Illusions

by Charlotte Vale Allen

"Illusions" provides an in-depth exploration of the victim/captor relationship that is sympathetic to both parties, allowing readers to see the lengths to which grief can sometimes take people.

Genres: Fiction

289 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Charlotte Vale-Allen was born in Toronto and lived in England from 1961 to 1964 where she worked as a television actress and singer. She returned to Toronto briefly, performing as a singer and in cabaret revues until she emigrated to the United States in 1966.

Shortly after her marriage to Walter Allen in 1970 she began writing and sold her first novel Love Life in 1974. Prior to this book's publication she contracted to do a series of paperback originals for Warner Books, with the result that in 1976 three of her books appeared in print.

Her autobiography, the acclaimed Daddy's Girl, was actually the first book she wrote but in 1971 it was deemed too controversial by the editors who read it. It wasn't until 1980, after she'd gained success as a novelist, that the groundbreaking book was finally published.

One of Canada's most successful novelists, with over seven million copies sold of her 30+ novels, Ms. Allen's books have been published in all English-speaking countries, in Braille, and have been translated into more than 20 languages.

In her writing she tries to deal with issues confronting women, being informative while at the same time offering a measure of optimism. "My strongest ability as a writer is to make women real, to take you inside their heads and let you know how they feel, and to make you care about them."

A film buff and an amateur photographer, Allen enjoys foreign travel. She finds cooking and needlework therapeutic, and is a compulsive player of computer Solitaire. The mother of an adult daughter, since 1970 she has made her home in Connecticut.

Reviews

[Liz Estrada · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grief holds hand with Guilt in this novel as Leigh and Daniel try to move on with their lives after tragedy strikes each of them. I wanted to like this book more than I did but I couldn't get the feeling either character was genuine. As often happens the supporting characters stole the show. I have read several of Ms. Allen's novels and would not choose this as a favorite.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this one at all and stopped reading it.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I randomly picked from the library shelf. It has a dark plot. Leigh and Daniel are both in the depths of grief. One lost a stepson. One lost a wife. As fate has it they are seated next to each other on the plane. Neither wants to talk but eventually a word or two is uttered and just to avoid more conversation they begin to tell each other lies. They never intend to see each other again, but Daniel keeps thinking about her and starts to investigate and tries to find her. Based on lies and deceit their relationship spirals downward. It's a testament on the human condition and how grief can make you insane. Eventually you recognize the depths of your mental illness and start to heal. I can't stop thinking about this book. It was good. Messes with your mind a little.

[Cheryl Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie but a goodie. I love Charlotte Vale Allen's stories and writing.

[Rae · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't bother. I didn't finish reading this book because it's so dull and that's saying a lot because I almost NEVER give up on a book!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good twisty story, and I loved the ending. Makes you want to be careful who you start up random conversations with.

[Carmelita · Rating 3 out of 5]

not that interesting for me.........

[Beckey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Twisted weird just not something that many would like ... Slow in some sections...

[Diane Barriere · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely not her best book - very disappointing.