the entire review.
ReplyDeleteI think I heard about this book. It's nice to read your impressions of it. Thanks for posting about it.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing about this novel for a while now but your endorsement, Essie, has clinched it. I'm off to buy a copy now!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you won't be disappointed Sally.
ReplyDeleteOoo I've not heard of this book before and it sounds like the kind of book I enjoy. Have added it to my list of things to read. :-)
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