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Sargasso
An empty house, a lonely shore, an enigmatic, brooding man-child waiting for her return ... a trip to the dark lands of Australian Gothic, for readers of Kate Morton and Hannah Richell.
Last night I dreamt I went to Sargasso again ...
As a child, Hannah lived at Sargasso, the isolated beachside home designed by her father, a brilliant architect. A lonely, introverted child, she wanted no company but that of Flint, the enigmatic boy who no one else ever saw ... and who promised he would always look after her.
Hannah's idyllic childhood at Sargasso ended in tragedy, but now as an adult she is back to renovate the house, which she has inherited from her grandmother. Her boyfriend Tristan visits regularly but then, amid a series of uncanny incidents, Flint reappears ... and as his possessiveness grows, Hannah's hold on the world begins to lapse. What is real and what is imaginary, or from beyond the grave?
A mesmerising Australian novel that echoes the great Gothic stories of love and hate: Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and especially Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca.
Last night I dreamt I went to Sargasso again ...
As a child, Hannah lived at Sargasso, the isolated beachside home designed by her father, a brilliant architect. A lonely, introverted child, she wanted no company but that of Flint, the enigmatic boy who no one else ever saw ... and who promised he would always look after her.
Hannah's idyllic childhood at Sargasso ended in tragedy, but now as an adult she is back to renovate the house, which she has inherited from her grandmother. Her boyfriend Tristan visits regularly but then, amid a series of uncanny incidents, Flint reappears ... and as his possessiveness grows, Hannah's hold on the world begins to lapse. What is real and what is imaginary, or from beyond the grave?
A mesmerising Australian novel that echoes the great Gothic stories of love and hate: Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and especially Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca.
351 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2021
21 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Kathy George
9 books91 followersKathy George is an award-winning writer of short stories and fiction. She is the author of "Sargasso", "Estella" and "The Scent of Oranges". Kathy lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
January 27, 2021
Hannah was back at her old home, at Sargasso, the beachside house her father designed when she was seven years old. The old house nestled on the side of the cliff looked tired and worn – there had been tenants in it but now that her mother and father were both gone, it was her grandmother who had left Sargasso to Hannah after her recent death. Two hours from Melbourne and Hannah had taken three months compassionate leave from her job; her plan was to renovate the old house and decide what to do with it. Her boyfriend Tristan visited on the first weekend she was there, missing her and wanting her to return to Melbourne.
But Hannah had a visitor, and he was a blast from the past. When she had first arrived with her parents and sister, she met a boy a little older than her by the name of Flint. He was a withdrawn, private boy, but he and Hannah became good friends. She’d never been to his house – didn’t even know where it was, but now that she was an adult, when Flint turned up, she was astounded and ridiculously happy to see him again. As Flint spent more and more time with Hannah, she became obsessed with him, and his possessiveness soon overwhelmed her. What was happening to Hannah?
I don’t know quite what I was expecting, but this wasn’t it! Sargasso by Aussie author Kathy George is an intense, dark and deep novel which went from being ‘normal’ at around halfway, to strange and slightly weird. It wasn’t until I neared the ending that what I’d wondered was confirmed; the twist was a beauty. An intriguing, captivating and mysterious read, Sargasso is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But Hannah had a visitor, and he was a blast from the past. When she had first arrived with her parents and sister, she met a boy a little older than her by the name of Flint. He was a withdrawn, private boy, but he and Hannah became good friends. She’d never been to his house – didn’t even know where it was, but now that she was an adult, when Flint turned up, she was astounded and ridiculously happy to see him again. As Flint spent more and more time with Hannah, she became obsessed with him, and his possessiveness soon overwhelmed her. What was happening to Hannah?
I don’t know quite what I was expecting, but this wasn’t it! Sargasso by Aussie author Kathy George is an intense, dark and deep novel which went from being ‘normal’ at around halfway, to strange and slightly weird. It wasn’t until I neared the ending that what I’d wondered was confirmed; the twist was a beauty. An intriguing, captivating and mysterious read, Sargasso is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2021
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Sargasso by Kathy George is an enthralling modern Australian gothic page turner, I found it positively simmering with suspense and hauntingly addictive.
The story is told seamlessly between Hannah’s past and present.
Sargasso is actually the name of a house, an innovative home built by architect Henry Prenergast who also lived in the home with his daughter Hannah and the rest of his family. Sargasso is also a fancy name for kelp and an area of water in the the North Atlantic Ocean.
Hannah was seven years old and an introverted child when she first lived at the isolated beachside home Sargasso, situated on a clifftop overlooking the ocean . She didn’t want any friends except for one who she kept hidden from her family, his name was Flint but she didn’t really know much about him. Hannah would spend as much time as she could playing with Flint secretly.
Hannah’s childhood ended in tragedy and the family moved alway from Sargasso.
Present - Twenty years later Hannah returns to Sargasso now looking to renovate Sargasso which was looking worn and weathered. Sargasso had previously been tenanted and Hannah has inherited the house from her late beloved grandmother.
After some strange incidents at the house her childhood friend Flint appears, he’s now a grown man but complex and somewhat tortured. Hannah’s world begins to change and she pushes her boyfriend Tristan away.
Loved this book, it was such a captivating and atmospheric read.
I wish to thank NetGalley & Harlequin Australia for an advanced copy of the book to review
Sargasso by Kathy George is an enthralling modern Australian gothic page turner, I found it positively simmering with suspense and hauntingly addictive.
The story is told seamlessly between Hannah’s past and present.
Sargasso is actually the name of a house, an innovative home built by architect Henry Prenergast who also lived in the home with his daughter Hannah and the rest of his family. Sargasso is also a fancy name for kelp and an area of water in the the North Atlantic Ocean.
Hannah was seven years old and an introverted child when she first lived at the isolated beachside home Sargasso, situated on a clifftop overlooking the ocean . She didn’t want any friends except for one who she kept hidden from her family, his name was Flint but she didn’t really know much about him. Hannah would spend as much time as she could playing with Flint secretly.
Hannah’s childhood ended in tragedy and the family moved alway from Sargasso.
Present - Twenty years later Hannah returns to Sargasso now looking to renovate Sargasso which was looking worn and weathered. Sargasso had previously been tenanted and Hannah has inherited the house from her late beloved grandmother.
After some strange incidents at the house her childhood friend Flint appears, he’s now a grown man but complex and somewhat tortured. Hannah’s world begins to change and she pushes her boyfriend Tristan away.
Loved this book, it was such a captivating and atmospheric read.
I wish to thank NetGalley & Harlequin Australia for an advanced copy of the book to review
February 6, 2021
Kathy George's debut novel, Sargasso, is true Australian Gothic literature, recalling such classics as Rebecca, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and Agatha Christie's spooky standalone Endless Night.
After twenty years, Hannah Prendergast returns to "Sargasso", the cliffside house her father designed for the family, and where they lived up until his untimely death when she was twelve. She's been left the house by her beloved grandmother, who's recently died. The isolated Sargasso has been tenanted during the intervening years, and is badly in need of a spruce up, before Hannah decides whether to keep the house or sell. On leave from her job as an aged-care nurse, and in need of recuperation herself, Hannah moves into Sargasso, her Melbourne-based partner, Tristan, visiting on weekends.
The narrative shifts back and forth, between Hannah's childhood experiences at Sargasso and the present day. As a lonely but highly imaginative child who's grown into a troubled and anxious woman, she makes the perfect unreliable narrator. From the moment she arrives back at Sargasso, Hannah feels the mysterious pull the house has on her, but also the sense that the house is somehow alive. The more time she spends in and around the house, the more her memories of her childhood experiences in the house are piqued. She recalls her childhood friend, Flint - a boy with whom she shared an intense attachment between the ages of seven and twelve. When the now-adult Flint appears one day at Sargasso, she's thrilled to see him again.
But Flint remains an enigma, arriving at the house just as suddenly as he departs. And he's curiously possessive of Hannah, imploring her not to leave the house and disparaging any visitors who dare to interrupt their solitude. Their childish camaraderie begins to morph into an all-consuming adult passion. Inevitably, Hannah's relationship with Tristan deteriorates, as she feels torn between the two men. As Hannah gradually uncovers the truth behind her father's death and the nature of her own psychological relationship with the house, the atmosphere of spooky tension rises, the reader questions what (and who) is real, and what is the product of Hannah's fevered imagination?
Kathy George's dual-timeline narrative is well-paced and integrated, allowing the reader's insight into Hannah's personality and her complex relationship with Flint to gradually unfold over the course of the story. Supporting characters, including Hannah's partner Tristan, her older sister Kelly and several local personalities, anchor the story, providing a context for Hannah's more nebulous perspective.
The setting of Sargasso, a stunning but neglected structure in a spectacular but dangerous location, is wonderfully developed by George, very much in the tradition of Manderley (Rebecca), Bly (The Turn of the Screw) and Thornfield Hall (Jane Eyre). The house and its surrounds are central to the developing drama - there's a palpable sense of sadness, verging on menace, from the moment Hannah sets foot back inside the house.
Sargasso is an engrossing and, at times, spine-tingling read. Highly recommended for those who love slow-burn thrillers with plenty of gothic intrigue.
My thanks to the author, Kathy George, publisher Harlequin Australia, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
After twenty years, Hannah Prendergast returns to "Sargasso", the cliffside house her father designed for the family, and where they lived up until his untimely death when she was twelve. She's been left the house by her beloved grandmother, who's recently died. The isolated Sargasso has been tenanted during the intervening years, and is badly in need of a spruce up, before Hannah decides whether to keep the house or sell. On leave from her job as an aged-care nurse, and in need of recuperation herself, Hannah moves into Sargasso, her Melbourne-based partner, Tristan, visiting on weekends.
The narrative shifts back and forth, between Hannah's childhood experiences at Sargasso and the present day. As a lonely but highly imaginative child who's grown into a troubled and anxious woman, she makes the perfect unreliable narrator. From the moment she arrives back at Sargasso, Hannah feels the mysterious pull the house has on her, but also the sense that the house is somehow alive. The more time she spends in and around the house, the more her memories of her childhood experiences in the house are piqued. She recalls her childhood friend, Flint - a boy with whom she shared an intense attachment between the ages of seven and twelve. When the now-adult Flint appears one day at Sargasso, she's thrilled to see him again.
But Flint remains an enigma, arriving at the house just as suddenly as he departs. And he's curiously possessive of Hannah, imploring her not to leave the house and disparaging any visitors who dare to interrupt their solitude. Their childish camaraderie begins to morph into an all-consuming adult passion. Inevitably, Hannah's relationship with Tristan deteriorates, as she feels torn between the two men. As Hannah gradually uncovers the truth behind her father's death and the nature of her own psychological relationship with the house, the atmosphere of spooky tension rises, the reader questions what (and who) is real, and what is the product of Hannah's fevered imagination?
Kathy George's dual-timeline narrative is well-paced and integrated, allowing the reader's insight into Hannah's personality and her complex relationship with Flint to gradually unfold over the course of the story. Supporting characters, including Hannah's partner Tristan, her older sister Kelly and several local personalities, anchor the story, providing a context for Hannah's more nebulous perspective.
The setting of Sargasso, a stunning but neglected structure in a spectacular but dangerous location, is wonderfully developed by George, very much in the tradition of Manderley (Rebecca), Bly (The Turn of the Screw) and Thornfield Hall (Jane Eyre). The house and its surrounds are central to the developing drama - there's a palpable sense of sadness, verging on menace, from the moment Hannah sets foot back inside the house.
Sargasso is an engrossing and, at times, spine-tingling read. Highly recommended for those who love slow-burn thrillers with plenty of gothic intrigue.
My thanks to the author, Kathy George, publisher Harlequin Australia, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
February 17, 2021
Where do I start, what can I say? This is a compelling read, the author has pulled me in to this story, had me wondering and guessing as I tuned the pages and when I put it down it was on my mind. I loved the blurb when I read it and knew I wanted to read the book but it was nothing like I expected, although I am not sure what that was.
Hannah moved to Sargasso, a house her beloved father designed when she was five years old, a quiet child she was looking forward to living here she was in awe on arrival, she could almost feel it breathing almost as if the house had feelings of its own. It is not long before she meets a young boy named Flint and they become the best of friends, Hannah only wants to be with Flint and they do a lot of exploring, Flint is not very open about his life and no one else ever meets Flint but he promises that he will always look after her and Hannah learns not talk about him to anyone, she keeps him to herself.
After tragedy strikes the family, Hannah moves back to Melbourne and away from Sargasso and Flint, years pass by but Hannah never forgets Flint, she is happily working as a nurse and in a relationship with Tristan all is good but when her dear Gran passes away she is left Sargasso, not sure what she wants to do with the house she returns to spruce it up while she decides, and again she senses the aura of the house as she arrives just as she did when she first arrived all of those years ago, Tristan visits on the weekends but things are a little tense and then Flint arrives as a grown man and Hannah is lost to his overwhelming presence and realises that she has never stopped wanting to be with him, she is obsessed with him, as their relationship grows so too does Flints possessiveness and his jealousy and when there are a few strange occurrences Hannah starts to think about what is happening.
This is such a mystifying story for me, I didn’t know what was real at times and what was not, it was gripping and captivating and dark, I do know that it is a story that will stay with me for a long time to come, a story filled with secrets, tragedy and a deep, deep love that became obsessive and caused pain for some people, an emotional story. I was feeling lots of different emotions while reading this one Kathy George certainly wrote a story that I do highly recommend, the story is still churning around in my mind.
Thank you to Harlequin HQ Fiction for my copy to read and review
Hannah moved to Sargasso, a house her beloved father designed when she was five years old, a quiet child she was looking forward to living here she was in awe on arrival, she could almost feel it breathing almost as if the house had feelings of its own. It is not long before she meets a young boy named Flint and they become the best of friends, Hannah only wants to be with Flint and they do a lot of exploring, Flint is not very open about his life and no one else ever meets Flint but he promises that he will always look after her and Hannah learns not talk about him to anyone, she keeps him to herself.
After tragedy strikes the family, Hannah moves back to Melbourne and away from Sargasso and Flint, years pass by but Hannah never forgets Flint, she is happily working as a nurse and in a relationship with Tristan all is good but when her dear Gran passes away she is left Sargasso, not sure what she wants to do with the house she returns to spruce it up while she decides, and again she senses the aura of the house as she arrives just as she did when she first arrived all of those years ago, Tristan visits on the weekends but things are a little tense and then Flint arrives as a grown man and Hannah is lost to his overwhelming presence and realises that she has never stopped wanting to be with him, she is obsessed with him, as their relationship grows so too does Flints possessiveness and his jealousy and when there are a few strange occurrences Hannah starts to think about what is happening.
This is such a mystifying story for me, I didn’t know what was real at times and what was not, it was gripping and captivating and dark, I do know that it is a story that will stay with me for a long time to come, a story filled with secrets, tragedy and a deep, deep love that became obsessive and caused pain for some people, an emotional story. I was feeling lots of different emotions while reading this one Kathy George certainly wrote a story that I do highly recommend, the story is still churning around in my mind.
Thank you to Harlequin HQ Fiction for my copy to read and review
March 19, 2021
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Sargasso by Kathy George. (2021).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 February 2021**
As a child, Hannah lived at Sargasso, the isolated beachside home designed by her brilliant architect father. A lonely and introverted child, her only friend was Flint, an enigmatic boy who no one else every saw and who promised he would always look after her. Hannah's childhood ended in tragedy but she is back at Sargasso as an adult. Her boyfriend Tristan visits regularly but then, amid a series of uncanny incidents, Flint reappears...and as his possessiveness grows, Hannah's hold on the world begins to lapse. What is real and what is imaginary, or from beyond the grave?
Well well well. What a read! I honestly spent the entire book wondering if Flint was a real person or completely in Hannah's imagination, and I kept changing my mind as to the answer to that. Never fear, no spoilers here, I'll never tell the answer haha. The back blurb states this is a "novel that echoes great Gothic stories of love and hate: Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and especially Rebecca". I've not read any of these (oh the shame, the shame!), so I can't compare but from what I've heard of those books it's an accurate description. Hannah and Flint's relationship is intense: Flint is obsessive and possessive and Hannah just wants him to be around all the time and struggles to cope whenever he disappears for awhile. Meanwhile we have poor lovely Tristan (Hannah's boyfriend) just pushed aside when Flint enters Hannah's life again as an adult. The storyline moves between the present and the past which I enjoyed as it explained Hannah and Flint's relationship development. Loved the descriptions of Sargasso, I would love to see this special house with it's glass walkway in real life.
Overall: a very engrossing story that will have you questioning what exactly is going on the entire time. Highly recommend for readers that appreciate a clever psychological mystery and/or gothic literature.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Sargasso by Kathy George. (2021).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 February 2021**
As a child, Hannah lived at Sargasso, the isolated beachside home designed by her brilliant architect father. A lonely and introverted child, her only friend was Flint, an enigmatic boy who no one else every saw and who promised he would always look after her. Hannah's childhood ended in tragedy but she is back at Sargasso as an adult. Her boyfriend Tristan visits regularly but then, amid a series of uncanny incidents, Flint reappears...and as his possessiveness grows, Hannah's hold on the world begins to lapse. What is real and what is imaginary, or from beyond the grave?
Well well well. What a read! I honestly spent the entire book wondering if Flint was a real person or completely in Hannah's imagination, and I kept changing my mind as to the answer to that. Never fear, no spoilers here, I'll never tell the answer haha. The back blurb states this is a "novel that echoes great Gothic stories of love and hate: Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and especially Rebecca". I've not read any of these (oh the shame, the shame!), so I can't compare but from what I've heard of those books it's an accurate description. Hannah and Flint's relationship is intense: Flint is obsessive and possessive and Hannah just wants him to be around all the time and struggles to cope whenever he disappears for awhile. Meanwhile we have poor lovely Tristan (Hannah's boyfriend) just pushed aside when Flint enters Hannah's life again as an adult. The storyline moves between the present and the past which I enjoyed as it explained Hannah and Flint's relationship development. Loved the descriptions of Sargasso, I would love to see this special house with it's glass walkway in real life.
Overall: a very engrossing story that will have you questioning what exactly is going on the entire time. Highly recommend for readers that appreciate a clever psychological mystery and/or gothic literature.
January 31, 2021
I love a creepy, atmospheric read and Sargasso certainly fits the bill. And it written by an Aussie.. sign me up. I devoured this gothic tale over a weekend and really enjoyed it.
Hannah has inherited her family home after the death of her beloved grandmother. The house, built on the cliffs 2 hours outside of Melbourne is well known in the small community as the odd house. Her father designed the home and the family left shortly after his sudden death. Unsure of what to do with the home she decides to renovate. Whilst doing so a face from her past returns. As a child, Flint was her only friend. Nobody else ever saw him and Hannah really didn’t know a lot about him.
With the story told between now and then perspectives we learn about the house and Hannah’s friendship with Flint.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me this book to read.
Hannah has inherited her family home after the death of her beloved grandmother. The house, built on the cliffs 2 hours outside of Melbourne is well known in the small community as the odd house. Her father designed the home and the family left shortly after his sudden death. Unsure of what to do with the home she decides to renovate. Whilst doing so a face from her past returns. As a child, Flint was her only friend. Nobody else ever saw him and Hannah really didn’t know a lot about him.
With the story told between now and then perspectives we learn about the house and Hannah’s friendship with Flint.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me this book to read.
February 15, 2021
“The last thing I remember is the screaming. I remember that because I wasn’t the one doing it.... It was the house. Sargasso. The house was screaming,....”
Inspired by her love of classic gothic fiction, Sargasso is an entrancing, eerie tale of mystery and passion from debut Australian novelist, Kathy George.
Upon her grandmother’s death, Hannah Prendergast inherits Sargasso, the impressive house of glass and stone designed by her late father, built on a headland just outside Shepherd Cove, a holiday town two hours’ drive down the west coast of Melbourne. It’s been twenty years since Helen last crossed the threshold of her childhood home, the family having abandoned it when she was twelve after her father’s body washed up on the beach below.
The narrative shifts smoothly between the past and the present. ‘Then’ Hannah is a bright and imaginative child who delights in the eccentric aspects of Sargasso, one of which is the inscrutable boy who becomes her best and only friend, Flint. ‘Now’, Hannah plans to rejuvenate the house while she decides what to do with it, and is stunned when Flint reappears, a grown man, as enigmatic as ever.
It is the relationship between Hannah and Flint that is at the heart of this story, an obsessive, possessive, all consuming love forged in childhood and reignited with their reunion as adults. Hannah barely hesitates before ending her three year relationship when Flint demands it, and grows ever more reluctant to even leave his side, as Flint has a habit of disappearing for hours, days, even weeks, particularly when she displeases him. The sense of uncertainty and dread steadily escalates as the secrets of Sargasso, both past and present, begins to unravel.
George develops an extraordinary atmosphere that blurs the line between what may be real and what may be imagined. The initial impression of Sargasso is one of light and strength, but slowly, particularly in the present timeline, the atmosphere of the house becomes oppressive and sinister. Rather than protect Hannah, it seems to trap her in a space between waking and sleeping.
The influence of novels such as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Rebecca are obvious in terms of both plot and character but I think George provides her own modern Australian twist. Sargasso is an enthralling, haunting, gothic tale.
Inspired by her love of classic gothic fiction, Sargasso is an entrancing, eerie tale of mystery and passion from debut Australian novelist, Kathy George.
Upon her grandmother’s death, Hannah Prendergast inherits Sargasso, the impressive house of glass and stone designed by her late father, built on a headland just outside Shepherd Cove, a holiday town two hours’ drive down the west coast of Melbourne. It’s been twenty years since Helen last crossed the threshold of her childhood home, the family having abandoned it when she was twelve after her father’s body washed up on the beach below.
The narrative shifts smoothly between the past and the present. ‘Then’ Hannah is a bright and imaginative child who delights in the eccentric aspects of Sargasso, one of which is the inscrutable boy who becomes her best and only friend, Flint. ‘Now’, Hannah plans to rejuvenate the house while she decides what to do with it, and is stunned when Flint reappears, a grown man, as enigmatic as ever.
It is the relationship between Hannah and Flint that is at the heart of this story, an obsessive, possessive, all consuming love forged in childhood and reignited with their reunion as adults. Hannah barely hesitates before ending her three year relationship when Flint demands it, and grows ever more reluctant to even leave his side, as Flint has a habit of disappearing for hours, days, even weeks, particularly when she displeases him. The sense of uncertainty and dread steadily escalates as the secrets of Sargasso, both past and present, begins to unravel.
George develops an extraordinary atmosphere that blurs the line between what may be real and what may be imagined. The initial impression of Sargasso is one of light and strength, but slowly, particularly in the present timeline, the atmosphere of the house becomes oppressive and sinister. Rather than protect Hannah, it seems to trap her in a space between waking and sleeping.
The influence of novels such as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Rebecca are obvious in terms of both plot and character but I think George provides her own modern Australian twist. Sargasso is an enthralling, haunting, gothic tale.
February 7, 2021
I’ve read some great books so far this year and this is another.
Sargasso is the name of a house designed and built by Hannah’s father. Built on the Victorian coast, a couple of hours from Melbourne, Hannah grows up at Sargasso sharing adventures with her childhood friend, Flint. After a tragedy when Hannah is around 12 though, Hannah and her family moved out to live in the city. Now in her early 30s, Hannah has returned to renovate the house to ready it for sale, and memories of the past constantly fill her thoughts.
Hannah then meets up with several people she knew when she was younger, including Flint, and when a series of suspicious events occur, Hannah starts to wonder if the house itself is the cause.
The book is told in Hannah’s first person point of view, switching between ‘then’ and ‘now’ at a nice pace and escalating tension until the climactic scenes. The book is quite addictive. Many times I thought I had the mystery plot all worked out but I was never quite sure and I found it difficult to put down at times, flicking pages to find out the truth.
It’s so difficult to write a gothic novel set in modern times but George does a brilliant job. She includes everything one would want in the genre -- an isolated and uniquely designed house which creaks and groans and loses electricity with the wind and other weather events; the hints of everything, from the birds to the house itself, is seemingly watching the heroine; and the fact that Hannah is perhaps an unreliable narrator.
The missing star is pretty much due to the ending and the dissatisfaction I felt with it. I thought there were some plot points George had introduced which were never really fully explained or resolved and there were a couple of scenes with info dumps that made the ending feel too rushed. It was also a little bit ambiguous really. Additionally, there was a definite theme of domestic abuse which I thought was never fully addressed and this made me feel a little uncomfortable.
Overall though, I liked the book a lot and would easily recommend it. 4 out of 5
Sargasso is the name of a house designed and built by Hannah’s father. Built on the Victorian coast, a couple of hours from Melbourne, Hannah grows up at Sargasso sharing adventures with her childhood friend, Flint. After a tragedy when Hannah is around 12 though, Hannah and her family moved out to live in the city. Now in her early 30s, Hannah has returned to renovate the house to ready it for sale, and memories of the past constantly fill her thoughts.
Hannah then meets up with several people she knew when she was younger, including Flint, and when a series of suspicious events occur, Hannah starts to wonder if the house itself is the cause.
The book is told in Hannah’s first person point of view, switching between ‘then’ and ‘now’ at a nice pace and escalating tension until the climactic scenes. The book is quite addictive. Many times I thought I had the mystery plot all worked out but I was never quite sure and I found it difficult to put down at times, flicking pages to find out the truth.
It’s so difficult to write a gothic novel set in modern times but George does a brilliant job. She includes everything one would want in the genre -- an isolated and uniquely designed house which creaks and groans and loses electricity with the wind and other weather events; the hints of everything, from the birds to the house itself, is seemingly watching the heroine; and the fact that Hannah is perhaps an unreliable narrator.
The missing star is pretty much due to the ending and the dissatisfaction I felt with it. I thought there were some plot points George had introduced which were never really fully explained or resolved and there were a couple of scenes with info dumps that made the ending feel too rushed. It was also a little bit ambiguous really. Additionally, there was a definite theme of domestic abuse which I thought was never fully addressed and this made me feel a little uncomfortable.
Overall though, I liked the book a lot and would easily recommend it. 4 out of 5
February 7, 2021
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‘And this evening after dinner, I thought I smelt the sea. I thought I smelt Sargasso, too, in the ashes blowing towards me.’
In the tradition of great gothic novels of the past such as Rebecca and Jane Eyre, comes the startling new Australian based gothic tale, Sargasso. A harbinger of something that rests between reality and imagination, this soulful novel strikes a strong chord, with its rich air of possibility. I embraced this novel so much that I would dearly love to give Sargasso more than the standard five out of five star rating.
Sargasso unveils the story of Hannah, firstly as a girl living in the clifftop abode of Sargasso, through to Hannah’s return to her old seaside home as an adult. As a child Hannah is largely misunderstood by her family and community, which leads Hannah to seek out the company of a mysterious boy named Flint. Flint remains Hannah’s little secret as she navigates impending adulthood. But when tragedy strikes at Sargasso, Hannah moves away from Sargasso and doesn’t return until many years later. Now that Hannah’s grandmother has passed on, this alluring coastal property now belongs to Hannah. But as Hannah grapples with her present-day relationship with her partner Tristan, Flint makes a reappearance in her life, stirring up plenty of mixed emotions. As the past, present and future collide, Hannah must determine what is reality in this murky gothic family mystery tale.
I cannot deny my love of the gothic mystery genre. As it is my favourite subject category, I am always on the hunt for new titles on offer to satisfy my reading tastes. Thankfully, Kathy George’s new Australian contribution to this genre was calling my name and I am so grateful to have discovered the writing of this talented author. I have the feeling that Sargasso will stay by my side for a long time to come. Although we have only just made it through the first month of 2021, I am confident that Sargasso will be one of my books of the year. Possibly of all time!
I am sure you are scratching your head and wondering why I am attaching so much praise to this novel! If you are a close reader of gothic fiction, you will know that there are certain key ingredients that are needed to conjure a successful novel of this inclination. With a strong sense of foreboding, plenty of conjecture, standout characters, a site that takes on a life of its own, a dangerous backdrop and a past mystery to unlock, Sargasso has it all down pat. It took only a small amount of time for me to settle into the gentle waves of this novel and I was committed for the duration. I found myself in quite a quandary while reading Sargasso. I found that I was both turning the pages in anticipation to get to the heart of the mystery, but also savouring this truly magnificent novel for as long as I could. It was a blessing to be able to remove myself from reality while I was attached to this book, it certainly was a very a special read.
Structured in the form of a ‘then’ past narrative and a ‘now’ present day accompanying narrative, the reader drifts effortlessly through the lead character Hannah’s life at Sargasso. The reader follows Hannah’s life closely as a misunderstood child, through to a confused adult. The transitions between the two different timeframes were absolutely seamless and I never encountered any clunky moments. Each movement from the past to present is fluid, taking the reader from one destination to the next. I enjoyed playing the keen eyed onlooker in both past and present segments, each was just as enthralling as the other.
Character is a strong point in Sargasso and the leads are all carefully defined. George carries her rich character focus across both time frames, so there is a high amount of consistently to this protagonist set. I developed a good feel for the innermost thoughts and feelings of Hannah and the remaining cast members. Flint is always surrounded by an air of mystery and ambiguity, but I loved this element to Flint’s character, it complimented the tone of the book. George does toy with her characters and we are presented with plenty of emotion, heart, confusion and drama. George also takes a line of fantasy in Sargasso and this transcendental focus in regards to the major plot twist may divide some readers. For me it was just perfect, I couldn’t see it any other way.
With the central site of Sargasso directing the interactions in this title, it is impossible not to credit this shadowy abode as character in its own right. George uses Sargasso the residence to her full advantage, it is a place that incites love, friendship, understanding, adventure, family, memories, pain, history, secrets, drama, heartache, tragedy and nostalgia. I will be looking back on Sargasso with nothing but fondness and I would love nothing more than to experience this overwhelming story again. Sargasso receives the highest recommendation from me, five plus many more stars.
*Thanks extended to Harlequin Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Sargasso is book #9 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘And this evening after dinner, I thought I smelt the sea. I thought I smelt Sargasso, too, in the ashes blowing towards me.’
In the tradition of great gothic novels of the past such as Rebecca and Jane Eyre, comes the startling new Australian based gothic tale, Sargasso. A harbinger of something that rests between reality and imagination, this soulful novel strikes a strong chord, with its rich air of possibility. I embraced this novel so much that I would dearly love to give Sargasso more than the standard five out of five star rating.
Sargasso unveils the story of Hannah, firstly as a girl living in the clifftop abode of Sargasso, through to Hannah’s return to her old seaside home as an adult. As a child Hannah is largely misunderstood by her family and community, which leads Hannah to seek out the company of a mysterious boy named Flint. Flint remains Hannah’s little secret as she navigates impending adulthood. But when tragedy strikes at Sargasso, Hannah moves away from Sargasso and doesn’t return until many years later. Now that Hannah’s grandmother has passed on, this alluring coastal property now belongs to Hannah. But as Hannah grapples with her present-day relationship with her partner Tristan, Flint makes a reappearance in her life, stirring up plenty of mixed emotions. As the past, present and future collide, Hannah must determine what is reality in this murky gothic family mystery tale.
I cannot deny my love of the gothic mystery genre. As it is my favourite subject category, I am always on the hunt for new titles on offer to satisfy my reading tastes. Thankfully, Kathy George’s new Australian contribution to this genre was calling my name and I am so grateful to have discovered the writing of this talented author. I have the feeling that Sargasso will stay by my side for a long time to come. Although we have only just made it through the first month of 2021, I am confident that Sargasso will be one of my books of the year. Possibly of all time!
I am sure you are scratching your head and wondering why I am attaching so much praise to this novel! If you are a close reader of gothic fiction, you will know that there are certain key ingredients that are needed to conjure a successful novel of this inclination. With a strong sense of foreboding, plenty of conjecture, standout characters, a site that takes on a life of its own, a dangerous backdrop and a past mystery to unlock, Sargasso has it all down pat. It took only a small amount of time for me to settle into the gentle waves of this novel and I was committed for the duration. I found myself in quite a quandary while reading Sargasso. I found that I was both turning the pages in anticipation to get to the heart of the mystery, but also savouring this truly magnificent novel for as long as I could. It was a blessing to be able to remove myself from reality while I was attached to this book, it certainly was a very a special read.
Structured in the form of a ‘then’ past narrative and a ‘now’ present day accompanying narrative, the reader drifts effortlessly through the lead character Hannah’s life at Sargasso. The reader follows Hannah’s life closely as a misunderstood child, through to a confused adult. The transitions between the two different timeframes were absolutely seamless and I never encountered any clunky moments. Each movement from the past to present is fluid, taking the reader from one destination to the next. I enjoyed playing the keen eyed onlooker in both past and present segments, each was just as enthralling as the other.
Character is a strong point in Sargasso and the leads are all carefully defined. George carries her rich character focus across both time frames, so there is a high amount of consistently to this protagonist set. I developed a good feel for the innermost thoughts and feelings of Hannah and the remaining cast members. Flint is always surrounded by an air of mystery and ambiguity, but I loved this element to Flint’s character, it complimented the tone of the book. George does toy with her characters and we are presented with plenty of emotion, heart, confusion and drama. George also takes a line of fantasy in Sargasso and this transcendental focus in regards to the major plot twist may divide some readers. For me it was just perfect, I couldn’t see it any other way.
With the central site of Sargasso directing the interactions in this title, it is impossible not to credit this shadowy abode as character in its own right. George uses Sargasso the residence to her full advantage, it is a place that incites love, friendship, understanding, adventure, family, memories, pain, history, secrets, drama, heartache, tragedy and nostalgia. I will be looking back on Sargasso with nothing but fondness and I would love nothing more than to experience this overwhelming story again. Sargasso receives the highest recommendation from me, five plus many more stars.
*Thanks extended to Harlequin Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Sargasso is book #9 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
January 30, 2021
‘I was seven when we moved to Sargasso.’
Hannah returns to Sargasso, the isolated clifftop home where she spent much of her childhood. Her parents are dead, as is her beloved grandmother who owned the home which her father designed.
Hannah has inherited the home and has returned to prepare it for sale. But the house is full of memories and mysteries.
The story shifts between past and present, between Hannah’s childhood shared with her mysterious friend Flint and the present where Flint returns, gradually increasing his hold over Hannah.
Sargasso provides a perfect setting for a Gothic novel: remote, perched high on a cliff, overlooking the relentless and restless sea. Hannah gradually withdraws from her boyfriend Tristan, and then as Flint exerts more control over her, largely withdraws from the outside world. But who is Flint, where does he come from, and why does no-one else know him?
I read this, not sure how to distinguish between what was real and what was imagined, and with a sense of dread as to how it would end. What are the secrets of Sargasso, and where does Flint fit? Will Hannah find peace?
This novel grew on me gradually and then I found I could not put it down because I needed to know how it would end. And the ending was, for me, unsettling but perfect.
‘Last night I dreamt I went to Sargasso again.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin HQ Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Hannah returns to Sargasso, the isolated clifftop home where she spent much of her childhood. Her parents are dead, as is her beloved grandmother who owned the home which her father designed.
Hannah has inherited the home and has returned to prepare it for sale. But the house is full of memories and mysteries.
The story shifts between past and present, between Hannah’s childhood shared with her mysterious friend Flint and the present where Flint returns, gradually increasing his hold over Hannah.
Sargasso provides a perfect setting for a Gothic novel: remote, perched high on a cliff, overlooking the relentless and restless sea. Hannah gradually withdraws from her boyfriend Tristan, and then as Flint exerts more control over her, largely withdraws from the outside world. But who is Flint, where does he come from, and why does no-one else know him?
I read this, not sure how to distinguish between what was real and what was imagined, and with a sense of dread as to how it would end. What are the secrets of Sargasso, and where does Flint fit? Will Hannah find peace?
This novel grew on me gradually and then I found I could not put it down because I needed to know how it would end. And the ending was, for me, unsettling but perfect.
‘Last night I dreamt I went to Sargasso again.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin HQ Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 21, 2021
Beautifully written Australian gothic fiction it will leave you guessing till the very end.
February 1, 2021
3.5*
‘Not everything in life is meant to be shared. Some things shouldn’t be spoken about. They should be kept secret, close to your heart.’
How wonderful to add another author’s name to the Australian Gothic list. Kathy George has all the necessary ingredients in her new novel with an isolated location, a mysterious house and a visitor that you are never really sure of.
When Hannah returns to Sargasso, this isolated home her father built when she was a child, strange things begin to happen. With the loss of both parents and her grandmother, she has to decide whether to reside or sell the infamous ‘Sargasso’. This is a house that is certainly full of memories but the added mystery that accompanies will have you wondering what is real and what is not right throughout.
This clifftop home is a character within itself and provides the perfect backdrop for this Gothic style novel. Eventful weather and the ever changing sea just add to the whole feel of the story. Told from alternating timelines - then and now - Hannah shares her childhood memories with the enigmatic Flint ‘then’ and also of his return in the present day with the ‘now’ storyline. Who is Flint? What is his secret and what is this hold he has over Hannah?
Kathy will have you guessing every which way as you are unsure what is real and what isn’t. Some aspects you will begin to make educated guesses about, however, she will keep you wondering regarding the final resolution right up to the very end. If the mysterious Gothic is a genre you read, you are sure to find this a haunting and fulfilling tale.
‘Why am I always here? What draws me to this quiet, tucked-away corner of Sargasso? It’s like a puzzle - only, I’m missing a piece.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘Not everything in life is meant to be shared. Some things shouldn’t be spoken about. They should be kept secret, close to your heart.’
How wonderful to add another author’s name to the Australian Gothic list. Kathy George has all the necessary ingredients in her new novel with an isolated location, a mysterious house and a visitor that you are never really sure of.
When Hannah returns to Sargasso, this isolated home her father built when she was a child, strange things begin to happen. With the loss of both parents and her grandmother, she has to decide whether to reside or sell the infamous ‘Sargasso’. This is a house that is certainly full of memories but the added mystery that accompanies will have you wondering what is real and what is not right throughout.
This clifftop home is a character within itself and provides the perfect backdrop for this Gothic style novel. Eventful weather and the ever changing sea just add to the whole feel of the story. Told from alternating timelines - then and now - Hannah shares her childhood memories with the enigmatic Flint ‘then’ and also of his return in the present day with the ‘now’ storyline. Who is Flint? What is his secret and what is this hold he has over Hannah?
Kathy will have you guessing every which way as you are unsure what is real and what isn’t. Some aspects you will begin to make educated guesses about, however, she will keep you wondering regarding the final resolution right up to the very end. If the mysterious Gothic is a genre you read, you are sure to find this a haunting and fulfilling tale.
‘Why am I always here? What draws me to this quiet, tucked-away corner of Sargasso? It’s like a puzzle - only, I’m missing a piece.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
February 13, 2021
Sargasso is and atmospheric story with gothic undertones. Sargasso is a spectacular house perched on a windswept cliff in Victoria, Australia. It's home to sister's Hannah and Kelly. The sisters spent part of their childhood living at Sargasso before the tragic death of their father. As an adult Hannah inherits the house after her Grandmother's death. Hannah's childhood friend Flint returns after Hannah takes up residence once again at Sargasso. Kathy George has created a suspenseful and intriguing story that I couldn't put down. Thanks to NetGalley for my digital copy.
January 17, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Kathy George's debut novel, Sargasso, is entertaining and certainly keeps you guessing and turning pages. Only downside for me was the ending which was a little predictable and felt rushed. I would recommend this book for people who like a quick read.
Kathy George's debut novel, Sargasso, is entertaining and certainly keeps you guessing and turning pages. Only downside for me was the ending which was a little predictable and felt rushed. I would recommend this book for people who like a quick read.
April 4, 2021
This book didn't quite click with me. The opening was quite slow (a lot of the main character just sleeping and eating) and I found Hannah irrational and unrelatable. Flint was clearly abusive and obviously behind a lot of the bad events in the novel, and the ending was cliché/predictable. I love the cover but that's about it unfortunately!
February 4, 2021
Reminiscent of Rebecca, I enjoyed this beach side gothic tale. Hannah inherits the family home Sargasso after her grandmother dies and goes back to get it ready for sale, only to reunite with her childhood friend Flint and start a rather troubled relationship (despite already having a boyfriend). But Not all is as it seems and despite many warnings from the local townsfolk, tragedy strikes yet again at Sargasso. Without giving too much away, I thought the twist involving Flint was good although I did see it coming. A nice moody ready, easy to visualise the setting and the house.
June 7, 2021
- thanks to @harlequinaus for my #gifted copy
I am a big fan of Australian Gothic, so I went into Sargasso full of hope and excitement. But, admittedly, I could not help my expectations because it has been a while since I had a chance to experiment with the genre, so I was hungry for an atmospheric supernatural read.
At first, George’s latest novel had the chance to become a new favourite. Although the first few chapters were a bit sluggish, I was expectant, and I could still feel that intoxicating feeling inherent to the endless possibilities of a new story. Unfortunately, Sargasso was not the gem I thought it could be.
On page 23 I annotated three words on the margins, which summarised something I noticed right at the very beginning. Imagine my disappointment when, almost over four hundred pages later, my theory was proven right. Nothing is as unsatisfactory as predictability. Given that I knew what was happening from the get-go, I didn’t get to enjoy the genre’s conventions that I so much appreciate and look forward to.
I was also angry because being right meant that several plot developments made absolutely no sense. However, I persisted and waited until the end for some sufficient, logical and fulfilling explanations. So imagine my disappointment again when the book ends without making any sense whatsoever. It felt like the author thought about writing a remarkable ghotic story full of mystery and twists that was ultimately and sadly poorly executed.
I am still also angry at the unbelievable romanticisation of an abusive relationship. The way the author loads romance into a relationship where the male partner is utterly abusive and possessive, it’s astonishing. I don’t understand why nowadays we are still creating narratives that are terribly detrimental to the fight agains mysogeny and sexism.
Overall, Sargasso was not my cup of tea. A gothic novel full of potential ruined by its high level of predictability, unlikable and toxic characters, and an over-detailed and dense writing style. I cannot recommend this novel in good conscience because I do not tolerate the romanticisation of a destructive and unhealthy relationship. We can do better.
I am a big fan of Australian Gothic, so I went into Sargasso full of hope and excitement. But, admittedly, I could not help my expectations because it has been a while since I had a chance to experiment with the genre, so I was hungry for an atmospheric supernatural read.
At first, George’s latest novel had the chance to become a new favourite. Although the first few chapters were a bit sluggish, I was expectant, and I could still feel that intoxicating feeling inherent to the endless possibilities of a new story. Unfortunately, Sargasso was not the gem I thought it could be.
On page 23 I annotated three words on the margins, which summarised something I noticed right at the very beginning. Imagine my disappointment when, almost over four hundred pages later, my theory was proven right. Nothing is as unsatisfactory as predictability. Given that I knew what was happening from the get-go, I didn’t get to enjoy the genre’s conventions that I so much appreciate and look forward to.
I was also angry because being right meant that several plot developments made absolutely no sense. However, I persisted and waited until the end for some sufficient, logical and fulfilling explanations. So imagine my disappointment again when the book ends without making any sense whatsoever. It felt like the author thought about writing a remarkable ghotic story full of mystery and twists that was ultimately and sadly poorly executed.
I am still also angry at the unbelievable romanticisation of an abusive relationship. The way the author loads romance into a relationship where the male partner is utterly abusive and possessive, it’s astonishing. I don’t understand why nowadays we are still creating narratives that are terribly detrimental to the fight agains mysogeny and sexism.
Overall, Sargasso was not my cup of tea. A gothic novel full of potential ruined by its high level of predictability, unlikable and toxic characters, and an over-detailed and dense writing style. I cannot recommend this novel in good conscience because I do not tolerate the romanticisation of a destructive and unhealthy relationship. We can do better.
November 22, 2020
I was looking forward to preview this book and was not disappointed. it is difficult to write a Gothic novel when a few amazing books have been written and which are still loved by millions.
This haunting tale deserves a place up with these authors, but, personally, I find it impossible that anyone will ever match Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. Kathy George's book though comes pretty close and I enjoyed the guessing game and the wonderfully described characters. I am sure fans of Gothic Tales will love it and readers new to the genre will find this a great introduction.
This haunting tale deserves a place up with these authors, but, personally, I find it impossible that anyone will ever match Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. Kathy George's book though comes pretty close and I enjoyed the guessing game and the wonderfully described characters. I am sure fans of Gothic Tales will love it and readers new to the genre will find this a great introduction.
December 15, 2021
Why would I not give my book five stars? Your books are family. You ALWAYS talk about them in a positive light.
January 22, 2021
An empty house, a lonely shore, an enigmatic, brooding man-child waiting for her return... a trip to the dark lands of Australian Gothic.
Hannah has returned to Sargasso, the imposing clifftop home of her childhood. The house meticulously designed by her architect father and where she spent her days with her mysterious childhood friend, Flint. Her parents and beloved grandmother have passed away and Hannah finds herself back at her childhood home, tasked with bringing Sargasso back to its former glory. She didn't foresee reuniting with Flint or uncovering the secrets of the past, the secrets long held by Sargasso.
Sargasso had me holding my breath, with an unshakeable feeling of foreboding. I was immediately drawn in by the haunting atmosphere Kathy George had created with nimble pace and dexterous foreshadowing. Sargasso sits perched on a cliff, it is imposing and angular, with the backdrop of a moody and unpredictable sea it provides the ideal setting for a modern Gothic novel. At times I could almost feel the wind in my hair and whipping at my clothes, the smell of the sea pervading my senses.
Hannah has a childlike innocence and naivety, some might compare her with Daphne du Maurier’s protagonist in the classic Gothic novel, Rebecca. This book certainly echoes the broodiness found at Manderley, with its haunted halls and wild seascape. George had me guessing what was real and what was imagined, the line between reality and fantasy almost indiscernible. I did anticipate some aspects of the outcome, but that didn’t negate my enjoyment of the final chapters.
If the Gothic genre is your thing, Sargasso may just be the haunting and mesmerising book that you've been waiting for!
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin HQ and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy.
Hannah has returned to Sargasso, the imposing clifftop home of her childhood. The house meticulously designed by her architect father and where she spent her days with her mysterious childhood friend, Flint. Her parents and beloved grandmother have passed away and Hannah finds herself back at her childhood home, tasked with bringing Sargasso back to its former glory. She didn't foresee reuniting with Flint or uncovering the secrets of the past, the secrets long held by Sargasso.
Sargasso had me holding my breath, with an unshakeable feeling of foreboding. I was immediately drawn in by the haunting atmosphere Kathy George had created with nimble pace and dexterous foreshadowing. Sargasso sits perched on a cliff, it is imposing and angular, with the backdrop of a moody and unpredictable sea it provides the ideal setting for a modern Gothic novel. At times I could almost feel the wind in my hair and whipping at my clothes, the smell of the sea pervading my senses.
Hannah has a childlike innocence and naivety, some might compare her with Daphne du Maurier’s protagonist in the classic Gothic novel, Rebecca. This book certainly echoes the broodiness found at Manderley, with its haunted halls and wild seascape. George had me guessing what was real and what was imagined, the line between reality and fantasy almost indiscernible. I did anticipate some aspects of the outcome, but that didn’t negate my enjoyment of the final chapters.
If the Gothic genre is your thing, Sargasso may just be the haunting and mesmerising book that you've been waiting for!
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin HQ and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy.
February 3, 2021
Sargasso, to me, is the epitome of a gothic novel.
Hannah was seven when her father designed Sargasso. When she was a girl she had a friend, Flint. His presence was a constant, for better or for worse, but he was a mystery. When tragedy strikes, Hannah and her family leave Sargasso and she doesn’t return until she inherits the property. She never sees, or hears from Flint, again.
Hannah has a romanticised notion of her family home, and from the get-go she feels an odd presence, but maybe it’s just the weight of time. Her boyfriend, Tristan, visits and is uneasy about her staying there on her own. She refuses to leave. She feels “something” there but can’t quite place that feeling.
Over time she withdraws from Tristan only later realising the weight she feels is the return of Flint. All of those past feelings and memories come flooding back. Hannah is again affected, influenced and dominated by him. Hannah finds it hard to determine what is actually going on.
And that is exactly what I asked myself, a lot. What is going on?
I was not immediately drawn in to this one, but it really grew on me and I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know if this was a story about a lonely girl with an overactive imagination, or if it was truly a ghost story.
The author references how she enjoyed Rebecca, and Sargasso feels like Manderley. Sargasso is a character in this story and I encourage you to be drawn in too.
Hannah was seven when her father designed Sargasso. When she was a girl she had a friend, Flint. His presence was a constant, for better or for worse, but he was a mystery. When tragedy strikes, Hannah and her family leave Sargasso and she doesn’t return until she inherits the property. She never sees, or hears from Flint, again.
Hannah has a romanticised notion of her family home, and from the get-go she feels an odd presence, but maybe it’s just the weight of time. Her boyfriend, Tristan, visits and is uneasy about her staying there on her own. She refuses to leave. She feels “something” there but can’t quite place that feeling.
Over time she withdraws from Tristan only later realising the weight she feels is the return of Flint. All of those past feelings and memories come flooding back. Hannah is again affected, influenced and dominated by him. Hannah finds it hard to determine what is actually going on.
And that is exactly what I asked myself, a lot. What is going on?
I was not immediately drawn in to this one, but it really grew on me and I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know if this was a story about a lonely girl with an overactive imagination, or if it was truly a ghost story.
The author references how she enjoyed Rebecca, and Sargasso feels like Manderley. Sargasso is a character in this story and I encourage you to be drawn in too.
January 12, 2021
**Thanks to Better Reading for my ARC in exchange for an honest review**
The tradition of the Gothic novel is steeped in misty marshes and shrouded skies, so for Kathy George to set Sargasso in the summer by the sea initially made me wrinkle my brow at calling it a Gothic novel. But what she did get right is the overwhelming ominous sense of something that’s not quite right, even as the day-to-day, even banal, carries on its merry way. The constant switch back and forth between ‘Then’ and ‘Now’ is done well, with narrator Hannah’s voices as child and adult defined enough that I was rarely confused about which time period I was reading about.
The only downside for me was Hannah’s naivety, even stupidity, at Flint’s reappearance in her life with his possessiveness but complete unwillingness to share anything about his own life. The way she rarely questioned it (or occasionally questioned it, but easily dismissed it) was the only false note in an otherwise very believable character.
This was a very readable book all the way to the ending in which, along with Hannah, I was left wondering what was real and what was not.
The tradition of the Gothic novel is steeped in misty marshes and shrouded skies, so for Kathy George to set Sargasso in the summer by the sea initially made me wrinkle my brow at calling it a Gothic novel. But what she did get right is the overwhelming ominous sense of something that’s not quite right, even as the day-to-day, even banal, carries on its merry way. The constant switch back and forth between ‘Then’ and ‘Now’ is done well, with narrator Hannah’s voices as child and adult defined enough that I was rarely confused about which time period I was reading about.
The only downside for me was Hannah’s naivety, even stupidity, at Flint’s reappearance in her life with his possessiveness but complete unwillingness to share anything about his own life. The way she rarely questioned it (or occasionally questioned it, but easily dismissed it) was the only false note in an otherwise very believable character.
This was a very readable book all the way to the ending in which, along with Hannah, I was left wondering what was real and what was not.
February 12, 2021
Fascinating read
This was an enthralling read. Haunting, sad and strange at times I found myself unable to put the book down until I had finished it.
There is a strong sense of desperation, a chilling layer of selfishness and one that belongs to both of the main characters. Neither one is likeable in any way. We feel their disassociation from reality, their strange obsession and yet we are caught up in their emotions so the end is fascinating despite a certain predictability.
It was a great read, fast flowing, very different and with that hint of the classics lending a little horror and some Gothic charm.
Looking forward to more from this author.
This was an enthralling read. Haunting, sad and strange at times I found myself unable to put the book down until I had finished it.
There is a strong sense of desperation, a chilling layer of selfishness and one that belongs to both of the main characters. Neither one is likeable in any way. We feel their disassociation from reality, their strange obsession and yet we are caught up in their emotions so the end is fascinating despite a certain predictability.
It was a great read, fast flowing, very different and with that hint of the classics lending a little horror and some Gothic charm.
Looking forward to more from this author.
March 17, 2021
The writing was lovely and the description of the environment was vivid. A supernatural overtone throughout but I wouldn't necessarily put it firmly in that category.
January 25, 2021
Sargasso was a captivating read. There was a great sense of atmosphere about the tale which moved between past and present to tell its story. Certainly there were plenty of links with Wuthering Heights, though I found the Rebecca ones less obvious. I saw the twist in the story coming a mile away, so the final reveal wasn't much of a climax for me; however, that didn't stop me enjoying the book overall. This was my first time reading an Australian-set Gothic novel, but the fact it was a modern building rather than an old house/castle didn't detract from the heavy atmosphere George created in her prose. In conclusion, although parts of the story were a little more obvious than I would have liked, I found Sargasso an engaging story and I would recommend it to fans of Gothic literature.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2021
I was interested in the idea of Australian Gothic, and the association the title evokes with a classic of the English canon. If only I'd read the colophon before I started reading, I would have put it down pretty damn quick when I saw it was published by Harlequin and saved myself the agony - and anger.
The mystery of whether Flint is real, a ghost or a figment of Hannah's imagination is not the real question here. What is, is WHY, in 2021, in a country where we are having a national conversation about misogyny and the treatment of women, where with depressing frequency we beat our breasts over the death of yet another woman at the hands of a partner current or former, we have books being published that romanticise the kind of coercive control that is recognised as being such an insidious part of domestic violence.
The mystery of whether Flint is real, a ghost or a figment of Hannah's imagination is not the real question here. What is, is WHY, in 2021, in a country where we are having a national conversation about misogyny and the treatment of women, where with depressing frequency we beat our breasts over the death of yet another woman at the hands of a partner current or former, we have books being published that romanticise the kind of coercive control that is recognised as being such an insidious part of domestic violence.
April 7, 2021
I had high hopes for this book, particularly as it's touted to be similar to Rebecca, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but unfortunately it didn't live up to this.
Without giving anything away, it is clear from the start who Flint is, so you're left wondering if there's any need to read the rest, and to be honest, I did skim read some pages to get to the very predictable end. The writing was good, however the simple tone didn't seem to mesh with the Gothic themes of the book, and there were so many apostrophes ('s), that I was starting to wonder what was wrong with the word 'is'.
It is still worth a read though!
Without giving anything away, it is clear from the start who Flint is, so you're left wondering if there's any need to read the rest, and to be honest, I did skim read some pages to get to the very predictable end. The writing was good, however the simple tone didn't seem to mesh with the Gothic themes of the book, and there were so many apostrophes ('s), that I was starting to wonder what was wrong with the word 'is'.
It is still worth a read though!
February 20, 2021
This was beautiful i knew where it was pulling me but I wanted to tag along. Highly recommended for an afternoon or two of tugging at your heartstrings!!
February 11, 2021
“Sargasso” is one of those really interesting novels that is hard to define by genre. Yes, it’s a gothic, but that doesn’t really feel like a genre these days. However you want to define it, though, it’s a mesmerising and fascinating novel that will hold your interest until the last page.
As a child Hannah lived in the remote house Sargasso. Sargasso was designed and built by her architect father, and Hannah loved it. An introverted and prickly child, Hannah didn’t necessarily see the remoteness as a bad thing. She has her friend Flint, and doesn’t need anyone else. Hannah avoids introducing Flint to her parents, knowing they’ll disapprove of his dishevelment. That’s pretty easy, as Flint always makes himself scarce when anyone besides Hannah is around.
Eventually family tragedy forces Hannah and her family from the house. Now, as an adult, she’s inherited the house from her grandmother. Returning to renovate it for sale or lease, she reconnects with Flint. But her relationship with him seems less benign, now, if no less intense. As he becomes more possessive, and tries to drive a wedge between her and her boyfriend Tristan, we readers begin to worry for her.
“Sargasso” ultimately leaves a number of questions unanswered. I can’t tell you about them in great detail, as they’d be a massive spoiler. However, these unanswered questions are central to how you read the novel. The way you choose to answer them will color your understanding of the novel and plot. The fact that we aren’t given concrete answers to some things add to the atmosphere which has built throughout the novel, and which will linger for some time afterward.
As with any gothic novel, the atmosphere is crucial to its’ success. George slowly and inexorably layers unease upon uncertainty upon tension, until both protagonist and reader is on edge and unsure what’s going on. She brilliantly creates an oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere that has you anticipating bad things from quite early on.
The gradual unfolding of Hannah’s relationship with Flint, both as a child and as an adult, is handled delicately and in a way that adds to the growing tension. We can see problems that Hannah doesn’t seem to even now; we wonder about Flint long before she does.
This is an unusual genre to work in these days (although not unknown; see my review of the excellent “House of Brides”). George captures the tone of the best of the genre, while making this distinctively Australian. Children eat paddle pops, tradesmen drive utes, and Aussie colloquialisms creep into the dialog.
I really enjoyed this, and felt George explained enough to conclude the novel in a satisfactory way. Some others may feel that the dangling questions were a little too much for them. This is a well written, highly atmospheric novel, and although it’s probably not for everyone, I recommend it to anyone looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
As a child Hannah lived in the remote house Sargasso. Sargasso was designed and built by her architect father, and Hannah loved it. An introverted and prickly child, Hannah didn’t necessarily see the remoteness as a bad thing. She has her friend Flint, and doesn’t need anyone else. Hannah avoids introducing Flint to her parents, knowing they’ll disapprove of his dishevelment. That’s pretty easy, as Flint always makes himself scarce when anyone besides Hannah is around.
Eventually family tragedy forces Hannah and her family from the house. Now, as an adult, she’s inherited the house from her grandmother. Returning to renovate it for sale or lease, she reconnects with Flint. But her relationship with him seems less benign, now, if no less intense. As he becomes more possessive, and tries to drive a wedge between her and her boyfriend Tristan, we readers begin to worry for her.
“Sargasso” ultimately leaves a number of questions unanswered. I can’t tell you about them in great detail, as they’d be a massive spoiler. However, these unanswered questions are central to how you read the novel. The way you choose to answer them will color your understanding of the novel and plot. The fact that we aren’t given concrete answers to some things add to the atmosphere which has built throughout the novel, and which will linger for some time afterward.
As with any gothic novel, the atmosphere is crucial to its’ success. George slowly and inexorably layers unease upon uncertainty upon tension, until both protagonist and reader is on edge and unsure what’s going on. She brilliantly creates an oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere that has you anticipating bad things from quite early on.
The gradual unfolding of Hannah’s relationship with Flint, both as a child and as an adult, is handled delicately and in a way that adds to the growing tension. We can see problems that Hannah doesn’t seem to even now; we wonder about Flint long before she does.
This is an unusual genre to work in these days (although not unknown; see my review of the excellent “House of Brides”). George captures the tone of the best of the genre, while making this distinctively Australian. Children eat paddle pops, tradesmen drive utes, and Aussie colloquialisms creep into the dialog.
I really enjoyed this, and felt George explained enough to conclude the novel in a satisfactory way. Some others may feel that the dangling questions were a little too much for them. This is a well written, highly atmospheric novel, and although it’s probably not for everyone, I recommend it to anyone looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
May 9, 2021
On the back cover is that timeless line that harks back to the gothic classic - “last night I dreamt I went to Sargasso again...” This great story has been likened to du Maurier’s Rebecca for its dark and atmospheric setting and its troubled female protagonist. Its an apt comparison, heightened by its dreamlike plotting and I loved every word of it.
It follows the story of Hannah Prendergast who returns to her childhood home called Sargasso on a fictional Australian coastal town. It was built by her talented architect father, who died when Hannah was 12. Now, she’s back at the home that holds tender, yet conflicting, memories and she’s forced to confront the relationship she formed with the elusive and strangely tortured boy, Flint - the boy nobody ever saw apart from Hannah.
The clever sequencing of the book - which dips back and forth in time to tell Hannah’s story - forces you to double-guess what is going on, what is real in Hannah’s world and what, if anything, is imagined. And this kept me glued to the story.
I absolutely loved this book, it totally lives up to the hype and deserves every comparison to classic gothic tales.
It follows the story of Hannah Prendergast who returns to her childhood home called Sargasso on a fictional Australian coastal town. It was built by her talented architect father, who died when Hannah was 12. Now, she’s back at the home that holds tender, yet conflicting, memories and she’s forced to confront the relationship she formed with the elusive and strangely tortured boy, Flint - the boy nobody ever saw apart from Hannah.
The clever sequencing of the book - which dips back and forth in time to tell Hannah’s story - forces you to double-guess what is going on, what is real in Hannah’s world and what, if anything, is imagined. And this kept me glued to the story.
I absolutely loved this book, it totally lives up to the hype and deserves every comparison to classic gothic tales.
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