The Chimney Sweeper's Boy

Rating:
Summary: Long and dark novel
Review: This is lenghty and dark novel based on forged identity and the fragile lives built upon it. When Gerald, a successful and lauded author dies, his daughter is left with unraveling the mystery of his and his family's life. While the characters are well developed, they are intense, selfish and flawed. Ruth Rendell writing as Barbara Vine manages to draw the reader in, but one can't help feeling that none of the people in the story were worth getting to know.

Rating:
Summary: Predictable
Review: This is the first book I have read of Vine and was quite enthusiastic about the book as I was told of her reputation as a mystery writer. The book started off ok, but soon got to be predictable and corny. I saw where the plot was moving from the first third of the book. Somehow, I was expecting a twist at the end, but it never came. What I found interesting was the quotations from Gerald Candless' novels at the start of each chapter -- his books would have been a wonderful read. I still refuse to believe that someone so sensitive, loving and insightful about the human condition as John Ryan could have morphed into a monster like Gerald Candless. Sure, he was tormented and sure he was homosexual, but that doesn't mean he has to dislike his wife to the extent that he treats her like dirt! I mean, that's ridiculous. I find that behaviour hard to imagine from someone who seems to have such a kind and open heart with his own family. Another thing I didn't agree with was how Ursula could have been so switched off even after Sarah had told her that her husband changed his identity. I mean wouldn't she be more interested in finding out why he did that so that she would better understand his treatment of her? ... I have read reviews of Vine's books where it was said that there was a lack of pleasant and likable characters and I have to say "The Chimney Sweeper's Boy" is no exception. Ursula is a character we can sympathise with and she has inward strength but I can't understand how she could have put up with Gerald's torment. Sarah and Hope are one-dimensional, esp. the latter and it is a puzzle how they have failed to witness the ill treatment of their mother. Gerald's character is the only one which is interesting, but I still can't comprehend the vast change in his personality. Homosexuality was probably a much more sensitive issue than it is nowadays, but to seriously cause all the unhappiness for Gerald is doubtful. I hope Vine's other works live up to her name.