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The Room Beyond
When Serena begins a new life working for the Hartreve family at 36 Marguerite Avenue she falls in love, not just with its eccentric and alluring inhabitants and their world, but with the house itself. Number 36 is a beautiful Victorian London mansion that has remained in the family for generations. Serena feels that by being here she has escaped the ghosts of her own sad childhood and found a true home, but she soon discovers that behind its gleaming surfaces Marguerite Avenue is plagued by secrets and mystery. Why does such a beautiful tranquil street seem sometimes to shimmer with menace? Is everyone in the family quite who they appear to be? And just what is it that the family is trying to hide from her?
It is 1892. On a hot summer night scented with jasmine, Miranda Whitestone hosts a dinner party at 34 Marguerite Avenue. Watching helplessly as her husband is seduced by her glamorous neighbour Lucinda Eden, she can have no idea of the consequences the evening will have.
For the history of Marguerite Avenue is more chilling than Serena could have imagined, and the fates of two women - the beautiful renegade Lucinda and the 'good wife' Miranda - will reach out from the past to cast a shadow over Serena's own future.
The Room Beyond is a thriller that delves beneath the romance and grandeur of a London house and finds a family haunted by the legacy of past wrongdoings. As the suspense grows and the fog thickens, will Serena be able to give up all that she has come to love? Will she ever escape?
It is 1892. On a hot summer night scented with jasmine, Miranda Whitestone hosts a dinner party at 34 Marguerite Avenue. Watching helplessly as her husband is seduced by her glamorous neighbour Lucinda Eden, she can have no idea of the consequences the evening will have.
For the history of Marguerite Avenue is more chilling than Serena could have imagined, and the fates of two women - the beautiful renegade Lucinda and the 'good wife' Miranda - will reach out from the past to cast a shadow over Serena's own future.
The Room Beyond is a thriller that delves beneath the romance and grandeur of a London house and finds a family haunted by the legacy of past wrongdoings. As the suspense grows and the fog thickens, will Serena be able to give up all that she has come to love? Will she ever escape?
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2013
32 people are currently reading
2559 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Elmas
2 books52 followersStephanie Elmas was born in Hong Kong to an English father and Czech mother but spent most of her childhood in Bristol. She studied English at university in London. She has worked as a head hunter, taught English in Japan and returned to university to complete a Masters in Victorian fiction. It was here that she developed her interest in the dark dangerous world of Victorian sensation writing. Stephanie now lives in a chaotic house in Surrey with her husband and three highly energetic but wonderful children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 5, 2013
What a superb book! I was hooked from the first chapter, which almost starts off like a film, watching Serena wind her way up the house and meeting all the eccentric inhabitants along the way. I loved the subtle humour built into it, like how Arabella declared she only has migraines on Thursdays - outrageous!
The story is cleverly interwoven between the modern day story of Serena, and the actions of the past inhabitants from over 100 years ago. What's clever is the little details that link each chapter together as one scene ends and another begins. They feel like two separate stories as you start making your way through the book, but as you progress further, the stories start to intertwine and then WOW, it starts to get dark, really dark. You would never believe starting off with the tranquil and serene story, with a fair bit of budding romance emerging, that the story would end up with something quite as disturbing unfolding before your eyes. The author handles this very well and takes you along the ride effortlessly. The twist at the end actually sent shivers up my spine and I had to put the book down for 5 minutes to get over the final revelations that bring the book together.
Aside from the brilliant characters throughout the book, without a shadow of a doubt, the character that sticks out the most and steals the show is Walter Balanchine. I am glad to see from the author's website that she is writing her next book just for him, and you can see why. He is an East End mystic type character who apparently got arrested as a child for turning a "local publican into a rat". He is a lovable character (but perhaps physically challenged in his weird appearance) which you know represents all that is good and just. Everybody needs their own personal Walter.
Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did, the writing is superb and the story thrilling, a perfect combination.
The story is cleverly interwoven between the modern day story of Serena, and the actions of the past inhabitants from over 100 years ago. What's clever is the little details that link each chapter together as one scene ends and another begins. They feel like two separate stories as you start making your way through the book, but as you progress further, the stories start to intertwine and then WOW, it starts to get dark, really dark. You would never believe starting off with the tranquil and serene story, with a fair bit of budding romance emerging, that the story would end up with something quite as disturbing unfolding before your eyes. The author handles this very well and takes you along the ride effortlessly. The twist at the end actually sent shivers up my spine and I had to put the book down for 5 minutes to get over the final revelations that bring the book together.
Aside from the brilliant characters throughout the book, without a shadow of a doubt, the character that sticks out the most and steals the show is Walter Balanchine. I am glad to see from the author's website that she is writing her next book just for him, and you can see why. He is an East End mystic type character who apparently got arrested as a child for turning a "local publican into a rat". He is a lovable character (but perhaps physically challenged in his weird appearance) which you know represents all that is good and just. Everybody needs their own personal Walter.
Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did, the writing is superb and the story thrilling, a perfect combination.
October 30, 2013
Absolutely loved this. It drew me in, a totally different world.
Very well written.
The story moves along at a decent pace, two worlds submerging into one.
Beautiful and a credit to the author.
Very well written.
The story moves along at a decent pace, two worlds submerging into one.
Beautiful and a credit to the author.
October 13, 2013
I was initially attracted to this book simply by the fact that it was a dual time story – I hadn’t heard anything about it before, but did notice it already (having only been published on 29th September) had a number of five star reviews on Amazon. That was good enough for me...
In the present day, the book opens with Serena’s arrival at 36 Marguerite Avenue, on a blisteringly hot day, for an interview for a post as a nanny. I was immediately drawn in by the descriptions – the terrace like a moored luxury cruise ship, the climbing rose on an old wall, the front door as impenetrable as a castle gate, the blurred stucco moulding of Adam and Eve, the interior with its threadbare carpet and smell of baking and wood polish. I like a book that appeals to all the senses, and the languorous day is reflected in the slowness of the story’s telling.
Two stories unfold side by side. Serena takes up her post, looking after her young charge, Beth Hartreve, living in a room in the house’s attic, coming to terms with the unusual Hartreve family and their complicated relationships . At first, this modern thread seems to be a gentle and relatively straightforward love story, with the developing relationship between Serena and Sebastian – it’s not quite clear how he fits into the family, but he’s always around and becomes an important part of Serena’s life.
The other thread of the story is set in 1892, and Miranda Whitehouse is desperately trying to hold together her marriage to Tristan under the critical eye of her sister Jane. She is fascinated by the exotic Lucinda Eden, abandoned by her husband and now something of a recluse, who lives next door. Having invited Lucinda to enliven a boring dinner party, where she has the impact of an exotic bird, their lives are never the same again.
What I really wasn’t expecting of this book – and it was an absolute delight – was the darkness it developed. This is far from a gentle historic ramble – there are real shocks, evil, ugliness and a touch of the supernatural that made it a really different and fascinating read. It's a very clever recreation of Victorian sensation writing at its very best - the best of gothic and romance brought uncomfortably into a domestic setting.
There are some vividly drawn characters. Miranda Whitestone, faced with the destruction of everything she holds dear, transforms from a meek and mild wife of her time into a rounded and strong character fighting ferociously for survival. Walter Balanchine is a fascinating enigma – first an unusual sight as he visits Lucinda in his exotic clothing, he develops into a key catalyst for development of the story. Other characters are pure evil – there are clues early on, but I really wasn’t prepared for the way this story turned. Like me, you might find yourself lulled into a false sense of security by the early part of the book: once the evil and darkness that lies beneath the surface is unleashed, it’s a real rollercoaster through to the end, with a strong element of the supernatural and edge-of-your seat excitement. The two stories are expertly intertwined, and the dramatic conclusion – with some unexpected twists and turns – is all you want it to be. This book might not have been quite what I expected it to be, but I really loved it.
In the present day, the book opens with Serena’s arrival at 36 Marguerite Avenue, on a blisteringly hot day, for an interview for a post as a nanny. I was immediately drawn in by the descriptions – the terrace like a moored luxury cruise ship, the climbing rose on an old wall, the front door as impenetrable as a castle gate, the blurred stucco moulding of Adam and Eve, the interior with its threadbare carpet and smell of baking and wood polish. I like a book that appeals to all the senses, and the languorous day is reflected in the slowness of the story’s telling.
Two stories unfold side by side. Serena takes up her post, looking after her young charge, Beth Hartreve, living in a room in the house’s attic, coming to terms with the unusual Hartreve family and their complicated relationships . At first, this modern thread seems to be a gentle and relatively straightforward love story, with the developing relationship between Serena and Sebastian – it’s not quite clear how he fits into the family, but he’s always around and becomes an important part of Serena’s life.
The other thread of the story is set in 1892, and Miranda Whitehouse is desperately trying to hold together her marriage to Tristan under the critical eye of her sister Jane. She is fascinated by the exotic Lucinda Eden, abandoned by her husband and now something of a recluse, who lives next door. Having invited Lucinda to enliven a boring dinner party, where she has the impact of an exotic bird, their lives are never the same again.
What I really wasn’t expecting of this book – and it was an absolute delight – was the darkness it developed. This is far from a gentle historic ramble – there are real shocks, evil, ugliness and a touch of the supernatural that made it a really different and fascinating read. It's a very clever recreation of Victorian sensation writing at its very best - the best of gothic and romance brought uncomfortably into a domestic setting.
There are some vividly drawn characters. Miranda Whitestone, faced with the destruction of everything she holds dear, transforms from a meek and mild wife of her time into a rounded and strong character fighting ferociously for survival. Walter Balanchine is a fascinating enigma – first an unusual sight as he visits Lucinda in his exotic clothing, he develops into a key catalyst for development of the story. Other characters are pure evil – there are clues early on, but I really wasn’t prepared for the way this story turned. Like me, you might find yourself lulled into a false sense of security by the early part of the book: once the evil and darkness that lies beneath the surface is unleashed, it’s a real rollercoaster through to the end, with a strong element of the supernatural and edge-of-your seat excitement. The two stories are expertly intertwined, and the dramatic conclusion – with some unexpected twists and turns – is all you want it to be. This book might not have been quite what I expected it to be, but I really loved it.
October 24, 2013
So, when Stephanie Elmas contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing her book, I was immediately intrigued – both by the concept and by the fact that it was truly a labour of love for her, having taken 7 years to write, inbetween real life stuff such as family and work. I have spent the last few days reading it – inbetween real life stuff such as family and work! And here is what I thought.
Set in two timelines, with Serena beginning her employment with the Hartreve family and the relationship developing between her and the enigmatic Sebastian, we also head back to 1892 and meet Miranda Whitehouse, struggling in her marriage and forever under the watchful eye of her sister Jane. When she gets involved with the reclusive and mysterious Lucinda who lives next door, nothing will be the same again…
I love a novel that gives you true atmosphere and this one does just that… a beautifully descriptive writing style and classic tension building are key here and Stephanie Elmas pulls it off perfectly. The early part of the novel rambles gently but compellingly along but as things develop a much darker side appears – and from then on its a breathtaking rush to the final denouement. I wasnt expecting it to be that favourite thing of mine – a wonderfully twisty tale – but it was. The strong supernatural elements hit the mark and all in all this was a delightful surprise of a read.
Characterisation is terrific, I adored Miranda, she was perhaps my favourite but I have to give a nod to Walter Balanchine with his weird and wonderful style, a truly terrific creation indeed. As the strands of the separate stories are pulled together, I was pleased that this was an ebook, I’m fairly sure if it had been a physical book I would currently be suffering paper cuts from my eagerness to turn the pages. I loved it.
You will notice that plot details are rather lacking in this review – there is a reason for that – the absolute joy of this novel for me was that it wasnt quite what I was expecting, but what it turned out to be was captivating and delectable.
Set in two timelines, with Serena beginning her employment with the Hartreve family and the relationship developing between her and the enigmatic Sebastian, we also head back to 1892 and meet Miranda Whitehouse, struggling in her marriage and forever under the watchful eye of her sister Jane. When she gets involved with the reclusive and mysterious Lucinda who lives next door, nothing will be the same again…
I love a novel that gives you true atmosphere and this one does just that… a beautifully descriptive writing style and classic tension building are key here and Stephanie Elmas pulls it off perfectly. The early part of the novel rambles gently but compellingly along but as things develop a much darker side appears – and from then on its a breathtaking rush to the final denouement. I wasnt expecting it to be that favourite thing of mine – a wonderfully twisty tale – but it was. The strong supernatural elements hit the mark and all in all this was a delightful surprise of a read.
Characterisation is terrific, I adored Miranda, she was perhaps my favourite but I have to give a nod to Walter Balanchine with his weird and wonderful style, a truly terrific creation indeed. As the strands of the separate stories are pulled together, I was pleased that this was an ebook, I’m fairly sure if it had been a physical book I would currently be suffering paper cuts from my eagerness to turn the pages. I loved it.
You will notice that plot details are rather lacking in this review – there is a reason for that – the absolute joy of this novel for me was that it wasnt quite what I was expecting, but what it turned out to be was captivating and delectable.
November 18, 2013
I received this book as a digital copy from Netgalley for an honest review. No compensation was received.
There are so many positive things to say about this book, but I won't bore you with details.
Do you enjoy a story within a story? The author has successfully accomplished this feat without boring the reader.
The book starts out normally and then turns into something entirely different. The author does this with ease and grace. Her characters are realistic and with great character. She has written a book with more twists than a pretzel. Don't hesitate on making this your next reading choice... You'll be glad you did!!! Oh... Did I mention words like... Victorian, gothic, haunting, etcetera...
There are so many positive things to say about this book, but I won't bore you with details.
Do you enjoy a story within a story? The author has successfully accomplished this feat without boring the reader.
The book starts out normally and then turns into something entirely different. The author does this with ease and grace. Her characters are realistic and with great character. She has written a book with more twists than a pretzel. Don't hesitate on making this your next reading choice... You'll be glad you did!!! Oh... Did I mention words like... Victorian, gothic, haunting, etcetera...
October 28, 2013
Unusual and fascinating novel, a missing house, a mysterious family with secrets, presented to the reader in two timelines, Victorian and present day. The author illustrates her characters vividly and convincingly; a dramatic book, imaginative, dark and engrossing.
January 28, 2017
My favorite book so far this year!
What you see is not what you get. This is a fascinating, magical, engrossing book including a missing house, an unusual child and a soul healer. These are only a few of the many spellbinding storylines.
The story is written in two timelines ... present day and Victorian times and the story revolves around three women, Serena, Lucinda, and Miranda. The story is told through Serena, a nanny in the present day and through Lucinda and Miranda, neighbors from 1892.
This book cannot be reviewed without spoilers and that would be unfair to anyone who has not had the pleasure of reading it. What I can say is you will be treated to a captivating story.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
May 28, 2014
I was given a copy of “The Room Beyond” by author Stephanie Elmas in exchange for an honest review. I had first met Ms. Elmas through a forum on goodreads back in February. After a few exchanges of emails discussing her book, I had agreed to read her work.
I have become a huge fan of historical fiction after reading the “Outlander” series. I have always been a history buff. I love how a book can transport me back into time; allow me to relive those memories as if I’m walking down the road watching it all unfold. Then to have the author put a fictional spin on the story to where bits and pieces of history are extracted and just sprinkled here and there to make for a wonderful tale. It makes me all giddy inside!
*****
In “The Beyond Room” I was so taken with this story, it was more like watching an old black and white movie play out in my mind. The story starts off with Serena in current time. She is headed to a job interview for a nanny position at 36 Marguerite Ave. Nestled in the Victorian part of London, Serena takes in the beauty of the buildings and can only fathom what they looked like in the 1800’s when they were in their full glory. Confused by the way the houses are numbered; she notices that one is missing, number 34. Reassured it must be a mistake somewhere, she proceeds into the most home like environment that she could possibly imagine.
On a quest to locate Arabella Hartreve, Serena wanders the exquisite home admiring all the beauty. Old antique paintings line the walls. The house smells of fresh food baking. The wood is highly polished from years of hands on the banisters. Finally finding Mrs. Hartreve in her study, she is taken aback by a photo that is hung over the fireplace. A black and white picture of a young man looking back over his shoulder sends chills down her spine. But it’s her encounter with Ms. Hartreve that has her stumped.
The woman of the manor doesn’t to appear to hardly age at all. However, when trying to discuss the purpose of why Serena is even present indicates that Mrs. Hartreve is either so preoccupied with her Africa projects that she is absent-minded, or there is something strange going on.
With flashbacks to 1892, we are at 34 Marguerite Ave. Miranda Whitestone is fascinated with the obscure woman who occupies the house next door, number 36. Lucinda Eden is a woman scorned. Her husband, Alfonso has run off with a girl from his club. Leaving her to suffer the gossip of the town, Lucinda keeps to herself. This woman of exquisite beauty and vigor has decided that accepting a dinner invite from Mrs. Whitestone is the ideal opportunity.
Planning on making one heck of an appearance, Lucinda pulls out her best dress, decorates her hair in the most peculiar way, and plans to flatter everyone that is present. It’s Miranda’s husband, Tristan that is speechless when the vixen waltzes in late to the dinner party. Throwing him for a loop, he can’t keep his eyes from this marvelous woman. It’s not until this mysterious woman leaves the party, does Tristan become aware that he must have this as his prize.
It’s through a series of jumping back and forth that we learn of love, lust, betrayal and death. However, there is one key element that is tying the past to the present. With everyone being so evasive and keeping some deep dark family secrets and a few ill comments dropped from time to time, does Serena start to question what is actually happening. This sparks the questions is, will Serena be able to handle the answers? Or will Serena allow the past to consume her and remove her from her present life?
*****
I was instantly drawn into this book by the mystery surrounding the house numbers. I couldn’t figure what was going on. Just like Serena, it was eating away at me throughout the story. It was due to the flashbacks that really started meto think I knew what was happening. Only problem was, everything that I thought of was way off track.
As the characters in the story started to become introduced, I felt myself drawn to certain characters. The author did such a great job developing all the key people. Not once did I find myself questioning the way the story was being presented. Everything flowed remarkable for so many jumps back and forth through time. You would think that you could get lost between the two times, but this wasn’t the case. With each flashback, you always felt how it tied into with what was going on in the present.
Ms. Elmas did a fabulous job with this story. I seriously didn’t want for this to end. By the time the story finally did wrap up, I was clutching my chest and I felt pain in my heart for those characters. I caught myself getting so mad at one point with what was going onI just kept saying “NO, NO, NO!” Then towards the end, I was fighting back stinging eyes full of tears.
If you love suspense, then this book is packed full of it. If you love historical fiction that transports you back in time, then this defiantly is for you. I know that I will be telling everyone about how wonderful this story actually is.
I have become a huge fan of historical fiction after reading the “Outlander” series. I have always been a history buff. I love how a book can transport me back into time; allow me to relive those memories as if I’m walking down the road watching it all unfold. Then to have the author put a fictional spin on the story to where bits and pieces of history are extracted and just sprinkled here and there to make for a wonderful tale. It makes me all giddy inside!
*****
In “The Beyond Room” I was so taken with this story, it was more like watching an old black and white movie play out in my mind. The story starts off with Serena in current time. She is headed to a job interview for a nanny position at 36 Marguerite Ave. Nestled in the Victorian part of London, Serena takes in the beauty of the buildings and can only fathom what they looked like in the 1800’s when they were in their full glory. Confused by the way the houses are numbered; she notices that one is missing, number 34. Reassured it must be a mistake somewhere, she proceeds into the most home like environment that she could possibly imagine.
On a quest to locate Arabella Hartreve, Serena wanders the exquisite home admiring all the beauty. Old antique paintings line the walls. The house smells of fresh food baking. The wood is highly polished from years of hands on the banisters. Finally finding Mrs. Hartreve in her study, she is taken aback by a photo that is hung over the fireplace. A black and white picture of a young man looking back over his shoulder sends chills down her spine. But it’s her encounter with Ms. Hartreve that has her stumped.
The woman of the manor doesn’t to appear to hardly age at all. However, when trying to discuss the purpose of why Serena is even present indicates that Mrs. Hartreve is either so preoccupied with her Africa projects that she is absent-minded, or there is something strange going on.
With flashbacks to 1892, we are at 34 Marguerite Ave. Miranda Whitestone is fascinated with the obscure woman who occupies the house next door, number 36. Lucinda Eden is a woman scorned. Her husband, Alfonso has run off with a girl from his club. Leaving her to suffer the gossip of the town, Lucinda keeps to herself. This woman of exquisite beauty and vigor has decided that accepting a dinner invite from Mrs. Whitestone is the ideal opportunity.
Planning on making one heck of an appearance, Lucinda pulls out her best dress, decorates her hair in the most peculiar way, and plans to flatter everyone that is present. It’s Miranda’s husband, Tristan that is speechless when the vixen waltzes in late to the dinner party. Throwing him for a loop, he can’t keep his eyes from this marvelous woman. It’s not until this mysterious woman leaves the party, does Tristan become aware that he must have this as his prize.
It’s through a series of jumping back and forth that we learn of love, lust, betrayal and death. However, there is one key element that is tying the past to the present. With everyone being so evasive and keeping some deep dark family secrets and a few ill comments dropped from time to time, does Serena start to question what is actually happening. This sparks the questions is, will Serena be able to handle the answers? Or will Serena allow the past to consume her and remove her from her present life?
*****
I was instantly drawn into this book by the mystery surrounding the house numbers. I couldn’t figure what was going on. Just like Serena, it was eating away at me throughout the story. It was due to the flashbacks that really started meto think I knew what was happening. Only problem was, everything that I thought of was way off track.
As the characters in the story started to become introduced, I felt myself drawn to certain characters. The author did such a great job developing all the key people. Not once did I find myself questioning the way the story was being presented. Everything flowed remarkable for so many jumps back and forth through time. You would think that you could get lost between the two times, but this wasn’t the case. With each flashback, you always felt how it tied into with what was going on in the present.
Ms. Elmas did a fabulous job with this story. I seriously didn’t want for this to end. By the time the story finally did wrap up, I was clutching my chest and I felt pain in my heart for those characters. I caught myself getting so mad at one point with what was going onI just kept saying “NO, NO, NO!” Then towards the end, I was fighting back stinging eyes full of tears.
If you love suspense, then this book is packed full of it. If you love historical fiction that transports you back in time, then this defiantly is for you. I know that I will be telling everyone about how wonderful this story actually is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2017
I must point out that I was approached by the author to read and review this book when it was a free Kindle download. Apparently she spent seven years writing it, so obviously it has been a labour of love.
The story revolves around Serena, a young, naïve and impressionable girl who secures a job as a live-in nanny....this without any discussion as to wages or hours and without a glimpse of the room she is to occupy or the child in her charge. The job is in a large Victorian house, 36 Marguerite Avenue; there is obviously Something Creepy going on because number 34 seems not to exist, but 32 is there in all its glory. The Hartreve family, for whom Serena works, is totally dysfunctional with odd, unlikeable, characters, none of whom seem welcoming....that is, until she meets Seb and almost immediately hops into bed with him. The chapters about Serena alternate with chapters set in 1892 when Tristan and Miranda Whitestone lived next door at number 34, the Creepy House. The Whitestones become involved with their somewhat glamorous and eccentric neighbour Lucinda Eden, nee Hartreve, estranged from her, apparently, unsavoury husband, Alfonso who has run off with a younger floozy.
The characters are one-dimensional, unsympathetic and unlikeable. Beth, the child for whom Serena was employed is an outrageously precocious four year old, and even though it is acknowledged that this is so, it does not sit well. Had the child been, say six or seven years old, then maybe she would have been more believable, but then, would there have been the need for a nanny?
The dialogue is just so cheesy in its awfulness: ".......But I'm afraid you'll have to leave soon as I'm already rapidly falling in love with you......." is just one example of far too many to record. The narrative suffers from a similar fate: "...her eyes slipped down his arm to find a glass of brandy cupped in his hand...", this had me falling off my chair laughing, as did the woman who is described as having "arms like succulent sausages". Whilst dancing the tango we have this gem...."he saw his mother's face glide startlingly close to her partner's groin", and one of the best "Tears, happy tears, forged canyons down my cheeks" Oh please! These are just a few of the examples; if I were to write them all I would reproduce almost the whole book. I, like other reviewers, found myself re-reading sections of this as I couldn't quite believe what I was reading! The characters don't just sit on chairs, they perch. Faces, noses and eyes are often screwed up - not just wrinkled; and we have Beth who can curl her nose into a button mushroom! There's also a great deal of cringing and wincing.
The author seems to have taken a Jackson Pollock approach to writing this - throwing everything at it in the hope that some of it will magically make a readable novel. There is absolutely nothing new in this novel; it has all been done before and so much better. I actually wondered who the target readership was for this. Was it actually meant as a comedy? It's hardly a good old Bodice Ripper or Ripping Yarn. Spine-tingling, creepy, Gothic it ain't.
I am astonished at the number of rave reviews, but also notice that many of these are simply one or two lines long. Surely if a book is worthy of 5 stars it is worthy of more that one line?
If I hadn't been asked by the author to read this book I would have given up at about the 15% mark and deleted it from my Kindle. I can honestly say I have never read anything quite like this before.
The story revolves around Serena, a young, naïve and impressionable girl who secures a job as a live-in nanny....this without any discussion as to wages or hours and without a glimpse of the room she is to occupy or the child in her charge. The job is in a large Victorian house, 36 Marguerite Avenue; there is obviously Something Creepy going on because number 34 seems not to exist, but 32 is there in all its glory. The Hartreve family, for whom Serena works, is totally dysfunctional with odd, unlikeable, characters, none of whom seem welcoming....that is, until she meets Seb and almost immediately hops into bed with him. The chapters about Serena alternate with chapters set in 1892 when Tristan and Miranda Whitestone lived next door at number 34, the Creepy House. The Whitestones become involved with their somewhat glamorous and eccentric neighbour Lucinda Eden, nee Hartreve, estranged from her, apparently, unsavoury husband, Alfonso who has run off with a younger floozy.
The characters are one-dimensional, unsympathetic and unlikeable. Beth, the child for whom Serena was employed is an outrageously precocious four year old, and even though it is acknowledged that this is so, it does not sit well. Had the child been, say six or seven years old, then maybe she would have been more believable, but then, would there have been the need for a nanny?
The dialogue is just so cheesy in its awfulness: ".......But I'm afraid you'll have to leave soon as I'm already rapidly falling in love with you......." is just one example of far too many to record. The narrative suffers from a similar fate: "...her eyes slipped down his arm to find a glass of brandy cupped in his hand...", this had me falling off my chair laughing, as did the woman who is described as having "arms like succulent sausages". Whilst dancing the tango we have this gem...."he saw his mother's face glide startlingly close to her partner's groin", and one of the best "Tears, happy tears, forged canyons down my cheeks" Oh please! These are just a few of the examples; if I were to write them all I would reproduce almost the whole book. I, like other reviewers, found myself re-reading sections of this as I couldn't quite believe what I was reading! The characters don't just sit on chairs, they perch. Faces, noses and eyes are often screwed up - not just wrinkled; and we have Beth who can curl her nose into a button mushroom! There's also a great deal of cringing and wincing.
The author seems to have taken a Jackson Pollock approach to writing this - throwing everything at it in the hope that some of it will magically make a readable novel. There is absolutely nothing new in this novel; it has all been done before and so much better. I actually wondered who the target readership was for this. Was it actually meant as a comedy? It's hardly a good old Bodice Ripper or Ripping Yarn. Spine-tingling, creepy, Gothic it ain't.
I am astonished at the number of rave reviews, but also notice that many of these are simply one or two lines long. Surely if a book is worthy of 5 stars it is worthy of more that one line?
If I hadn't been asked by the author to read this book I would have given up at about the 15% mark and deleted it from my Kindle. I can honestly say I have never read anything quite like this before.
August 5, 2016
This is not a genre that I normally read but I was delighted with the author's strong narrative skills and her original and very enjoyable use of the language. Throughout the entire book, two parallel stories unfold, one contemporary and the other set in circa 1892.
Serena is a lonely young artist, who was raised by her aunt following the tragic death of her parents in a road accident. She is strong and independent but also vulnerable, as she carries the scars (both emotional and physical) of her damaged childhood. She is the main protagonist and narrator of the modern-day story. When she accepts an offer of employment to act as nanny (or more precisely, responsible companion) to Beth, an unusually bright and precocious 4-year-old, in a beautiful historic house on Marguerite Avenue, in London, she enters an eccentric family who cohabit uneasily in an atmosphere dripping with underlying tensions and secrets.
The Victorian narrative features many tragic characters but the main one is Miranda, a plain woman desperately in love with her handsome husband, who has married her strictly to redeem his unsavoury past in India.
It takes a lot of skill to manage the two threads that are enriched by many common elements and interrelating events, but Stephanie Elmas capably handles the challenge, mastering her material and delivering a strong and credible recreation of Victorian sensational writing. Fans of this genre will find much to hold their interest, as this novel demands a fair amount of attention and involvement from the reader but repays all efforts with compelling twists and unexpected developments. As the novel delves in the supernatural, there are many elements that require the reader to suspend belief, and attempting to apply strict logic will only interfere with one's enjoyment of the plot.
There are many characters to follow but each one has been imbued with enough personality and uniqueness that keeping them in mind becomes effortless. The author also does a good job of rendering both modern dialogue and the more formal and stilted exchanges of the historical sections in ways that feel period appropriate and without wild and jarring exaggerations.
The stories are full of elements of the horrific, supernatural and ghoulish, interactions with ghostly entities and a glimpse into the mind control craze that gripped Victorian sensibilities, but they also touch on the present-day predicament of old families trying to preserve the architectural heritage of crumbling old mansions that are as beautiful as they are impractical. In fact, three houses along a leafy old London street and a gloriously disintegrating mansion in Wiltshire are at the heart of the narrative and almost take on a life of their own.
The pace is sedate, becoming urgent as events dictate and turning back to meditative. The recurring romantic content is handled with great skill: the action is clearly depicted without ever descending into the gratuitously graphic. There is a fair bit of tragedy and human suffering and a chance to identify and sympathize with the particular problems of each of the main protagonists. Elmas tells a compelling story of human passions, greed and folly without passing judgement and it is possible to feel compassion even for the evil-doers and the misguided, and we are left to apply our own standards. The ending is certainly not sugar-coated but satisfactorily optimistic. All in all, a suspenseful read that kept me interested throughout and surpassed my expectations.
Serena is a lonely young artist, who was raised by her aunt following the tragic death of her parents in a road accident. She is strong and independent but also vulnerable, as she carries the scars (both emotional and physical) of her damaged childhood. She is the main protagonist and narrator of the modern-day story. When she accepts an offer of employment to act as nanny (or more precisely, responsible companion) to Beth, an unusually bright and precocious 4-year-old, in a beautiful historic house on Marguerite Avenue, in London, she enters an eccentric family who cohabit uneasily in an atmosphere dripping with underlying tensions and secrets.
The Victorian narrative features many tragic characters but the main one is Miranda, a plain woman desperately in love with her handsome husband, who has married her strictly to redeem his unsavoury past in India.
It takes a lot of skill to manage the two threads that are enriched by many common elements and interrelating events, but Stephanie Elmas capably handles the challenge, mastering her material and delivering a strong and credible recreation of Victorian sensational writing. Fans of this genre will find much to hold their interest, as this novel demands a fair amount of attention and involvement from the reader but repays all efforts with compelling twists and unexpected developments. As the novel delves in the supernatural, there are many elements that require the reader to suspend belief, and attempting to apply strict logic will only interfere with one's enjoyment of the plot.
There are many characters to follow but each one has been imbued with enough personality and uniqueness that keeping them in mind becomes effortless. The author also does a good job of rendering both modern dialogue and the more formal and stilted exchanges of the historical sections in ways that feel period appropriate and without wild and jarring exaggerations.
The stories are full of elements of the horrific, supernatural and ghoulish, interactions with ghostly entities and a glimpse into the mind control craze that gripped Victorian sensibilities, but they also touch on the present-day predicament of old families trying to preserve the architectural heritage of crumbling old mansions that are as beautiful as they are impractical. In fact, three houses along a leafy old London street and a gloriously disintegrating mansion in Wiltshire are at the heart of the narrative and almost take on a life of their own.
The pace is sedate, becoming urgent as events dictate and turning back to meditative. The recurring romantic content is handled with great skill: the action is clearly depicted without ever descending into the gratuitously graphic. There is a fair bit of tragedy and human suffering and a chance to identify and sympathize with the particular problems of each of the main protagonists. Elmas tells a compelling story of human passions, greed and folly without passing judgement and it is possible to feel compassion even for the evil-doers and the misguided, and we are left to apply our own standards. The ending is certainly not sugar-coated but satisfactorily optimistic. All in all, a suspenseful read that kept me interested throughout and surpassed my expectations.
November 11, 2013
This is now at the top of my favourite books of the year list. After reading this book, I wanted to accost the first person I saw walking down the street and force them to listen to me whilst I told them all about it (without spoilers, of course.)
It is very hard to write this review without giving away major plot points, as nothing that you see in the first few chapters is what you expect it to be later and the author is a beautiful literary illusionist.
I am now going to do my best to make sense without making too much sense, if that makes any sense.
Reasons I believe you should read this book:
The editing is immaculate. Seriously, there was not so much as a comma in the wrong place, which made for a really smooth and easily flowing reading experience.
The main character was someone that I not only felt I could relate to, but genuinely developed feelings for over the course of the story--although, I have to say, in the end--was still not my favourite character, I will get to that in a moment. Through this author's writing, you can literally feel the emotions of the characters. You laugh with them, cry with them and hope for them that things will turn out well. On the other hand, Stephanie Elmas has also created villains that are so vile, and so evil that you want to jump into the book and battle them yourself. This does not happen to me very often, where I feel so much dislike for a book character that I actually find my emotions affected by it.
I loved Beth's character for her precocious nature and her ability to control portions of the story through the actions of the others who surrounded her. I was so impressed with the people in this novel. The dialogue made them seem as if they were friends or relatives that you were in on the secrets of and had known for a long while.
On to that favourite Character. Without giving anything away, Walter was one of the most interesting characters I have ever read. He has mystical and mysterious qualities. He is not attractive physically, but compelling in every other way. I do have to say though, that Gladys was also a rival for my affection.
The plot in this book just keeps taking twists that I could not have expected. This, for me, was one of the most important reasons that I loved it so much. Guess as you may, you will never have it all figured out until the last page.
Pacing is even throughout this story and there was never a time when I had the desire to skim over it or wish it would hurry up. In fact, when I reached the end, I felt saddened that I had to part with it and confused about what I should move onto next. Sometimes it is very difficult to find anything as good as what you just finished, and it may take me a while before I can find anything to compete with this.
If there is a book that I would consider a "you must read this book" novel in the last year, this is it. I am so happy to have found the writing of this author and am very much looking forward to future releases from her.
This review is based on a digital ARC from Netgalley.
*Sorry to the author and other readers that this review is so long, I had a surprising amount to say for trying not to say much:)*
It is very hard to write this review without giving away major plot points, as nothing that you see in the first few chapters is what you expect it to be later and the author is a beautiful literary illusionist.
I am now going to do my best to make sense without making too much sense, if that makes any sense.
Reasons I believe you should read this book:
The editing is immaculate. Seriously, there was not so much as a comma in the wrong place, which made for a really smooth and easily flowing reading experience.
The main character was someone that I not only felt I could relate to, but genuinely developed feelings for over the course of the story--although, I have to say, in the end--was still not my favourite character, I will get to that in a moment. Through this author's writing, you can literally feel the emotions of the characters. You laugh with them, cry with them and hope for them that things will turn out well. On the other hand, Stephanie Elmas has also created villains that are so vile, and so evil that you want to jump into the book and battle them yourself. This does not happen to me very often, where I feel so much dislike for a book character that I actually find my emotions affected by it.
I loved Beth's character for her precocious nature and her ability to control portions of the story through the actions of the others who surrounded her. I was so impressed with the people in this novel. The dialogue made them seem as if they were friends or relatives that you were in on the secrets of and had known for a long while.
On to that favourite Character. Without giving anything away, Walter was one of the most interesting characters I have ever read. He has mystical and mysterious qualities. He is not attractive physically, but compelling in every other way. I do have to say though, that Gladys was also a rival for my affection.
The plot in this book just keeps taking twists that I could not have expected. This, for me, was one of the most important reasons that I loved it so much. Guess as you may, you will never have it all figured out until the last page.
Pacing is even throughout this story and there was never a time when I had the desire to skim over it or wish it would hurry up. In fact, when I reached the end, I felt saddened that I had to part with it and confused about what I should move onto next. Sometimes it is very difficult to find anything as good as what you just finished, and it may take me a while before I can find anything to compete with this.
If there is a book that I would consider a "you must read this book" novel in the last year, this is it. I am so happy to have found the writing of this author and am very much looking forward to future releases from her.
This review is based on a digital ARC from Netgalley.
*Sorry to the author and other readers that this review is so long, I had a surprising amount to say for trying not to say much:)*
November 26, 2014
This is a book that is fully capable of sucking you in from the moment you read the first page and start to learn about the characters. We start off with Serena, a young artist who takes on a job as a nanny to support herself, and learn about the eccentric family that she's working with - and the enigmatic Sebastian, who draws her attention from the start.
Then the story leaps back in time, to the 1800's - to Miranda, the young, meek and unassuming new bride of Tristan and Lucinda, two women who revolve around one man, Tristan Whitehouse. We also meet Lucinda - the beautiful, captivating neighbour who Miranda is sure she has to keep away from her husband.
If it sounds like the start of a typical romance, don't be fooled - there is much, much more to this book, and it's truly fascinating and dark, touching on a hint of horror and supernatural throughout the course of the book. The tone builds up steadily throughout the reading, as the reader starts to learn about the stain that taints both worlds - a touch of madness, all circling around a house that seemingly doesn't exist.
The writing throughout is incredibly descriptive, truly a delight to read - how can you not be delighted, with phrases like this?
"Outside thunder clouds had moved in, tinged blue and black like bruises punched into the sky."
This sort of description is sprinkled liberally throughout, but not so much that I found it purple-prosey, or too much - it just adds to the feeling of the book, lush and dark.
Altogether, this is a dark and haunting thriller that I really enjoyed.
Then the story leaps back in time, to the 1800's - to Miranda, the young, meek and unassuming new bride of Tristan and Lucinda, two women who revolve around one man, Tristan Whitehouse. We also meet Lucinda - the beautiful, captivating neighbour who Miranda is sure she has to keep away from her husband.
If it sounds like the start of a typical romance, don't be fooled - there is much, much more to this book, and it's truly fascinating and dark, touching on a hint of horror and supernatural throughout the course of the book. The tone builds up steadily throughout the reading, as the reader starts to learn about the stain that taints both worlds - a touch of madness, all circling around a house that seemingly doesn't exist.
The writing throughout is incredibly descriptive, truly a delight to read - how can you not be delighted, with phrases like this?
"Outside thunder clouds had moved in, tinged blue and black like bruises punched into the sky."
This sort of description is sprinkled liberally throughout, but not so much that I found it purple-prosey, or too much - it just adds to the feeling of the book, lush and dark.
Altogether, this is a dark and haunting thriller that I really enjoyed.
July 26, 2016
I received a copy of this book for free from the author, because I chose this as my prize in a goodreads group challenge.
Besides messaging the author my e-mail adress and confirming that I received my copy, I did not have any further interactions with her.
My rating and review reflects my honest opinion.
Novels set during the Victorian era fascinated me during my teenage years.
Clean in the romance department but with so much suspense and mystery, I never feared my reading choices to get censored by my parents.
But would such a book still be able to hold my interest as an adult?
Well, in this case there really was no need to worry.
Serena, orphaned at an early age and raised by her aunt, gets hired as a nanny for four year old Betty, the daughter of an it-girl of London's society.
At first she cannot believe her luck:
The old Victorian mansion at Marguerite Avenue 36 appeals to Serena's artistic senses and its eccentric inhabitants add to this allure.
But what happened with the building which should have been next door, house Nr.34 ? Why does every member of the Hartreve family tells her a different story?
Why do some members of this odd household never want her to leave her position, while the others behave rather hostile and warn her to better leave as soon as possible?
The mystery starts slowly to unravel with every second chapter of this book.
It adds the story of Miranda Whitestone, the owner of Marguerite Avenue 34 in 1892, bit by torturous bit.
Trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience, Miranda can only watch- like a bystander- when her husband decides to start an affair with Lucinda Eden, the owner of the neighbouring house.
Both stories, Serena's and Miranda's, are perfectly intertwined and as a reader I could not decide, which mystery I wanted to be lifted first.
So suspenseful were both!
I found Miranda's story and her as a character the more appealing one.
Although bland in appearance and with love completely missing from both childhood and marriage, she is portrayed as an incredible strong character. A character with so much love to give, a person always calm even at times of extreme circumstances; one can only admire her.
So yes!
Books set in this era still can entertain me and engage my interest.
Especially when they are so well written like this one!
I highly recommend this to everyone in search for something suspenseful and haunting to read.
Besides messaging the author my e-mail adress and confirming that I received my copy, I did not have any further interactions with her.
My rating and review reflects my honest opinion.
Novels set during the Victorian era fascinated me during my teenage years.
Clean in the romance department but with so much suspense and mystery, I never feared my reading choices to get censored by my parents.
But would such a book still be able to hold my interest as an adult?
Well, in this case there really was no need to worry.
Serena, orphaned at an early age and raised by her aunt, gets hired as a nanny for four year old Betty, the daughter of an it-girl of London's society.
At first she cannot believe her luck:
The old Victorian mansion at Marguerite Avenue 36 appeals to Serena's artistic senses and its eccentric inhabitants add to this allure.
But what happened with the building which should have been next door, house Nr.34 ? Why does every member of the Hartreve family tells her a different story?
Why do some members of this odd household never want her to leave her position, while the others behave rather hostile and warn her to better leave as soon as possible?
The mystery starts slowly to unravel with every second chapter of this book.
It adds the story of Miranda Whitestone, the owner of Marguerite Avenue 34 in 1892, bit by torturous bit.
Trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience, Miranda can only watch- like a bystander- when her husband decides to start an affair with Lucinda Eden, the owner of the neighbouring house.
Both stories, Serena's and Miranda's, are perfectly intertwined and as a reader I could not decide, which mystery I wanted to be lifted first.
So suspenseful were both!
I found Miranda's story and her as a character the more appealing one.
Although bland in appearance and with love completely missing from both childhood and marriage, she is portrayed as an incredible strong character. A character with so much love to give, a person always calm even at times of extreme circumstances; one can only admire her.
So yes!
Books set in this era still can entertain me and engage my interest.
Especially when they are so well written like this one!
I highly recommend this to everyone in search for something suspenseful and haunting to read.
September 29, 2014
This creepy little mystery maintains almost all of the grand traditions of the Victorian gothic ghost story. It’s set in modern times, with a parallel tale harking back more than a century to an earlier era.
In the here-and-now, an eccentric wealthy family hire a troubled young woman to be a nanny / companion for the oddly precocious child of the household. No sooner does our heroine arrive at the tall townhouse in achingly fashionable Kensington, than weird things start occurring all around…
If this had been written with a heavier hand then it could so easily have lapsed into pastiche or parody, but author Stephanie Elmas plays it damn-near perfectly. The creaking, dusty, dank old houses are full of peculiar paintings, hidden chambers and confusing corridors. The extended family members are by turns beguiling and ominous. And the two stories reflect and tangle their paired narratives together until they unmistakably become one tale; of misery, mystery, corruption, insanity and the supernatural.
There's more thoughts on the plot and characters over at:
http://murdermayhemandmore.wordpress....
TRB get a lot of coverage as ‘historical Victorian romance’. That label probably would have stopped me reading it, but happily I downloaded it without noticing that I’d somehow been suckered into reading a ‘romance’!
It's a very satisfying tale, one which concluded neatly and tied up an intense knot of relationships and dangling threads.
8/10
In the here-and-now, an eccentric wealthy family hire a troubled young woman to be a nanny / companion for the oddly precocious child of the household. No sooner does our heroine arrive at the tall townhouse in achingly fashionable Kensington, than weird things start occurring all around…
If this had been written with a heavier hand then it could so easily have lapsed into pastiche or parody, but author Stephanie Elmas plays it damn-near perfectly. The creaking, dusty, dank old houses are full of peculiar paintings, hidden chambers and confusing corridors. The extended family members are by turns beguiling and ominous. And the two stories reflect and tangle their paired narratives together until they unmistakably become one tale; of misery, mystery, corruption, insanity and the supernatural.
There's more thoughts on the plot and characters over at:
http://murdermayhemandmore.wordpress....
TRB get a lot of coverage as ‘historical Victorian romance’. That label probably would have stopped me reading it, but happily I downloaded it without noticing that I’d somehow been suckered into reading a ‘romance’!
It's a very satisfying tale, one which concluded neatly and tied up an intense knot of relationships and dangling threads.
8/10
October 9, 2013
The Room Beyond is about Serena, a young woman who is hired to be a nanny for the eccentric and odd Hartreve family. The Hargreves live in an old rambling house in modern day London, and have a precocious 4 year old granddaughter named Beth, who Serena is hired to take care of. Serena quickly comes to realize that the family is strange, and hiding many secrets.
Also told at the same time is the story of Miranda, a young married woman who lived in the house next door to the Hartreve house in the late 1800s. Both stories are told simultaneously, in alternating chapters. Both stories are interconnected in ways that become obvious as the book goes on.
I liked this book. The characters are fascinating, especially the members of the Hartreve family. The setting is gothic-like, a bit creepy; and parts of the book are almost scary (which I liked--it made great reading for October!). There's also a bit of romance and drama thrown in; just enough to make it interesting but not so much that the story gets syrupy-sweet.
I really liked how the author didn't reveal all the big secrets at once, and kept me guessing until almost the end. I had one plot twist already figured out by the time I read it, but a few other twists were unexpected. There are several different secrets/mysterious that pop up through out the book, and I burned through this book in two days to see how it would all end.
Also told at the same time is the story of Miranda, a young married woman who lived in the house next door to the Hartreve house in the late 1800s. Both stories are told simultaneously, in alternating chapters. Both stories are interconnected in ways that become obvious as the book goes on.
I liked this book. The characters are fascinating, especially the members of the Hartreve family. The setting is gothic-like, a bit creepy; and parts of the book are almost scary (which I liked--it made great reading for October!). There's also a bit of romance and drama thrown in; just enough to make it interesting but not so much that the story gets syrupy-sweet.
I really liked how the author didn't reveal all the big secrets at once, and kept me guessing until almost the end. I had one plot twist already figured out by the time I read it, but a few other twists were unexpected. There are several different secrets/mysterious that pop up through out the book, and I burned through this book in two days to see how it would all end.
November 28, 2013
According to her website, Stephanie has a love of the dark dangerous world of Victorian sensation writing and that love comes across strongly in her first book, The Room Beyond. Part suspense, part ghost story and set in both Victorian and present day London the book is full of mysteries, which like any good ghost story aren’t all explained or resolved until the very end.
Stephanie has woven an intriguing set of very dysfunctional and not altogether likeable characters (for reasons which become clear as you read about their various motivations) into her story which revolves around the linking of past events to the present day.
Three women dominate the story line, Serena in the present day, Miranda and Lucinda in the past and it is in their ‘relationships’ that the story really comes alive. It is not an obvious ghost story as it contains a glorious set of different story lines involving romance, horror and even madness, each of which might have been sufficient in itself. But it does reach a very satisfying conclusion which results in Serena who, although naive, is nicest of all the participants escaping much wiser than she was when she started. This could be the ideal read for those who love a Christmas ghost story.
Stephanie has woven an intriguing set of very dysfunctional and not altogether likeable characters (for reasons which become clear as you read about their various motivations) into her story which revolves around the linking of past events to the present day.
Three women dominate the story line, Serena in the present day, Miranda and Lucinda in the past and it is in their ‘relationships’ that the story really comes alive. It is not an obvious ghost story as it contains a glorious set of different story lines involving romance, horror and even madness, each of which might have been sufficient in itself. But it does reach a very satisfying conclusion which results in Serena who, although naive, is nicest of all the participants escaping much wiser than she was when she started. This could be the ideal read for those who love a Christmas ghost story.
March 19, 2015
First read 12/15-12/16/13 (review from first read)
Second read 3/15/15
This is an amazing book. Is this a debut? If so, I am very much impressed.
I'd put the category as supernatural fiction, possibly almost supernatural mystery, although the author herself says it is modeled after Victorian Gothic. Now, for Goodreads I only give five stars if either something in it makes me see the world a little differently, if I wished something in the world were a little more like the book, or if I just want to read it again and again and again. While this book is certainly a page turner and a "can't put it down until it's finished stay up all night" deal, it didn't quite meet that criteria. I certainly don't want my world to go mysterious and dreadful like a Gothic novel!
Even though it's not the type of book to read over and over, it is certainly a book to read once. Every other chapter is two separate stories that slowly weave into one (sometimes those are hard for me to follow, so I figured I'd prepare you). And even though the ending came as no particular surprise, I still wanted to read about it, because the world was so rich and delightful I wanted to explore every little nuance the author threw my way. Just a lovely little novel.
Second read 3/15/15
This is an amazing book. Is this a debut? If so, I am very much impressed.
I'd put the category as supernatural fiction, possibly almost supernatural mystery, although the author herself says it is modeled after Victorian Gothic. Now, for Goodreads I only give five stars if either something in it makes me see the world a little differently, if I wished something in the world were a little more like the book, or if I just want to read it again and again and again. While this book is certainly a page turner and a "can't put it down until it's finished stay up all night" deal, it didn't quite meet that criteria. I certainly don't want my world to go mysterious and dreadful like a Gothic novel!
Even though it's not the type of book to read over and over, it is certainly a book to read once. Every other chapter is two separate stories that slowly weave into one (sometimes those are hard for me to follow, so I figured I'd prepare you). And even though the ending came as no particular surprise, I still wanted to read about it, because the world was so rich and delightful I wanted to explore every little nuance the author threw my way. Just a lovely little novel.
February 4, 2016
Two stories in one cover...or is it two separate stories?
Serena takes a position as nanny for an unusual family, living in an old Victorian mansion at 36 Marguerite Avenue in London. She falls in love with the house and its inhabitants, who have all resided on the Avenue for generations. For her, she feels she has found a true home, having lived a difficult childhood. As time passes, she discovers the mysterious history of the family and the house itself.
In 1892, life on Marguerite Avenue goes on with Victorian style. A husband and wife reside at 34 Marguerite Avenue, living seperate lives, yet keeping up the pretense of a good marriage. At 36 Marguerite Avenue lives and unusual husband and wife, with ties to the theatre. The wife is glamourous and attractive to men. The result of this evening's activity is more than anyone could imagine.
The past and the present—how they parallel and interweave with each other will draw the reader in to a rich, eerie and suspenseful world. A world where things may not always be what they seem.
I stayed up till almost 4 a.m. reading this book. It kept me that interested and engaged.
Serena takes a position as nanny for an unusual family, living in an old Victorian mansion at 36 Marguerite Avenue in London. She falls in love with the house and its inhabitants, who have all resided on the Avenue for generations. For her, she feels she has found a true home, having lived a difficult childhood. As time passes, she discovers the mysterious history of the family and the house itself.
In 1892, life on Marguerite Avenue goes on with Victorian style. A husband and wife reside at 34 Marguerite Avenue, living seperate lives, yet keeping up the pretense of a good marriage. At 36 Marguerite Avenue lives and unusual husband and wife, with ties to the theatre. The wife is glamourous and attractive to men. The result of this evening's activity is more than anyone could imagine.
The past and the present—how they parallel and interweave with each other will draw the reader in to a rich, eerie and suspenseful world. A world where things may not always be what they seem.
I stayed up till almost 4 a.m. reading this book. It kept me that interested and engaged.
December 6, 2013
Stephanie Elmas beautifully divides her time between the present and the 1890s. The story becomes captivating from the very early pages as Serena approaches the Kensington residence of the Hartreve family. Her insight into the family’s relationships and history is wonderfully unfolded as the book reaches its peak.
Elmas moves the reader skillfully from the present to the Victorian age. From Miranda and Tristan Whitestone’s disastrous marriage, Tristan’s affair with the beautiful and exciting Lucinda Eden and all its consequences that carry into the 21st century.
I loved the larger than life character Walter Balanchine, an East End mystic who steps into the scene with all sorts of bottles and charms around his neck. He captures the gothic Victorian underbelly of the novel superbly.
The growing tension and the haunting love story that unfold make it hard to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed The Room Beyond and can’t wait to read what Elmas has in store for us next.
Elmas moves the reader skillfully from the present to the Victorian age. From Miranda and Tristan Whitestone’s disastrous marriage, Tristan’s affair with the beautiful and exciting Lucinda Eden and all its consequences that carry into the 21st century.
I loved the larger than life character Walter Balanchine, an East End mystic who steps into the scene with all sorts of bottles and charms around his neck. He captures the gothic Victorian underbelly of the novel superbly.
The growing tension and the haunting love story that unfold make it hard to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed The Room Beyond and can’t wait to read what Elmas has in store for us next.
October 23, 2013
Not my usual reading material but so close to Halloween I was in the mood for a ghost story. This did not disappoint!
It's the story that pulled me in rather than the characters, incredibly creepy and unsettling from the outset. The cast are fleshed out enough to serve the story but not so much that I felt a connection to any of them. They were all just strange enough to make me nervous and uncomfortable and to wonder about their motives and backstories. The lead role is really played by the house which is definitely imbued with sinister characteristics by the author, put me in mind of Christine by Stephen King in that respect.
The switching between past and present worked well for ratcheting up the tension and the period setting added to the whole foggy, sinister, London ambience. Not gory or terrifying but a good quality disturbing read.
It's the story that pulled me in rather than the characters, incredibly creepy and unsettling from the outset. The cast are fleshed out enough to serve the story but not so much that I felt a connection to any of them. They were all just strange enough to make me nervous and uncomfortable and to wonder about their motives and backstories. The lead role is really played by the house which is definitely imbued with sinister characteristics by the author, put me in mind of Christine by Stephen King in that respect.
The switching between past and present worked well for ratcheting up the tension and the period setting added to the whole foggy, sinister, London ambience. Not gory or terrifying but a good quality disturbing read.
October 12, 2013
I requested this book from Netgalley after seeing a post on twitter from the author.
I must admit that after reading all of the reviews for this novel, I must just be dense and unsophisticated. I was confused by chapter 4 and the plot, the romances, the stories unfolding in 1892 and present day just never really caught on for me. In fact, I still don't really 'get it'.
Though the book didn't really resonate with me, I did enjoy the dual time periods and slowly bringing the two stories together and twisting the past with the present. Elmas' characters are vibrant and full of mystery, each with their own secrets and stories. I found this novel to be well written with great pacing.... I just couldn't grab hold of the plot quickly enough to make this book truly enjoyable for me.
I must admit that after reading all of the reviews for this novel, I must just be dense and unsophisticated. I was confused by chapter 4 and the plot, the romances, the stories unfolding in 1892 and present day just never really caught on for me. In fact, I still don't really 'get it'.
Though the book didn't really resonate with me, I did enjoy the dual time periods and slowly bringing the two stories together and twisting the past with the present. Elmas' characters are vibrant and full of mystery, each with their own secrets and stories. I found this novel to be well written with great pacing.... I just couldn't grab hold of the plot quickly enough to make this book truly enjoyable for me.
September 7, 2014
When I read the blurb for this book, it should have been enough to put me off reading it because romance is not my favourite genre, but something drew me to purchase it, and I am so glad I did. This book captured me in much the same way as the heroine is captured and held me spellbound to the last word. The beautifully drawn characters came to life before my eyes, even those that, without spoiling, were wraiths in the story. Stephanie Elmas bridges time and space in a way that seems completely natural, there are no boundaries. This is no bodice-ripper. Not one bodice ripped in this articulate, well crafted brilliant work. It's a rare 5* from me.
March 17, 2015
I really do not get all the 4 star reviews of this book. The only reason that I even finished reading this book is because I am sort of OCD about finishing what I've started.
I can totally see how teenage girls hooked on badly written romance novels and the Twilight series might enjoy it, but this book drove me crazy from the start.
Serena is supposedly hired as a Nanny to a four year old girl whom she is never with because she is far too busy gushing over and bedding a ghost that she has fallen madly in love with about 5,4,3,2,...1 seconds after first meeting him? Give me a break.
Poorly written, poorly executed, totally lame story.
I can totally see how teenage girls hooked on badly written romance novels and the Twilight series might enjoy it, but this book drove me crazy from the start.
Serena is supposedly hired as a Nanny to a four year old girl whom she is never with because she is far too busy gushing over and bedding a ghost that she has fallen madly in love with about 5,4,3,2,...1 seconds after first meeting him? Give me a break.
Poorly written, poorly executed, totally lame story.
February 10, 2014
I really loved this book. I stayed up until 4am reading it. It's very well written, with an interesting plot that kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what what was going to happen next. The atmosphere was very gothic in nature with the feeling that a disaster of some kind was just around the corner. Throw in a very sympathetic heroine and a surprising plot twist and you have a winner.
February 27, 2014
This book is two stories interwoven - one in the present and one in the late 1800s but both set around the same house. By the end it is quite eerie and there is a strong sense of ghosts. I enjoyed it but I was expecting to enjoy it more since the ratings for it seemed high.
April 30, 2015
A really intriguing concept that pans out into a page turning and exciting story. I was desperate to unravel the mystery of the characters and their residence. Look forward to more from this promising author.
November 7, 2013
I could not "get" this book. It started great, but then I was lost among the so many characters and very ambiguous atmosphere of the book. Disappointing.
June 7, 2016
Had me hooked, many a late night reading. Personally getting tired of the back and forth- past present books, but the author did a good job overall. The ending was a bit confusing.. Eva, Seb??
March 13, 2015
4.5
I had trouble putting it down. I found it fascinating and atmospheric and well-written.
I had trouble putting it down. I found it fascinating and atmospheric and well-written.
November 12, 2013
Dieses Buch habe ich als Rezensionsexemplar von Netgalley bekommen und ich bin so froh, dass ich dadurch die Möglichkeit bekommen habe, es zu lesen. Denn es war ein ganz wundervolles Buch, das sonst wahrscheinlich vollkommen an mir vorbeigegangen wäre. Gerne möchte ich meine Begeisterung für dieses Buch mit euch teilen.
Worum geht es?
Serena ist froh darüber, dass sie die Stelle als Kindermädchen bei der Familie Hartreve in London bekommen hat und auch noch in dem alten Herrenhaus, das schon lange in Familienbesitz ist, wohnen darf. Das vierjährige Mädchen Beth, auf das sie nun aufpassen soll, scheint sehr lieb zu sein und Serena ist sich sicher, dass die beiden gut miteinander auskommen werden. Aber gleichzeitig ist Beth ein wenig merkwürdig: Sie behauptet, nachts das Weinen einer Frau zu hören. Und sie darf sich nie zu weit von ihrem Zuhause entfernen, sonst bekommt sie fürchterliche Kopfschmerzen.
Ebenso wie seine Bewohner übt auch das alte Herrenhaus sofort eine gewisse Faszination und Anziehung auf Serena aus. Besonders merkwürdig ist die Nummerierung der Häuser in der Marguerite Avenue. Während Serenas neues Zuhause die Nummer 36 trägt, trägt das Haus nebenan die Nummer 32. Eine Nummer 34 scheint es nicht zu geben. Auf Nachfragen diesbezüglich erhält Serena ausweichende und dazu widersprüchliche Antworten.
Und überhaupt sind die Bewohner des alten Herrenhaus ebenso unheimlich wie das Haus selbst. Jeder scheint ein Geheimnis zu verbergen. Und irgendwie schafft es jeder in diesem Haus, sich völlig lautlos zu bewegen, um dann völlig überraschend neben, vor oder hinter Serena aufzutauchen.
In einem zweiten Handlungsstrang reist der Leser in das Jahr 1892 zurück und lernt dort sowohl die damaligen Bewohner von Marguerite Avenue Nummer 36 als auch die damaligen Bewohner von Marguerite Avenue Nummer 34 kennen. Denn ein Haus mit dieser Nummer gab es damals...
Meine Bewertung
„The Room Beyond“ hat mich von der ersten Seite an begeistert, denn es liegt eine ganz eigentümliche und irgendwie auch unheimliche Atmosphäre über diesem Buch, die direkt einen ganz besonderen Sog ausübt. Ebenso wie Serena ist man als Leser sofort fasziniert von dem alten Herrenhaus in der Marguerite Avenue 36 und seinen Bewohnern. Hier scheint etwas in den dunklen Schatten zu lauern, ein Geheimnis, das nicht aufgedeckt werden darf. Oder nicht aufgedeckt werden will. Zwar wird Serena freundlich von der Familie Hartreve empfangen, doch scheint sich die Stimmung irgendwann zu ändern. Plötzlich wird Serena als Bedrohung aufgefasst. Immer wieder wird ihr gesagt, sie solle das Herrenhaus lieber verlassen. Aber zum Glück ist Serena mutig genug, um zu bleiben, denn schließlich will nicht nur sie wissen, was die Familie Hartreve zu verbergen hat, sondern auch der Leser. Und so begibt man sich zusammen mit der Ich-Erzählerin Serena auf Spurensuche, taucht ein in das Leben der Bewohner von Marguerite Avenue 36, erkundet düstere Gänge und Flure und beschäftigt sich dabei intensiv, aber irgendwie auch unbewusst, mit übernatürlichen Dingen. Aber hierzu verrate ich an dieser Stelle nicht mehr. Da müsst ihr das Buch schon selbst lesen. ;-)
Mit jedem Kapitel springt die Handlung zwischen der Gegenwart und dem Jahr 1892. Auch dieser Handlungsstrang ist faszinierend und überzeugt mit seinen besonderen Charakteren. Hier nimmt ein großes Unglück seinen Lauf, dessen Folgen bis in die Gegenwart reichen. Dieser Handlungsstrang erzählt von einer unglücklichen Ehe, der Sehnsucht eines Mannes, einer erdrückenden und tödlichen Liebe. Aber auch hierzu sage ich an dieser Stelle nicht mehr. ;-) Die Sprünge sind übrigens nicht zu häufig, sondern die Kapitel haben alle eine angenehme Länge, sodass man sich immer wieder an die neue Zeitebene gewöhnen und sich orientieren kann. Auch verwirren die Zeitsprünge überhaupt nicht, da jeweils in der Kapitelüberschrift angegeben ist, wo bzw. wann die Handlung gerade spielt.
Was dieses Buch so besonders macht, ist nicht nur die toll konstruierte Handlung, die Gegenwart und Vergangenheit so ausgetüftelt verbindet. Sondern es sind vor allem die Charaktere, die von der ersten Begegnung mit dem Leser an einfach nur überaus authentisch und so interessant gezeichnet sind. Jede Figur spielt ihre eigene Rolle, die sich in das Gesamtgefüge einprägt. Jeder Charakter ist so herausstehend gezeichnet, das man gar nicht zwischen Haupt- und Nebenfigur unterscheiden kann. Und dazu ist es eben auch einfach die Tatsache, dass man während des Lesens nie so richtig weiß, was in diesem Buch real ist und was nicht. Bildet sich Serena manche Dinge nur ein? Interpretiert sie zu viel in manche Ereignisse hinein?
„The Room Beyond“ wird durchweg von einer ganz besonderen Spannung beherrscht. Es gab für mich nur wenige Szenen, in denen die Spannung etwas nachgelassen hat. Das waren einige wenige Momente, in denen mir das alltägliche Leben in dem alten Herrenhaus etwas zu detailliert beschrieben wurde. Aber das fällt in meiner Gesamtbewertung nur sehr wenig ins Gewicht. Besonders fasziniert hat mich einfach diese besondere und vor allem unheimliche Stimmung. Ich musste beim Lesen des Buches öfters an „Der ungeladene Gast“ von Sadie Jones denken, das inhaltlich zwar anders ist, aber ebenfalls von einer so gruseligen Stimmung beherrscht wird.
Mein Fazit
„The Room Beyond“ ist eine gelungene Mischung aus Geistergeschichte, Familiengeschichte, Drama und Roman. Wer sich gerne mit der Geschichte alter Häuser und ihrer Bewohner beschäftigt, sollte dieses Buch lesen.
PS
In ihrem Nachwort verrät Stephanie Elmas, das sie bereits an einem weiteren Roman arbeitet, der die Geschichte eines Charakters aus „The Room Beyond“ erzählt.
SAY IT IN ENGLISH
„The Room Beyond“ elated me from the very beginning because it is fixed to a very special and somehow creepy atmosphere, that made me unable to put the book down before having finished it.
Like the first-person narrator, Serena, I was fascinated by the old manor of number 36, Marguerite Avenue and its inhabitants. Something seems to lurk there in the shadows. A secret, that must not be revealed. Or does not want to be revealed.
Although Serena gets welcomed kind of friendly at first, the mood changes eventually. Suddenly Serena appears to be a thread and regularly she gets told to leave the house. But luckily Serena is a tough woman and stays where she is. So together with her the reader gets more and more addicted to the lives in number 36, Marguerite Avenue and the house itself. Together with Serena the reader explores dark hallways and corridors. And while doing so, rather unconsciously the reader and also Serena bothers with weird and rather miraculous things.
From chapter to chapter the plot switches between present and past. The strand taking place in the past ist as fascinating as the one taking place in the present and convinces with its outstanding characters. A big disaster took its course one century ago and its aftermaths reach up to the present time. This strand reports of an unhappy marriage, the desires of a man, a bone-crushing and deadly love.
What makes this book so special is a mixture of a greatly designed plot and extremely authentic and interesting plotted characters that get likeable or dislikable from the moment they get to meet the reader for the first time. Every single character plays its role and they cannot be divided into main character and minor character as every character is so outstanding and important for the whole plot.
Throughout the whole book there is a very special tension, that ties the reader to the book. There were just a few moments when the art of suspence dropped down a bit. These were moments when the daily life in number 36, Marguerite Avenue got describet a little bit to detailed. But that does not preponderate, considering my evaluation of the book.
Worum geht es?
Serena ist froh darüber, dass sie die Stelle als Kindermädchen bei der Familie Hartreve in London bekommen hat und auch noch in dem alten Herrenhaus, das schon lange in Familienbesitz ist, wohnen darf. Das vierjährige Mädchen Beth, auf das sie nun aufpassen soll, scheint sehr lieb zu sein und Serena ist sich sicher, dass die beiden gut miteinander auskommen werden. Aber gleichzeitig ist Beth ein wenig merkwürdig: Sie behauptet, nachts das Weinen einer Frau zu hören. Und sie darf sich nie zu weit von ihrem Zuhause entfernen, sonst bekommt sie fürchterliche Kopfschmerzen.
Ebenso wie seine Bewohner übt auch das alte Herrenhaus sofort eine gewisse Faszination und Anziehung auf Serena aus. Besonders merkwürdig ist die Nummerierung der Häuser in der Marguerite Avenue. Während Serenas neues Zuhause die Nummer 36 trägt, trägt das Haus nebenan die Nummer 32. Eine Nummer 34 scheint es nicht zu geben. Auf Nachfragen diesbezüglich erhält Serena ausweichende und dazu widersprüchliche Antworten.
Und überhaupt sind die Bewohner des alten Herrenhaus ebenso unheimlich wie das Haus selbst. Jeder scheint ein Geheimnis zu verbergen. Und irgendwie schafft es jeder in diesem Haus, sich völlig lautlos zu bewegen, um dann völlig überraschend neben, vor oder hinter Serena aufzutauchen.
In einem zweiten Handlungsstrang reist der Leser in das Jahr 1892 zurück und lernt dort sowohl die damaligen Bewohner von Marguerite Avenue Nummer 36 als auch die damaligen Bewohner von Marguerite Avenue Nummer 34 kennen. Denn ein Haus mit dieser Nummer gab es damals...
Meine Bewertung
„The Room Beyond“ hat mich von der ersten Seite an begeistert, denn es liegt eine ganz eigentümliche und irgendwie auch unheimliche Atmosphäre über diesem Buch, die direkt einen ganz besonderen Sog ausübt. Ebenso wie Serena ist man als Leser sofort fasziniert von dem alten Herrenhaus in der Marguerite Avenue 36 und seinen Bewohnern. Hier scheint etwas in den dunklen Schatten zu lauern, ein Geheimnis, das nicht aufgedeckt werden darf. Oder nicht aufgedeckt werden will. Zwar wird Serena freundlich von der Familie Hartreve empfangen, doch scheint sich die Stimmung irgendwann zu ändern. Plötzlich wird Serena als Bedrohung aufgefasst. Immer wieder wird ihr gesagt, sie solle das Herrenhaus lieber verlassen. Aber zum Glück ist Serena mutig genug, um zu bleiben, denn schließlich will nicht nur sie wissen, was die Familie Hartreve zu verbergen hat, sondern auch der Leser. Und so begibt man sich zusammen mit der Ich-Erzählerin Serena auf Spurensuche, taucht ein in das Leben der Bewohner von Marguerite Avenue 36, erkundet düstere Gänge und Flure und beschäftigt sich dabei intensiv, aber irgendwie auch unbewusst, mit übernatürlichen Dingen. Aber hierzu verrate ich an dieser Stelle nicht mehr. Da müsst ihr das Buch schon selbst lesen. ;-)
Mit jedem Kapitel springt die Handlung zwischen der Gegenwart und dem Jahr 1892. Auch dieser Handlungsstrang ist faszinierend und überzeugt mit seinen besonderen Charakteren. Hier nimmt ein großes Unglück seinen Lauf, dessen Folgen bis in die Gegenwart reichen. Dieser Handlungsstrang erzählt von einer unglücklichen Ehe, der Sehnsucht eines Mannes, einer erdrückenden und tödlichen Liebe. Aber auch hierzu sage ich an dieser Stelle nicht mehr. ;-) Die Sprünge sind übrigens nicht zu häufig, sondern die Kapitel haben alle eine angenehme Länge, sodass man sich immer wieder an die neue Zeitebene gewöhnen und sich orientieren kann. Auch verwirren die Zeitsprünge überhaupt nicht, da jeweils in der Kapitelüberschrift angegeben ist, wo bzw. wann die Handlung gerade spielt.
Was dieses Buch so besonders macht, ist nicht nur die toll konstruierte Handlung, die Gegenwart und Vergangenheit so ausgetüftelt verbindet. Sondern es sind vor allem die Charaktere, die von der ersten Begegnung mit dem Leser an einfach nur überaus authentisch und so interessant gezeichnet sind. Jede Figur spielt ihre eigene Rolle, die sich in das Gesamtgefüge einprägt. Jeder Charakter ist so herausstehend gezeichnet, das man gar nicht zwischen Haupt- und Nebenfigur unterscheiden kann. Und dazu ist es eben auch einfach die Tatsache, dass man während des Lesens nie so richtig weiß, was in diesem Buch real ist und was nicht. Bildet sich Serena manche Dinge nur ein? Interpretiert sie zu viel in manche Ereignisse hinein?
„The Room Beyond“ wird durchweg von einer ganz besonderen Spannung beherrscht. Es gab für mich nur wenige Szenen, in denen die Spannung etwas nachgelassen hat. Das waren einige wenige Momente, in denen mir das alltägliche Leben in dem alten Herrenhaus etwas zu detailliert beschrieben wurde. Aber das fällt in meiner Gesamtbewertung nur sehr wenig ins Gewicht. Besonders fasziniert hat mich einfach diese besondere und vor allem unheimliche Stimmung. Ich musste beim Lesen des Buches öfters an „Der ungeladene Gast“ von Sadie Jones denken, das inhaltlich zwar anders ist, aber ebenfalls von einer so gruseligen Stimmung beherrscht wird.
Mein Fazit
„The Room Beyond“ ist eine gelungene Mischung aus Geistergeschichte, Familiengeschichte, Drama und Roman. Wer sich gerne mit der Geschichte alter Häuser und ihrer Bewohner beschäftigt, sollte dieses Buch lesen.
PS
In ihrem Nachwort verrät Stephanie Elmas, das sie bereits an einem weiteren Roman arbeitet, der die Geschichte eines Charakters aus „The Room Beyond“ erzählt.
SAY IT IN ENGLISH
„The Room Beyond“ elated me from the very beginning because it is fixed to a very special and somehow creepy atmosphere, that made me unable to put the book down before having finished it.
Like the first-person narrator, Serena, I was fascinated by the old manor of number 36, Marguerite Avenue and its inhabitants. Something seems to lurk there in the shadows. A secret, that must not be revealed. Or does not want to be revealed.
Although Serena gets welcomed kind of friendly at first, the mood changes eventually. Suddenly Serena appears to be a thread and regularly she gets told to leave the house. But luckily Serena is a tough woman and stays where she is. So together with her the reader gets more and more addicted to the lives in number 36, Marguerite Avenue and the house itself. Together with Serena the reader explores dark hallways and corridors. And while doing so, rather unconsciously the reader and also Serena bothers with weird and rather miraculous things.
From chapter to chapter the plot switches between present and past. The strand taking place in the past ist as fascinating as the one taking place in the present and convinces with its outstanding characters. A big disaster took its course one century ago and its aftermaths reach up to the present time. This strand reports of an unhappy marriage, the desires of a man, a bone-crushing and deadly love.
What makes this book so special is a mixture of a greatly designed plot and extremely authentic and interesting plotted characters that get likeable or dislikable from the moment they get to meet the reader for the first time. Every single character plays its role and they cannot be divided into main character and minor character as every character is so outstanding and important for the whole plot.
Throughout the whole book there is a very special tension, that ties the reader to the book. There were just a few moments when the art of suspence dropped down a bit. These were moments when the daily life in number 36, Marguerite Avenue got describet a little bit to detailed. But that does not preponderate, considering my evaluation of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews