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Death in the Castle
An ancient castle, a cash-strapped and psychologically unstable aristocratic couple, and the rumor of ghosts weave together in this sparkling historical mystery from Pearl S. Buck
Sir Richard Sedgeley and Lady Mary are broke and without an heir to the castle that’s been in their family for centuries. Tourists are infrequent, and the offers they’ve received are not ones they can live with: a state-run prison or a museum in America. What is the remedy, and is it true that there’s treasure hidden somewhere under their noses? Featuring a cast of outsize characters—timid Mary, her possibly mad husband, Wells the Butler, and his mysterious daughter Kate—Death in the Castle is a suspenseful delight by the author of The Good Earth.
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Pearl S. Buck including rare images from the author’s estate.
Sir Richard Sedgeley and Lady Mary are broke and without an heir to the castle that’s been in their family for centuries. Tourists are infrequent, and the offers they’ve received are not ones they can live with: a state-run prison or a museum in America. What is the remedy, and is it true that there’s treasure hidden somewhere under their noses? Featuring a cast of outsize characters—timid Mary, her possibly mad husband, Wells the Butler, and his mysterious daughter Kate—Death in the Castle is a suspenseful delight by the author of The Good Earth.
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Pearl S. Buck including rare images from the author’s estate.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1956
171 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Pearl S. Buck
785 books3,041 followersPearl Comfort Sydenstricker Buck was an American writer and novelist. She is best known for The Good Earth, the best-selling novel in the United States in 1931 and 1932 and which won her the Pulitzer Prize in 1932. In 1938, Buck became the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature "for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China" and for her "masterpieces", two memoir-biographies of her missionary parents.
Buck was born in West Virginia, but in October 1892, her parents took their 4-month-old baby to China. As the daughter of missionaries and later as a missionary herself, Buck spent most of her life before 1934 in Zhenjiang, with her parents, and in Nanjing, with her first husband. She and her parents spent their summers in a villa in Kuling, Mount Lu, Jiujiang, and it was during this annual pilgrimage that the young girl decided to become a writer. She graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Virginia, then returned to China. From 1914 to 1932, after marrying John Lossing Buck she served as a Presbyterian missionary, but she came to doubt the need for foreign missions. Her views became controversial during the Fundamentalist–Modernist controversy, leading to her resignation. After returning to the United States in 1935, she married the publisher Richard J. Walsh and continued writing prolifically. She became an activist and prominent advocate of the rights of women and racial equality, and wrote widely on Chinese and Asian cultures, becoming particularly well known for her efforts on behalf of Asian and mixed-race adoption.
Buck was born in West Virginia, but in October 1892, her parents took their 4-month-old baby to China. As the daughter of missionaries and later as a missionary herself, Buck spent most of her life before 1934 in Zhenjiang, with her parents, and in Nanjing, with her first husband. She and her parents spent their summers in a villa in Kuling, Mount Lu, Jiujiang, and it was during this annual pilgrimage that the young girl decided to become a writer. She graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Virginia, then returned to China. From 1914 to 1932, after marrying John Lossing Buck she served as a Presbyterian missionary, but she came to doubt the need for foreign missions. Her views became controversial during the Fundamentalist–Modernist controversy, leading to her resignation. After returning to the United States in 1935, she married the publisher Richard J. Walsh and continued writing prolifically. She became an activist and prominent advocate of the rights of women and racial equality, and wrote widely on Chinese and Asian cultures, becoming particularly well known for her efforts on behalf of Asian and mixed-race adoption.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 7, 2020
Three stars for Pearl S. Buck’s Death in a Castle is perhaps harsh. It is not poorly written so much as slightly written. Ms. Buck was capable of more but in this case, more was perhaps unnecessary. According to the material accompanying the Kindle edition, the location, plot and characters for Death in a Castle came to Ms. Buck while on a visit to a historic English castle and she wrote it as much on a dare as a literary effort.
Like other Pearl Buck novels it is a period piece and much of the setting, dialogue, and attitude only works in you have the right mind set. Cast yourself into a pre-World War II, Anglo-centric mind set and this mystery will provide a few hours of entertainment.
As the story begins, we are introduced to an older titled couple of very closely and lovingly married English castle owners. Besides being a very cute couple they are the heirs to a 500 year old castle, the family name and a slightly modernized feudal sense of noblesse oblige. Sir Richard and his Lady Mary can no longer pay the upkeep for the family property and in desperation turn to a young American man on the make to buy the castle.
What they had not anticipated was his intention to move the castle to America. Denuding their England of its historic land mark and undoubtedly upsetting the many ghosts who of course come with any old castle worth being center stage in an English mystery. Completing the cast is an aging butler and his, too close to the titled couple, daughter. Our American youth has no choice but to fall for castle and the daughter.
The first third of the book is an comedic stereotypical period stage play dialogue at the expense of those upstart overly busy American’s and the romantic beauty of gently aging if worn out English nobility. Slowly the tone of the novel changes while the couple and their loyal servants seek to stall the impetuous and increasingly smitten American. Their hope lies in a desperate belief that the castle’s secret places hides at a treasure of sufficient value to replace the no longer desirable 1-Million-dollar sale.
In the end there is a mystery, not so much solved as played out. The romance is mostly as per the norm for this kind of book, but has a few details that make it less than a total give-away. I suppose one could foresee the several resolutions. It just seems a little rude to read Death in the Castle as a problem for the reader so much as a small-scale romantic entertainment.
Like other Pearl Buck novels it is a period piece and much of the setting, dialogue, and attitude only works in you have the right mind set. Cast yourself into a pre-World War II, Anglo-centric mind set and this mystery will provide a few hours of entertainment.
As the story begins, we are introduced to an older titled couple of very closely and lovingly married English castle owners. Besides being a very cute couple they are the heirs to a 500 year old castle, the family name and a slightly modernized feudal sense of noblesse oblige. Sir Richard and his Lady Mary can no longer pay the upkeep for the family property and in desperation turn to a young American man on the make to buy the castle.
What they had not anticipated was his intention to move the castle to America. Denuding their England of its historic land mark and undoubtedly upsetting the many ghosts who of course come with any old castle worth being center stage in an English mystery. Completing the cast is an aging butler and his, too close to the titled couple, daughter. Our American youth has no choice but to fall for castle and the daughter.
The first third of the book is an comedic stereotypical period stage play dialogue at the expense of those upstart overly busy American’s and the romantic beauty of gently aging if worn out English nobility. Slowly the tone of the novel changes while the couple and their loyal servants seek to stall the impetuous and increasingly smitten American. Their hope lies in a desperate belief that the castle’s secret places hides at a treasure of sufficient value to replace the no longer desirable 1-Million-dollar sale.
In the end there is a mystery, not so much solved as played out. The romance is mostly as per the norm for this kind of book, but has a few details that make it less than a total give-away. I suppose one could foresee the several resolutions. It just seems a little rude to read Death in the Castle as a problem for the reader so much as a small-scale romantic entertainment.
May 4, 2013
Having read a couple of Pearl S. Buck’s Chinese novels; I was drawn to “Death in the Castle” due to the novel taking place in England versus China. The question is: can Buck maintain a story in a setting outside of the “norm”?
“Death in the Castle” stands true to Buck style by jumping directly into the plot versus introducing characters. This ‘works’ because Sir Richard, Lady Mary, Kate, Wells, etc; are familiar and relatable without necessarily needing an introduction. At the same time, the characters don’t particularly evolve and fit too cleanly into a box while also causing some confusion (for example: Kate doesn’t speak or act like a maid at all).
Immediately, the pace is swift and easy flowing, resulting in a fast read. The issue lays with inconsistency as some events are “cheesy” and best described as a “Downtown Abbey for teens”; while other sections are deeper and provide more ample thinking in regards to philosophical theories (versus simple dramatic novel events).
This inconsistency also bleeds though to the images and settings which aren’t explored or expressed enough (especially historically – it is difficult to figure out the time frame of the novel) and yet are easily imagined. “Death in the Castle” feels somewhat like a screenplay and summary which one could see portrayed on the silver screen.
“Death in the Castle” lacks the peaceful Zen experienced in Buck’s Chinese novels which may disappoint some readers but will please those who seek a more upbeat vibe. However, it often feels too modern, making “Death in the Castle” choppy, at times. Also odd is Buck’s choice to not include any chapter breaks which makes the text one long string. This makes the book difficult to put down (in a good encouraging page turning) but is a negative when needing a bathroom break.
Buck’s simplistic style and ability to conceal the underlying premise of the novel (and of the meaning of the novel title), while still maintaining a steady pace; is well-conceived and promising.
Part Two of “Death in the Castle” is a complete 180-degree turn of events with much more drama and suspense. Although some of these are clichés, while the others are compelling; they are enjoyable and creative (albeit, even if a little silly at times). This action becomes quite exciting with multiple events occurring on each page and will remind the reader of a murder mystery dinner or ‘Clue’ game. History fans will also revel with the mention of or connection with well-know English historical events.
The conclusion of “Death in the Castle” is weak as Buck plays on anticipation and builds suspense but closes the novel not answering all questions, and/or answering them in an unbelievable or odd way. Other storylines (such as Kate’s) are too easily solved and perfectly happily-ever-after. Buck is too abrupt and lacking creativity and spunk with this ending.
“Death in the Castle” is spirited, fun, and enjoyable; and a great novel for mystery/HF readers whom seek a one-day, quick read. Although, one shouldn’t expect Buck’s usual depth or appeal; “Death in the Castle” isn’t bad and is written decently well.
“Death in the Castle” stands true to Buck style by jumping directly into the plot versus introducing characters. This ‘works’ because Sir Richard, Lady Mary, Kate, Wells, etc; are familiar and relatable without necessarily needing an introduction. At the same time, the characters don’t particularly evolve and fit too cleanly into a box while also causing some confusion (for example: Kate doesn’t speak or act like a maid at all).
Immediately, the pace is swift and easy flowing, resulting in a fast read. The issue lays with inconsistency as some events are “cheesy” and best described as a “Downtown Abbey for teens”; while other sections are deeper and provide more ample thinking in regards to philosophical theories (versus simple dramatic novel events).
This inconsistency also bleeds though to the images and settings which aren’t explored or expressed enough (especially historically – it is difficult to figure out the time frame of the novel) and yet are easily imagined. “Death in the Castle” feels somewhat like a screenplay and summary which one could see portrayed on the silver screen.
“Death in the Castle” lacks the peaceful Zen experienced in Buck’s Chinese novels which may disappoint some readers but will please those who seek a more upbeat vibe. However, it often feels too modern, making “Death in the Castle” choppy, at times. Also odd is Buck’s choice to not include any chapter breaks which makes the text one long string. This makes the book difficult to put down (in a good encouraging page turning) but is a negative when needing a bathroom break.
Buck’s simplistic style and ability to conceal the underlying premise of the novel (and of the meaning of the novel title), while still maintaining a steady pace; is well-conceived and promising.
Part Two of “Death in the Castle” is a complete 180-degree turn of events with much more drama and suspense. Although some of these are clichés, while the others are compelling; they are enjoyable and creative (albeit, even if a little silly at times). This action becomes quite exciting with multiple events occurring on each page and will remind the reader of a murder mystery dinner or ‘Clue’ game. History fans will also revel with the mention of or connection with well-know English historical events.
The conclusion of “Death in the Castle” is weak as Buck plays on anticipation and builds suspense but closes the novel not answering all questions, and/or answering them in an unbelievable or odd way. Other storylines (such as Kate’s) are too easily solved and perfectly happily-ever-after. Buck is too abrupt and lacking creativity and spunk with this ending.
“Death in the Castle” is spirited, fun, and enjoyable; and a great novel for mystery/HF readers whom seek a one-day, quick read. Although, one shouldn’t expect Buck’s usual depth or appeal; “Death in the Castle” isn’t bad and is written decently well.
July 5, 2017
This was surprisingly enjoyable! Having only previously known Pearl Buck from The Good Earth and her association with China, I wouldn’t have expected her to write what feels like a quintessentially English novel, a tale of an elderly and increasingly impoverished couple, Sir Richard Sedgely and his wife Mary who are struggling to maintain their ancient ancestral castle. Along comes a rich American who wants to dismantle it and take it back to the United States with him. This solution doesn’t go down too well with Sir Richard, as can be imagined. What follows takes a rather gothic and frankly unlikely turn but it’s all good fun and a charming light read, but certainly not one to be taken too seriously.
December 26, 2022
Surprised and pleasantly shocked by this book
i knew of Pearl S. Buck, the Nobel prize winner, who lived in and famously wrote about rural China. I had no idea that she also wrote this gothic tale of intrigue in a castle where time has been forgotten.
So, her talent for characterization and plot development kept me reading this gothic romance. I am glad I finished it. Her talent is transferable.
i knew of Pearl S. Buck, the Nobel prize winner, who lived in and famously wrote about rural China. I had no idea that she also wrote this gothic tale of intrigue in a castle where time has been forgotten.
So, her talent for characterization and plot development kept me reading this gothic romance. I am glad I finished it. Her talent is transferable.
October 22, 2025
Abandoned at 30%. It’s just not for me.
October 5, 2018
Not bad, but not what I expected from Pearl Buck. It was a pretty typical 20th century gothic.
June 5, 2017
What a charmingly enchanting story! The "chilling, thrilling" on the cover-quote is to be taken lightly. A well-written, pure (ie, not gratuitous) suspense novel that makes me want to read more of Pearl S Buck.
November 20, 2020
Death in the Castle is a historical mystery by Pearl S. Buck. This was a light read and different from her usual historical books. She came up with this book when she visited a historic English castle and wrote it on a dare.
The setting, dialogue takes place in pre-World War II. We are introduced to an aging impoverished couple. They are heirs to a 500 year old castle but Sir Richard and Lady Mary can no longer pay the upkeep for the property. An American arrives at the castle to buy iy. He wants to move it stone by stone to Connecticut in the US. An aging Butler, Wells and his daughter, Kate, live there and work in the castle. The American is enamored of the castle and Kate.
This is a suspenseful escapist and easy read.
The setting, dialogue takes place in pre-World War II. We are introduced to an aging impoverished couple. They are heirs to a 500 year old castle but Sir Richard and Lady Mary can no longer pay the upkeep for the property. An American arrives at the castle to buy iy. He wants to move it stone by stone to Connecticut in the US. An aging Butler, Wells and his daughter, Kate, live there and work in the castle. The American is enamored of the castle and Kate.
This is a suspenseful escapist and easy read.
November 8, 2021
This is not at all what I thought it would be when I decided to read a Pearl S. Buck novel, but I absolutely loved it. Unlike so many of her other works, Death in the Castle has nothing to do with Asia, its people, or their plight. This is entirely a Gothic romance taking place in England, and for anyone who enjoys that genre, I thoroughly recommend it.
January 25, 2020
1/5 would recommend if you want to waste your time
October 6, 2022
Death in the Castle is one of those books I was aware of, wanted to read, and yet never got around to it. I jumped at the chance to read it when Open Road published this edition, but once again I let it grow dusty. For that, I must apologize. Because Death in the Castle is a delightful little book. In no way as serious as Buck's other works, it is the kind of book I that feels like a sunny afternoon. Thanks to Open Road Integrated Media and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My sincere apologies for the severely delayed review.
Death in the Castle is a very light book and yet one theme it ponders on is rather heavy. This is one of those books that evokes the end of an era, specifically the end of landed gentry and nobility in the UK. Castles are immensely expensive. We all know this, but I saw it myself when I went on a castle tour in Scotland in 2016. None of these castles can be upkept properly. They are too vast, with too many rooms and too much history, for any one family to look after. Even England's National Trust isn't able to support all the different historic landmarks and buildings that populate the English countryside. Death in the Castle takes place in one of these crumbling castles, but it also shows the crumbling of this "upper class". Sir Richard is still responsible for the people on his lands, they depend on him for new roofs, plumbing, money, food, survival, everything. While it is a responsibility he technically takes seriously, it is also one he feels entitled to. It is a fascinating, if, again, mildly humorous, insight into the mind of a man who considers himself superior to the point he loses touch with what is real and normal. England is a modern country, but I would argue it still has quite some people wandering around whose mindset relies on this kind of feudal reality in which an elite takes care of the working people. Seeing an American author dissect it so clearly and use it for entertainment was, honestly, kind of funny.
Sir Richard and Lady Mary are the owners of an aging castle. With no children, there is no heir for the castle and its vast estates and so they stand before a choice. Sell it to the government and have it turned into a prison or raised for an atomic plant, or, perhaps, sell it to an adventurous American who plans to take it with him to America. (I've got a bridge to sell him...) Supporting them are Wells, an old butler, and his grand-daughter Kate, who is somewhere between an adopted daughter and maid. As negotiations over the future of the castle take place it becomes clear that neither Sir Richard nor Lady Mary are entirely in touch with reality. Kate is most definitely the protagonist of the novel, in that it is her fate, her life, that the reader will care most about. She is a delight, but she is also a damsel. John, our American interloper, is the perfect potential knight in shining armour, but he has his own baggage. This is very much a light novel, despite some of its more Gothic-leaning scenes. It's Gothic-light!
Pearl S. Buck is a Nobel-prize winner, but Death in the Castle is not a capital-l Literary effort. It is a fun book, well-written, with characters who know exactly what kind of book they're in. To a certain extent all the characters are caricatures, the Nobleman, the Spiritual Wife, the Mysterious Young Woman, the Old Retainer, the Exciting Newcomer, etc. Each of these is recognisable and is a staple for anything Gothic-related. And Death in the Castle definitely plays with elements of the Gothic genre, setting up jaunts into the damp dungeons or hinting at unseen spirits and hidden rooms. But at its heart, Death in the Castle is a jaunt through a mildly dark forest with a sunny valley within sight. And it is perfect for that. This novel doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. It moves with ease between banter over dinner, lovelorn glances, and haunting appearances at midnight, and all of it is enjoyable. Whether I should have picked this as my introduction to Pearl S. Buck, I don't know, but I did have a delightful two hours reading this. I did very much enjoy the added bibliography and photos of Buck's life which elevated the Open Road Integrated Media edition for me!
Death in the Castle is a delightful romp of a tale. It is full of sunshine, dark dungeons, attractive Americans, and decaying nobility.
URL: https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
Death in the Castle is a very light book and yet one theme it ponders on is rather heavy. This is one of those books that evokes the end of an era, specifically the end of landed gentry and nobility in the UK. Castles are immensely expensive. We all know this, but I saw it myself when I went on a castle tour in Scotland in 2016. None of these castles can be upkept properly. They are too vast, with too many rooms and too much history, for any one family to look after. Even England's National Trust isn't able to support all the different historic landmarks and buildings that populate the English countryside. Death in the Castle takes place in one of these crumbling castles, but it also shows the crumbling of this "upper class". Sir Richard is still responsible for the people on his lands, they depend on him for new roofs, plumbing, money, food, survival, everything. While it is a responsibility he technically takes seriously, it is also one he feels entitled to. It is a fascinating, if, again, mildly humorous, insight into the mind of a man who considers himself superior to the point he loses touch with what is real and normal. England is a modern country, but I would argue it still has quite some people wandering around whose mindset relies on this kind of feudal reality in which an elite takes care of the working people. Seeing an American author dissect it so clearly and use it for entertainment was, honestly, kind of funny.
Sir Richard and Lady Mary are the owners of an aging castle. With no children, there is no heir for the castle and its vast estates and so they stand before a choice. Sell it to the government and have it turned into a prison or raised for an atomic plant, or, perhaps, sell it to an adventurous American who plans to take it with him to America. (I've got a bridge to sell him...) Supporting them are Wells, an old butler, and his grand-daughter Kate, who is somewhere between an adopted daughter and maid. As negotiations over the future of the castle take place it becomes clear that neither Sir Richard nor Lady Mary are entirely in touch with reality. Kate is most definitely the protagonist of the novel, in that it is her fate, her life, that the reader will care most about. She is a delight, but she is also a damsel. John, our American interloper, is the perfect potential knight in shining armour, but he has his own baggage. This is very much a light novel, despite some of its more Gothic-leaning scenes. It's Gothic-light!
Pearl S. Buck is a Nobel-prize winner, but Death in the Castle is not a capital-l Literary effort. It is a fun book, well-written, with characters who know exactly what kind of book they're in. To a certain extent all the characters are caricatures, the Nobleman, the Spiritual Wife, the Mysterious Young Woman, the Old Retainer, the Exciting Newcomer, etc. Each of these is recognisable and is a staple for anything Gothic-related. And Death in the Castle definitely plays with elements of the Gothic genre, setting up jaunts into the damp dungeons or hinting at unseen spirits and hidden rooms. But at its heart, Death in the Castle is a jaunt through a mildly dark forest with a sunny valley within sight. And it is perfect for that. This novel doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. It moves with ease between banter over dinner, lovelorn glances, and haunting appearances at midnight, and all of it is enjoyable. Whether I should have picked this as my introduction to Pearl S. Buck, I don't know, but I did have a delightful two hours reading this. I did very much enjoy the added bibliography and photos of Buck's life which elevated the Open Road Integrated Media edition for me!
Death in the Castle is a delightful romp of a tale. It is full of sunshine, dark dungeons, attractive Americans, and decaying nobility.
URL: https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
March 1, 2023
Did not enjoy this as much as I thought I would despite it being written by Pearl S. Buck. The first part of the book was quite uneven and confusing; is it a mystery, is it a love story, I really couldn’t tell. And I wasn’t invested in the characters or the story and at times felt annoyed with the main character. But the story went much better after the halfway point till the conclusion. So overall, just a so-so story, only to be read if you have the time and the patience (and nothing else to read).
September 5, 2024
First off, some blurbs for this book bill it as a "historical mystery," but that's inaccurate. It is not a formally plotted mystery of any kind. It is not any distinctly defined genre—I suppose you could call it "gothic," but even that doesn't quite fit since the tone for most of the story is much gentler and more humorous. An elderly, devoted English aristocratic couple of the post-WWII era are faced with having to sell the castle that has been in Sir Richard's family for generations, and the least objectionable offer is from an energetic young American who wants to disassemble the whole thing and move it across the Atlantic. Lady Mary firmly believes that the castle is inhabited by the ghosts of prior generations and that if she appeals to them they will somehow help solve the financial difficulty so this fate can be avoided; and at about the halfway point of the book I thought I was going to end up disliking it, since it seemed to be heading into full-on themes of spiritualism and communicating with the dead—but then it took a sharp turn into something entirely different, something strange and sad and yet slightly beautiful.
If the book has a weakness it's an unevenness of tone, since it starts out, as I said, almost humorous, and then shifts into being creepy and eventually tragic in a gently elegant way. (I found it a little hard to believe that ). It is certainly a unique book, and beautifully written...I suspect it's one on which each reader's mileage may vary according to their tastes.
If the book has a weakness it's an unevenness of tone, since it starts out, as I said, almost humorous, and then shifts into being creepy and eventually tragic in a gently elegant way. (I found it a little hard to believe that ). It is certainly a unique book, and beautifully written...I suspect it's one on which each reader's mileage may vary according to their tastes.
March 30, 2011
Buku ini aku temukan ditoko buku bekas Pasar Modern BSD, surprise jg ternyata Pearl S Buck punya novel seperti ini.Setelah membaca Good earth lgsg jatuh cinta dgn Pearl S.Buck.Timbul keinginan kuat untuk membaca karya2 beliau.Walaupun tdk sebagus Good Earth,novel berkisah tentang keturunan bangsawan Inggris Sir Richard isterinya Lady Mary. Mereka tinggal di kastil berusia ratusan tahun,tanpa anak ditemani kepala pelayan Wells dan cucunya Kate.Kate tinggal dikastil setelah kedua org tuanya meninggal dunia. Ayahnya anak wells,pemuda yg melarikan diri dari kastil krn tdk menerima takdirnya sebagai pelayan. Dia kemudian menikah dengan wanita keturunan bangsawan.John Blayne,pemuda Amerika berkeinginan membeli kastil itu,Sir Richard tidak memiliki dana utk membiayai pemeliharaan kasti dan membiayai lahan pertanian dengan petani2 pekerjanya. Tetapi John tdk bermaksud menjadikan kastil itu menjadi museum seperti sangkaan mereka.John berniat membawa kastil batu demi batu ke Connecticut,kota yg tidak dikenal bahkan susah untuk Lady Mary menyebutnya. Sir Richard ternyata memiliki seorang anak laki2 dari perempuan anak petani yg cantik. Perempuan itu kemudian dinikahi Wells,dia meninggal dunia saat melahirkan anak laki2 yg tak lain adalah ayah Kate.Dapat dipahami mengapa Kate sangat disayangi Sir Richard. Lady Mary percaya roh-roh para leluhur yg mendiami kastil akan menyelamatkan kastil mereka dari kehancuran. Sir Richard yang dihantui kesalahannya dimasa lalu berakhir dengan tragis.
January 22, 2022
This is obviously a work of the very skilled writer (I admire Pearl S. Buck), but the novel itself is not a great piece. I have had mixed feelings when reading it - the talent is undeniable, but the story is dated, not taken and expressed well and the certain pathos present is not the love for the subject, really.
The story in a nutshell is a case of "out with the old, in with the new" - but both the old and the new are seen through an opinion-coloured glass - maybe a part of it might be because the authoress herself was a part of the "new" - an American. Who surely is a lover of the "old" (given her strong connection to the rapidly changing China of her lifetime), but not a part of it, not British. So she had a pathetic, skewed, influenced-by-memories love for the "old", but her hopes and energies strongly identified with the "new". Wrong on both sides, in my opinion.
But the talent of Ms Buck is undeniable even here. Her descriptions of the characters is vivid and well-portrayed, her feeling of the place is strong and she can make you being connected with her story - as she made me. I discuss this work fiercely, but this simply means that I care (and I really do not care about many of today's proclaimed "masterpieces", which are blabberings in a gold cover, honestly.).
The story in a nutshell is a case of "out with the old, in with the new" - but both the old and the new are seen through an opinion-coloured glass - maybe a part of it might be because the authoress herself was a part of the "new" - an American. Who surely is a lover of the "old" (given her strong connection to the rapidly changing China of her lifetime), but not a part of it, not British. So she had a pathetic, skewed, influenced-by-memories love for the "old", but her hopes and energies strongly identified with the "new". Wrong on both sides, in my opinion.
But the talent of Ms Buck is undeniable even here. Her descriptions of the characters is vivid and well-portrayed, her feeling of the place is strong and she can make you being connected with her story - as she made me. I discuss this work fiercely, but this simply means that I care (and I really do not care about many of today's proclaimed "masterpieces", which are blabberings in a gold cover, honestly.).
June 21, 2017
Pearl S Buck is an extraordinary, award winning author, and so it was with great anticipation that I began reading this book. The setting is England in the early 1900's. Sir Richard Sedgeley and his wife Mary own a castle, but can no longer maintain its upkeep. Opening up the castle to tourists has done little to help replenish the family's fast depleting coffers. Enter an eccentric but endearing rich American millionaire who wishes to dismantle the castle and rebuild it in America.
As expected with any novel written by Pearl S Buck, I found compelling characters and an intriguing plot premise. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, especially because each character seems to have a touch of eccentricty. However, in my opinion, the story unfolds very slowly and ambled along in several different directions, with little happening that could grip me until the last third of the book. This is not one of her best works, but if you are a fan of this author, then you may likely find something to enjoy in this romantic-gothic-mystery tale.
As expected with any novel written by Pearl S Buck, I found compelling characters and an intriguing plot premise. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, especially because each character seems to have a touch of eccentricty. However, in my opinion, the story unfolds very slowly and ambled along in several different directions, with little happening that could grip me until the last third of the book. This is not one of her best works, but if you are a fan of this author, then you may likely find something to enjoy in this romantic-gothic-mystery tale.
November 29, 2012
One of the worse novels, that i have ever read in my short life. Sorry for the fans of Pearl S. Buck.
December 31, 2015
Review to come...
January 11, 2017
I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled so much when reading this novel. I could not get past the immature writing style that seemed so at odds with the story and its setting. I couldn't take it seriously at all. The characters are not well developed at all; the novel just jumps straight into dialogue, and I found myself rereading quite a few pages to understand what exactly was going on. I also didn't really feel the historical vibe; in fact, there were aspects where it was quite "modern". While the writing jumped in terms of conversation material, the plot itself moved at a very slow pace. At the end of the day, it took a great deal of effort to concentrate and finish this novel, and it wasn't worth all of that for me.
I struggled so much when reading this novel. I could not get past the immature writing style that seemed so at odds with the story and its setting. I couldn't take it seriously at all. The characters are not well developed at all; the novel just jumps straight into dialogue, and I found myself rereading quite a few pages to understand what exactly was going on. I also didn't really feel the historical vibe; in fact, there were aspects where it was quite "modern". While the writing jumped in terms of conversation material, the plot itself moved at a very slow pace. At the end of the day, it took a great deal of effort to concentrate and finish this novel, and it wasn't worth all of that for me.
December 20, 2022
Maybe 2 1/2 stars. I had trouble making sense of this book. There seems to be a twist about Kate’s true background, but it’s revealed early on, and then is revealed again at least twice, as if we didn’t already know. Also, there’s no way a castle, full of endless rooms, towers, dungeons and trap doors, could possibly be taken apart, brick by brick, transported across the ocean and reassembled in the States. And - I don’t like that John just decides that Kate will come to America instead of his moving to England. The book was written by an American, and this may be an example of the erroneous American attitude that, given a choice, anyone would choose the States. I have read about 3 other books by this author, and the others were all much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
At first I enjoyed the book - it was charming, same tropes as old movies (which makes sense, as this was published in 1965). But the charm faded quickly as the story dragged on without anything really happening. I thought of marking DNF at 40% but decided to push through as it was so short anyway.
It's pretty heavy handed on the stereotypes of British = old, isolated, outdated, dusty; while American = young, shiny, new, progress. Also I couldn't get over the irony of the British being upset over their heritage being plundered (the castle) and brought elsewhere (USA).
I think it is a novel that can be greatly enjoyed by a specific audience, but I found the plot lacking and too long for what it is.
It's pretty heavy handed on the stereotypes of British = old, isolated, outdated, dusty; while American = young, shiny, new, progress. Also I couldn't get over the irony of the British being upset over their heritage being plundered (the castle) and brought elsewhere (USA).
I think it is a novel that can be greatly enjoyed by a specific audience, but I found the plot lacking and too long for what it is.
February 1, 2020
This was a very quick enjoyable read. It was originally paired with a screenplay with intent to make it into a movie - and that is just how it feels. Think black and white 1940's movie with some suspense, romance and quirky characters, all set in a damp ancient English castle.
It did get a bit slow in the middle, starting to develop slow side story that never went anywhere, but it picked up in Part 2. Some of the descriptions of action were a bti awkward, but again that would have been solved if this had been made into a movie (I'm sorry that it wasn't!)
It did get a bit slow in the middle, starting to develop slow side story that never went anywhere, but it picked up in Part 2. Some of the descriptions of action were a bti awkward, but again that would have been solved if this had been made into a movie (I'm sorry that it wasn't!)
June 30, 2021
Well written but jumps about a bit at times with things coming out of nowhere. The characters were also a bit flat but all par for the course with many gothic romances. It took a bit to get going, ostensibly to build the atmosphere but I found it to be dragging in the beginning. I enjoyed the plot and wished it had been fleshed out better. Reading the foreword that this novel idea was discussed with a friend who was in films I can see how that influenced the writing of the book. Overall much more depth than many gothic romances. I enjoyed it for a quick summer read.
February 1, 2025
A remarkable story
Not the typical murder mystery. In fact, not a murder mystery at all. It is the story of a man who falls prey to a secret from his youth. He is a good man, but his secrets and reality are combining to destroy him. He and his wife are losing their castle bc they can't afford to maintain it. An American offers to buy it and the stress of going forward with the offer affects all involved.
Not the typical murder mystery. In fact, not a murder mystery at all. It is the story of a man who falls prey to a secret from his youth. He is a good man, but his secrets and reality are combining to destroy him. He and his wife are losing their castle bc they can't afford to maintain it. An American offers to buy it and the stress of going forward with the offer affects all involved.
May 17, 2017
Something different from Pearl S. Buck, well known for her novels set in China. This one is a cozy mystery set in an English castle. Well-written but lacked the depth of character development Buck fans love in her China novels.
November 22, 2019
A little disappointing coming from such a fine writer and especially one of my favourite books, the good earth. The plot is slow and dragging and characters not convincing enough. Very unlike her earlier masterpieces.
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January 26, 2020My grandma loved Pearl S Buck and when I read The Good Earth in high school she was so happy. I found this old book in a box of her stuff. She only gave it 1 star so I’m not sure why she kept it. I’m even less sure why I bothered to read it.
February 1, 2021
Death in the Castle
If you have never read a Pearl Buck book, I highly recommend tat you do. This is a charming little novel could be called the start of cozy mysteries. The plot and character development are outstanding. A delightful read.
If you have never read a Pearl Buck book, I highly recommend tat you do. This is a charming little novel could be called the start of cozy mysteries. The plot and character development are outstanding. A delightful read.
July 20, 2022
Εντελώς παραπλανητικός ο τίτλος. Τυχαία έπεσε στα χέρια μου ένα αντίτυπο του 1953! Αντιλαμβάνομαι το λόγο που δεν γνώριζα την ύπαρξη του βιβλίου : ανούσιο! Ωραίο το ειδύλλιο που πλέκεται με καλό τέλος, αλλά κατά τα άλλα το βιβλίο πάσχει. ...
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