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The Frozen Lake
Fabulous family saga of secrets held through two generations, set against the atmospheric background of the Lake District at Christmas
The year of 1936 is drawing to a close. Winter grips Westmoreland and causes a rare phenomenon: the lakes freeze. For two local families, the Richardsons and the Grindleys, this will bring unexpected upheaval, as the frozen lake entices long-estranged siblings and children to return home for the holiday season.
Some are aware of what is happening in Europe; others don’t want to know. Everyone’s keen to put aside their troubles – money worries, love tangles, career problems, domestic rifts – and enjoy themselves skating while they can. But one visitor carries the seed of violence and not even the redoubtable matriarch of the Richardson clan can prevent the carefully buried secrets of the past from reappearing and transforming everything.
A compelling blend of family closeness and strife, dazzling passion and the dark influence of history, this is an enthralling read to curl up and savour.
The year of 1936 is drawing to a close. Winter grips Westmoreland and causes a rare phenomenon: the lakes freeze. For two local families, the Richardsons and the Grindleys, this will bring unexpected upheaval, as the frozen lake entices long-estranged siblings and children to return home for the holiday season.
Some are aware of what is happening in Europe; others don’t want to know. Everyone’s keen to put aside their troubles – money worries, love tangles, career problems, domestic rifts – and enjoy themselves skating while they can. But one visitor carries the seed of violence and not even the redoubtable matriarch of the Richardson clan can prevent the carefully buried secrets of the past from reappearing and transforming everything.
A compelling blend of family closeness and strife, dazzling passion and the dark influence of history, this is an enthralling read to curl up and savour.
496 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
353 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Edmondson
40 books351 followersBorn in Chile, and educated in Calcutta and London before going to Oxford University, Elizabeth Edmondson divided her time between the countryside north of Rome and the spires of Oxford. She was married to an art historian and had two children.
In Edmondson's words: "I write historical mysteries about love, marriage families and friendship, where the loyalties, feuds, secrets and betrayals of the past cast long shadows. I’m fascinated by characters who are quirky, mysterious, funny, unexpected and interesting and I want readers to share, as I do, in their joys and sorrows.
"My books are set in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties, at home and abroad. With dramatic and glamorous settings from icy lakes to Italian villas, from wintry Budapest to fashionable France, the landscapes are as powerful as the stories are complex. The tense realities of life mingle with supernatural elements : ghosts, prophetic dreams and voices from the past, but fun and humour also dance in and out of the light and darkness of the stories.
"My aim is to enthrall, delight and amuse readers as they are transported to a different era."
In Edmondson's words: "I write historical mysteries about love, marriage families and friendship, where the loyalties, feuds, secrets and betrayals of the past cast long shadows. I’m fascinated by characters who are quirky, mysterious, funny, unexpected and interesting and I want readers to share, as I do, in their joys and sorrows.
"My books are set in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties, at home and abroad. With dramatic and glamorous settings from icy lakes to Italian villas, from wintry Budapest to fashionable France, the landscapes are as powerful as the stories are complex. The tense realities of life mingle with supernatural elements : ghosts, prophetic dreams and voices from the past, but fun and humour also dance in and out of the light and darkness of the stories.
"My aim is to enthrall, delight and amuse readers as they are transported to a different era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
November 19, 2019
A story of two wealthy English families in Northern England of 1936.
I would categorize it as a mixture of historical novel and chick-lit with the mandatory family secret.
And I enjoyed this novel much more than expected.
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Eine Familiengeschichte aus dem Nordengland von 1936.
Kurz vor Beginn des zweiten Weltkriegs, im Bewußtsein des sich ausbreitenden Faschismus in Europa, versammeln sich zwei befreundete, wohlhabende Familien zur Weihnachtzeit auf ihren Familiensitzen in Westmoreland.
Wie üblich gibt es auch weniger angenehme Familienmitglieder und reichlich Auseinandersetzungen. Wir begegnen jedoch auch einigen skurrilen und sympathischen Charakteren sowie ein paar echten Bösewichten.
Der Roman beginnt eher gemächlich, nimmt dann aber Tempo auf und wird gegen Ende richtig spannend.
Der erste Teil des Romans gibt sehr gut Einblick in den Lebensstil der wohlhabenden Klasse der damaligen Zeit und vermittelt das Gefühl eines historischen Romans.
Im letzten Drittel aber wird es spannend, ein Familiengeheimnis wird aufgedeckt und die Bösen werden enttarnt. An dieser Stelle wurde es dann ziemlich schmonzettig, aber auf eine gute Art.
Die Autorin löst alle begonnenen Erzählstränge zu einem befriedigenden Ende auf, wodurch der Roman doch ein wenig in Richtung Trivialliteratur geht.
Dennoch fühlte ich mich wirklich gut unterhalten und vergebe 3,5 Sterne, die ich aufrunde.
I would categorize it as a mixture of historical novel and chick-lit with the mandatory family secret.
And I enjoyed this novel much more than expected.
--------------------------------------
Eine Familiengeschichte aus dem Nordengland von 1936.
Kurz vor Beginn des zweiten Weltkriegs, im Bewußtsein des sich ausbreitenden Faschismus in Europa, versammeln sich zwei befreundete, wohlhabende Familien zur Weihnachtzeit auf ihren Familiensitzen in Westmoreland.
Wie üblich gibt es auch weniger angenehme Familienmitglieder und reichlich Auseinandersetzungen. Wir begegnen jedoch auch einigen skurrilen und sympathischen Charakteren sowie ein paar echten Bösewichten.
Der Roman beginnt eher gemächlich, nimmt dann aber Tempo auf und wird gegen Ende richtig spannend.
Der erste Teil des Romans gibt sehr gut Einblick in den Lebensstil der wohlhabenden Klasse der damaligen Zeit und vermittelt das Gefühl eines historischen Romans.
Im letzten Drittel aber wird es spannend, ein Familiengeheimnis wird aufgedeckt und die Bösen werden enttarnt. An dieser Stelle wurde es dann ziemlich schmonzettig, aber auf eine gute Art.
Die Autorin löst alle begonnenen Erzählstränge zu einem befriedigenden Ende auf, wodurch der Roman doch ein wenig in Richtung Trivialliteratur geht.
Dennoch fühlte ich mich wirklich gut unterhalten und vergebe 3,5 Sterne, die ich aufrunde.
February 8, 2020
“Las personas con las que creciste fueron las personas que te enseñaron cómo eran los seres humanos. Nunca conociste a nadie mejor que a tu familia. Todos los demás con los que viviste llegaron con la sensibilidad, la mente y las emociones de un adulto. Y defensas. Lo que no era lo mismo.”
“Cuando el lago se hiela” es una novela coral ambientada al norte de Inglaterra en el año 1936, cuando días previos a Navidad, una ola de frío hace que el lago de Westmoreland se congele. Diferentes personas, viajan a la región con la intención de patinar y pasar unos días de vacaciones, e inmerso en este paisaje nos encontramos dos familias influyentes de la región, que serán las protagonistas de los sucesos que transcurren durante esos días: los Richardson y los Grindley.
La historia gira alrededor de Alix Richardson, quien se empeña en desentrañar viejos secretos familiares. En su empeño se descubren muchas cosas oscuras que han hecho familiares cercanos a ella y que deshonran a la familia.
Si bien el personaje de Alix es la que lleva el hilo conductor de la historia, una multitud de personajes gravitan a su alrededor, ya sean los del pasado como los que han viajado a Westmoreland. Al principio cuesta un poco ubicarlos entre los lazos familiares y los acontecimientos, recordar quien era hijo de quien. Una vez situada, la historia y los misterios de la familia Richardson te atrapan hasta llegar al final.
En la novela también encontramos descripciones de la sociedad de la época, a principios del siglo XX, al poder ejercido por las familias, un honor que debe ser salvado ante todo. Adicionalmente, se hace referencia a la guerra, haciéndola entretenida porque proporciona datos concretos y reales, realzando la labora documental de la autora.
El final me resultó un poco complicado, creo que le faltan páginas para cerrarla con broche de oro.
En líneas generales, es una novela sencilla, con personajes muy fuertes y bastante entretenida, para disfrutar de un buen rato junto a un café!
Nota: Esta novela tiene un detalle curioso, y es que la autora se inspiró en una foto de una excéntrica tía caminando por el hielo y en viejos recuerdos familiares.
100% recomendado.
“Cuando el lago se hiela” es una novela coral ambientada al norte de Inglaterra en el año 1936, cuando días previos a Navidad, una ola de frío hace que el lago de Westmoreland se congele. Diferentes personas, viajan a la región con la intención de patinar y pasar unos días de vacaciones, e inmerso en este paisaje nos encontramos dos familias influyentes de la región, que serán las protagonistas de los sucesos que transcurren durante esos días: los Richardson y los Grindley.
La historia gira alrededor de Alix Richardson, quien se empeña en desentrañar viejos secretos familiares. En su empeño se descubren muchas cosas oscuras que han hecho familiares cercanos a ella y que deshonran a la familia.
Si bien el personaje de Alix es la que lleva el hilo conductor de la historia, una multitud de personajes gravitan a su alrededor, ya sean los del pasado como los que han viajado a Westmoreland. Al principio cuesta un poco ubicarlos entre los lazos familiares y los acontecimientos, recordar quien era hijo de quien. Una vez situada, la historia y los misterios de la familia Richardson te atrapan hasta llegar al final.
En la novela también encontramos descripciones de la sociedad de la época, a principios del siglo XX, al poder ejercido por las familias, un honor que debe ser salvado ante todo. Adicionalmente, se hace referencia a la guerra, haciéndola entretenida porque proporciona datos concretos y reales, realzando la labora documental de la autora.
El final me resultó un poco complicado, creo que le faltan páginas para cerrarla con broche de oro.
En líneas generales, es una novela sencilla, con personajes muy fuertes y bastante entretenida, para disfrutar de un buen rato junto a un café!
Nota: Esta novela tiene un detalle curioso, y es que la autora se inspiró en una foto de una excéntrica tía caminando por el hielo y en viejos recuerdos familiares.
100% recomendado.
December 7, 2016
The Frozen Lake by Elizabeth Edmondson sounded quaint, cozy, and full of intrigue. But does it deliver? The novel is set at the end of 1936 in northern England. It features two upper-crust families, long-kept secrets, and a world on the brink of war. What could be more mysterious than that?
Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in this overly long saga. It read more like a prudish soap opera than an engaging tale of suspense. There were so many characters that I could hardly keep track of them all, and most of them were unlikable. Those who may have been agreeable or admirable are bullied, either by the despicable matriarch Grandmama or by the Blackshirts, who are followers of the fascist Oscar Mosley. In addition, Hitler is beginning to make noise.
Mrs. Richardson, the grandmother, rules her family with an iron fist. Like a puppet mistress, she pulls the strings that get her children and grandchildren to do her bidding or experience her wrath. It’s amazing that any of them choose to return to the estate for the Christmas holiday. But the frozen lake calls to them!
The last time the lake was frozen solid was sixteen years prior, and that is significant. Over and over, that fact is mentioned. Each character in the book is there, it seems, to skate. The mystery is revealed far too slowly. It wasn’t until I was about three-quarters of the way through the book that the pieces added up to any kind of cohesive mystery. However, once that happened, my chilly feelings about the story began to thaw just a little. I managed to solve most of it before the secrets were revealed. I was quite relieved to reach the conclusion of The Frozen Lake. The last 25% saves me from giving it only 2 stars.
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in this overly long saga. It read more like a prudish soap opera than an engaging tale of suspense. There were so many characters that I could hardly keep track of them all, and most of them were unlikable. Those who may have been agreeable or admirable are bullied, either by the despicable matriarch Grandmama or by the Blackshirts, who are followers of the fascist Oscar Mosley. In addition, Hitler is beginning to make noise.
Mrs. Richardson, the grandmother, rules her family with an iron fist. Like a puppet mistress, she pulls the strings that get her children and grandchildren to do her bidding or experience her wrath. It’s amazing that any of them choose to return to the estate for the Christmas holiday. But the frozen lake calls to them!
The last time the lake was frozen solid was sixteen years prior, and that is significant. Over and over, that fact is mentioned. Each character in the book is there, it seems, to skate. The mystery is revealed far too slowly. It wasn’t until I was about three-quarters of the way through the book that the pieces added up to any kind of cohesive mystery. However, once that happened, my chilly feelings about the story began to thaw just a little. I managed to solve most of it before the secrets were revealed. I was quite relieved to reach the conclusion of The Frozen Lake. The last 25% saves me from giving it only 2 stars.
2.5 stars
January 29, 2016
2.5 stars
I love a good juicy family saga and this certainly has drama and intrigue but it is somewhat superficial. There are a lot of characters so we only get snippets from each so perhaps this is why I felt so disconnected from them.
The audio version is very good and I think this increased my enjoyment as the different accents brought the book to life and it is super easy listening.
I love a good juicy family saga and this certainly has drama and intrigue but it is somewhat superficial. There are a lot of characters so we only get snippets from each so perhaps this is why I felt so disconnected from them.
The audio version is very good and I think this increased my enjoyment as the different accents brought the book to life and it is super easy listening.
October 20, 2018
I loved this story SO MUCH I would like to give it 6 out of 5 stars 😊
May 9, 2022
I had just finished Voyage of Innocence and saw that everyone here was talking about The Frozen Lake so I got it next. It was read by Nicolette McKenzie again, so superbly enjoyable.
The Frozen Lake is a family saga set on the Christmas of 1936, set around the Lake District at Westmorland which freezes, a rare phenomenon of itself.
Two local families, the Richardsons and the Grindleys, see the home-coming of siblings, some of them long-estranged. Complex dynamics ensue, passion, education, career, investments, betrayal, with one secret looming in the background which, just like history, awaits to repeat itself.
Hitler's Europe simmers in the background, colouring some of the events and characters involved.
A good read.
The Frozen Lake is a family saga set on the Christmas of 1936, set around the Lake District at Westmorland which freezes, a rare phenomenon of itself.
Two local families, the Richardsons and the Grindleys, see the home-coming of siblings, some of them long-estranged. Complex dynamics ensue, passion, education, career, investments, betrayal, with one secret looming in the background which, just like history, awaits to repeat itself.
Hitler's Europe simmers in the background, colouring some of the events and characters involved.
A good read.
Read
June 8, 2022DNF.
This is included with my Audible-subscription, and I have a feeling I know why I don’t have to pay for this. It feels contrived, the dialogue seems stilted, and I just couldn’t be bothered any longer. My life is too short for books without charm!
This is included with my Audible-subscription, and I have a feeling I know why I don’t have to pay for this. It feels contrived, the dialogue seems stilted, and I just couldn’t be bothered any longer. My life is too short for books without charm!
January 8, 2016
4 stars...
This is my first book to read by Elizabeth Edmondson, though I have purchased a few others. I look forward to reading those! This is under-titled "A Vintage Mystery" and is a series of sorts (not involving recurring characters though).
The Frozen Lake opens in 1936 in the Lake District of England. It starts a bit slowly as loads of characters get introduced in various locations. All have ties to this area from some part of their lives. The two main families, the Richardsons & the Grindleys, have homes in this area--Wyncrag & Grindley Hall respectively. There are many long held secrets & resentments but the allure of the first frozen lake in 16 years draws those who are estranged back home.
Each family has some dysfunctional matriarchs including the controlling and tyrannical grandmother Caroline Richardson and penny pinching stepmother Eve Grindley. The majority of the book is setting up and slowly giving hints at the secrets and mysteries. The reveals & resolutions happen fairly quickly at the end and are quite thorough.
Recommended to both vintage & British mystery readers. Great book to read in the winter when it's cold outside, by the fire and under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate! :)
This is my first book to read by Elizabeth Edmondson, though I have purchased a few others. I look forward to reading those! This is under-titled "A Vintage Mystery" and is a series of sorts (not involving recurring characters though).
The Frozen Lake opens in 1936 in the Lake District of England. It starts a bit slowly as loads of characters get introduced in various locations. All have ties to this area from some part of their lives. The two main families, the Richardsons & the Grindleys, have homes in this area--Wyncrag & Grindley Hall respectively. There are many long held secrets & resentments but the allure of the first frozen lake in 16 years draws those who are estranged back home.
Each family has some dysfunctional matriarchs including the controlling and tyrannical grandmother Caroline Richardson and penny pinching stepmother Eve Grindley. The majority of the book is setting up and slowly giving hints at the secrets and mysteries. The reveals & resolutions happen fairly quickly at the end and are quite thorough.
Recommended to both vintage & British mystery readers. Great book to read in the winter when it's cold outside, by the fire and under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate! :)
August 14, 2016
A Casa do Lago é um livro bastante intrigante em todo o seu enredo!
Retrata a história de uma família numa outra época, com costumes e cultura diferentes, marcados pela rigidez e pelo medo que a matriarca da família incute a todos.
Esta personagem é alvo do ódio de vários membros da família, mas apercebemo-nos que os seus comportamentos controladores têm um objetivo. É que só controlando todos com punho de ferro é que Caroline consegue guardar os seus terríveis segredos! E que segredos são esses... Segredos capazes de abalar e afetar a vida de todos, revelações capazes de alterar a perceção que todos têm da família Richardson.
Porém, todas as verdades vêm ao de cima perante a insistente necessidade de respostas, de desenterrar fantasmas do passado, mesmo que talvez tivesse sido melhor deixá-los adormecidos... Ou não! ;D
Recomendo a todos esta história de cenário natalício e invernoso, mas com escândalos fogosos, capazes de derreter o gelo de Caroline!
Gostei ;D
*1ª review no GR*
Retrata a história de uma família numa outra época, com costumes e cultura diferentes, marcados pela rigidez e pelo medo que a matriarca da família incute a todos.
Esta personagem é alvo do ódio de vários membros da família, mas apercebemo-nos que os seus comportamentos controladores têm um objetivo. É que só controlando todos com punho de ferro é que Caroline consegue guardar os seus terríveis segredos! E que segredos são esses... Segredos capazes de abalar e afetar a vida de todos, revelações capazes de alterar a perceção que todos têm da família Richardson.
Porém, todas as verdades vêm ao de cima perante a insistente necessidade de respostas, de desenterrar fantasmas do passado, mesmo que talvez tivesse sido melhor deixá-los adormecidos... Ou não! ;D
Recomendo a todos esta história de cenário natalício e invernoso, mas com escândalos fogosos, capazes de derreter o gelo de Caroline!
Gostei ;D
*1ª review no GR*
December 16, 2011
All I can say is READ THIS BOOK! It is my favorite read for 2011 and I loved each moment of this one. I hated for it to end. It is an exciting story about two wealthy families in England in the early 1930s. The threat of war hangs over the country but it is winter and the lake has frozen over so everyone flocks to the north to skate. When the estranged children return home, family secrets begin to come out. One secret will shock the family to its core and threaten their very survival.
March 26, 2018
Um livro amoroso cheio de segredos no seio familiar que faz o leitor não querer parar de ler
January 15, 2016
A bit confusing at times.
I really have enjoyed other Edmondson books and this one is not a disappointment. However, I really wish I had made a family tree or chart in the beginning because it is difficult to keep the characters straight. Seems she introduces some characters with little description and later you can't remember where they fit. With E-books it is really difficult to look back to other chapters to figure this out. My advice start making notes as the characters are introduced.
I really have enjoyed other Edmondson books and this one is not a disappointment. However, I really wish I had made a family tree or chart in the beginning because it is difficult to keep the characters straight. Seems she introduces some characters with little description and later you can't remember where they fit. With E-books it is really difficult to look back to other chapters to figure this out. My advice start making notes as the characters are introduced.
January 10, 2016
Great read
This is an absorbing mystery with loads of nasty family secrets to distract & horrify. In my opinion, Grandmama is a relative you pray you never encounter in your family or anyone else's!!
This is an absorbing mystery with loads of nasty family secrets to distract & horrify. In my opinion, Grandmama is a relative you pray you never encounter in your family or anyone else's!!
July 7, 2016
This book was long, and the plot developed slowly, but I didn't mind because the atmosphere was wonderful. Cold winter snowy weather in England in the 1930's over the christmas season. It all centres around two families in the area.
I listened to this on audio, and the narrator did a brilliant job.
I listened to this on audio, and the narrator did a brilliant job.
November 12, 2017
I've read quite a few Elizabeth Edmondson novels now, and I have to say this is my favorite. There are some issues other readers have had, one being the number of characters, and I have to agree I had a bit of a struggle to keep up with who was who, and could have done with a character list or a couple of family trees to help out in that department, but the characterization, on the other hand, and the characters themselves, held me spellbound. I had to know how this story turned out for those characters I became most attached to, and there were several of them.
It's 1936 in the Lake District of England. Two well-to-do families have lived across this lake from one another for generations, and have formed some bonds of friendship in the past, the latest between teenagers, and young adults. But there are some strained relationships too, some of the most strained between family members, parents and their children, grandparents and their children and grandchildren. A few villains fill out the character list, and it does seem at the start of the story to be quite a jar of pickles to sort out.
By the end of the story, which kept me intrigued and turning pages, even when I was a little confused, a couple of major mysteries were solved, and I came away quite satisfied, except for a desire to follow some of these characters into their future lives. This is not an action story, it's more a relationship story, and a pre-war story, because the threat of war is almost a character in itself here. I am grateful to have read this novel, which I suspect might be the late author's best work.
It's 1936 in the Lake District of England. Two well-to-do families have lived across this lake from one another for generations, and have formed some bonds of friendship in the past, the latest between teenagers, and young adults. But there are some strained relationships too, some of the most strained between family members, parents and their children, grandparents and their children and grandchildren. A few villains fill out the character list, and it does seem at the start of the story to be quite a jar of pickles to sort out.
By the end of the story, which kept me intrigued and turning pages, even when I was a little confused, a couple of major mysteries were solved, and I came away quite satisfied, except for a desire to follow some of these characters into their future lives. This is not an action story, it's more a relationship story, and a pre-war story, because the threat of war is almost a character in itself here. I am grateful to have read this novel, which I suspect might be the late author's best work.
April 21, 2012
Ganho num passatempo no blogue Chocolate para a alma :D
3 estrelinhas goodreads que correspondem ao muito bom no meu blogue :)
3 estrelinhas goodreads que correspondem ao muito bom no meu blogue :)
August 16, 2012
I was interested to read that the idea for the book came from a photograph that Elizabeth Edmondson had from the 1930s. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
February 9, 2018
okay here’s the thing. If I say “English murder mystery” and you are, like me, American, and you think “sure, that sounds interesting”, I would then suggest to you: watch Gosford Park. Then an episode of Poirot. Then an entire season of either Grantchester or Endeavor. Then Gosford Park, again. If you have watched all of these and still find yourself saying “yes I definitely want to experience one of these stories in book form”, then I would wholeheartedly recommend Elizabeth Edmondson to you.
But this book is not a neat and tidy story — it is slow and dense and twisty... and while the the ending was not a surprise, it also was not quite the big reveal I was hoping for.
I mean if you are going to tie things up with a bow I would really want the bow to be fluffy and the ribbons curly cued, ya know? Gah. In other words, for the amount of effort put into reading it, I wanted the extra sprinkles and cherry on my dessert not just the ice cream with a bit of caramel sauce.
I read it with my kindle unlimited. I’d endorse that or a library or even a used bookstore version, but not necessarily a full price brand new bookstore version.
Also: in order to get past the first 50 pages, I had to keep notes on all the characters and how they were related. This turned out to be a huge help as the plot went on and I’m very glad I went to the trouble.
But this book is not a neat and tidy story — it is slow and dense and twisty... and while the the ending was not a surprise, it also was not quite the big reveal I was hoping for.
I mean if you are going to tie things up with a bow I would really want the bow to be fluffy and the ribbons curly cued, ya know? Gah. In other words, for the amount of effort put into reading it, I wanted the extra sprinkles and cherry on my dessert not just the ice cream with a bit of caramel sauce.
I read it with my kindle unlimited. I’d endorse that or a library or even a used bookstore version, but not necessarily a full price brand new bookstore version.
Also: in order to get past the first 50 pages, I had to keep notes on all the characters and how they were related. This turned out to be a huge help as the plot went on and I’m very glad I went to the trouble.
April 30, 2012
Finalmente um livro semelhante ao que a autora me habituou com "Uma Villa em Itália". Adorei o livro, especialmente as últimas 250 páginas que tive mesmo de ler de seguida porque não dava para parar. O enredo assim o obrigou. Confesso que até meio do livro estava a achar que eram demasiadas personagens para a mesma história, mas depois melhorou e muito e o livro tornou-se viciante. E claro que todas aquelas personagens tiveram direito a longas descrições e histórias de vida, daí o livro até meio ser cansativo! Gosto da maneira como a autora esconde os segredos das famílias até dos leitores, de modo que nós, quando lemos, ficamos surpreendidos como se tivéssemos lá, a viver dentro do livro! A reviravolta é cheia. Não há uma, nem duas mas várias revelações. Algumas foram previsíveis, mas outras deixaram-me de boca aberta!
´
Obrigada à Rute pelo empréstimo!
´
Obrigada à Rute pelo empréstimo!
May 17, 2012
Uma história saborosa, para ser apreciada com calma.
Passada num dos mais catastróficos períodos da história mundial (pré-2ª Guerra Mundial), a vivência entre estas duas famílias suscita cada vez mais a curiosidade do leitor.
Embora no início tenha custado, com o desenrolar dos acontecimentos vamos-lhe tomando o gosto.
Que segredo esconde a matriarca da família Richardson?
O que aconteceu, no passado, à mãe e à irmã de Alix para que esta tente desvendar a verdade oculta?
Apreciei a forma de escrita da autora, algo que é bom de ler, assim como a rigidez que transparece em algumas das palavras que utiliza, a coragem que transmite às personagens, os medos que lhe incute.
Sem dúvida, um livro bastante bom de apreciar.
Passada num dos mais catastróficos períodos da história mundial (pré-2ª Guerra Mundial), a vivência entre estas duas famílias suscita cada vez mais a curiosidade do leitor.
Embora no início tenha custado, com o desenrolar dos acontecimentos vamos-lhe tomando o gosto.
Que segredo esconde a matriarca da família Richardson?
O que aconteceu, no passado, à mãe e à irmã de Alix para que esta tente desvendar a verdade oculta?
Apreciei a forma de escrita da autora, algo que é bom de ler, assim como a rigidez que transparece em algumas das palavras que utiliza, a coragem que transmite às personagens, os medos que lhe incute.
Sem dúvida, um livro bastante bom de apreciar.
March 3, 2015
Achei este livro interessante. Contudo, o final desiludiu-me, uma vez que a resolução da intriga era previsível a partir de metade do livro.
July 23, 2018
Uma saga familiar cheia de segredos enterrados. Um lago gelado, uma reunião familiar e as histórias a serem desenterradas. Um livro bem escrito que nos leva a desenlaçar uma teia de mentiras
April 16, 2013
In the first couple of chapters we are introduced to all the characters and you may think what do all these people have in common. But don't get me wrong it isn't slow or boring in the beginning and before you know it you cannot put the book down. For a book with so many characters each one was well fleshed out and necessary to the plot and you grew to have empathy for Jane, wanted to go to bat for Perdita and wondered if Sir Henry had a bsckbone. How I grew to dislike Caroline Richardson and hoped that I would see her punished for being such a horrid grandmother. Read it and see how all the threads lead to Wyncrag.
August 23, 2017
Another fascinating and entertaining book by Elizabeth Edmondson and another good example that you don't need brutality and murder for a good suspense novel. The history and. the secrets of two Northern families slowly reveal themselves. Some characters were a bit extreme for my taste, like the blatantly unfair stepmother Eve or the pigheaded fanatic Lady Richardson, but then again it was thoroughly enjoyable that all those disagreable people received their just desserts in the end.
February 7, 2016
I really enjoy this author. This is the third book of hers that I read and this is a stand alone but her writing of characters is great. They are books I enjoy reading and hate to finish. I look forward to choosing the next
February 25, 2015
Esta foi uma leitura difícil... o inicio foi massador e com demasiadas personagens que só me confundiam. mas como era uma leitura conjunta insisti e no fim acabou por surpreender e até gostei.
October 16, 2014
Another enjoyable mystery by this author, full of intrigue and excitement.
January 29, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded down
Set in England between the two World Wars, this book was a sweeping saga of two prominent families, their interactions with each other, and questions about the past. Given the town’s location in northern England, it was hard to believe the fascination with the idea of the lake freezing over, as it seems a relatively common occurrence on lakes further south.
There were so many characters in this book, and their relationships so tangled between the two primary families, their staffs, the residents of the town and the visitors, it was really hard to keep everything straight. Once I started to get a handle on it, the plot twists started up, which confused me all over again.
There were a few mysteries in the story, and I guessed the correct solution to a couple of them, but had no clue about the rest. It was good to see some of these characters get put in their place, and at the same time, see others be given a chance to start over.
Set in England between the two World Wars, this book was a sweeping saga of two prominent families, their interactions with each other, and questions about the past. Given the town’s location in northern England, it was hard to believe the fascination with the idea of the lake freezing over, as it seems a relatively common occurrence on lakes further south.
There were so many characters in this book, and their relationships so tangled between the two primary families, their staffs, the residents of the town and the visitors, it was really hard to keep everything straight. Once I started to get a handle on it, the plot twists started up, which confused me all over again.
There were a few mysteries in the story, and I guessed the correct solution to a couple of them, but had no clue about the rest. It was good to see some of these characters get put in their place, and at the same time, see others be given a chance to start over.
January 3, 2022
4.5
Reseña completa en Books FD
Cuando El Lago Se Hiela ha sido la primera novela que leo de la autora y me ha gustado el misterio que logra la lectura, incluso a pesar que al inicio se me dificultó al tener tantos personajes, es que están bien logrados. Una ambientación muy buena, que logra reflejar las “incomodidades” o falta de ellas en los años 30‘s, y ese frio literal es palpable. Buena lectura y recomendada!!!
Reseña completa en Books FD
Cuando El Lago Se Hiela ha sido la primera novela que leo de la autora y me ha gustado el misterio que logra la lectura, incluso a pesar que al inicio se me dificultó al tener tantos personajes, es que están bien logrados. Una ambientación muy buena, que logra reflejar las “incomodidades” o falta de ellas en los años 30‘s, y ese frio literal es palpable. Buena lectura y recomendada!!!
December 25, 2024
Una lectura perfecta para las vacaciones de Navidad. Ambientada en esa época del año, esta novela te atrapa por la cantidad de personajes y toda la historia que comparten, además del misterio familiar que no se resuelve hasta el final. Lo único que me ha faltado es un poco más de trama romántica de la protagonista, que solo se deja caer al final.
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