Once in a while I like to revisit books I have read in the past. I think I have binged read everything Anya Seton has ever written. Born in 1904, she wrote historical fiction, or as she liked to say “biographical novels,” until her death in 1990 at the age of 86. Her best known novels are Katherine, Dragonwyck, Avalon and Green Darkness. Dragonwyck is especially interesting as it was written in 1944 and raised issues of spousal and domestic abuse, a topic rarely discussed during that time period. It was so popular, however, that in 1946 it was released as a Hollywood film starring Gene Tierney and Vincent Price.The choice of Vincent Price as Nicholas Van Ryn was certainly great casting!
In 1844 a letter arrives at the Well’s family farm from a distant relative named Nicholas Van Ryn. He requests that they send one of their daughters to Dragonwyck, his estate in the Hudson Valley, to help with his daughter and be a companion to his wife. Miranda, who is tired of the farm, the small town and the scruffy farm hands who try to woo her, leaps at the chance to leave and go on an adventure. Quickly she falls in love with the vast mansion, the Gothic towers, the gardens and the ease and luxury she experiences. But she remains stubbornly unaware of the danger that lurks on the estate and the terrible secrets that Nicholas keeps in the mansion.
I was happily surprised to find this novel to be just as powerful and mesmerizing this time as it was when I read it in high school. Few books can pass the test of time but this certainly did! This is the epitome of a gothic novel, with all the strange warnings, a dose of black magic, the unexplained deaths, the cruel and enigmatic lover who confuses, threatens and confounds a pure hearted young woman who must thread her way through the danger.
I encourage you to read books by Anya Seton if you have not already and maybe go back to some of your favorite authors from long ago and see if your favorites from 30-40 years ago still stand the test of time!
Brenda’s Rating: ***** (5 Out of 5 Stars)
Recommend this book to Marian, Sharon, Lauren and Keith
Book Study Worthy? Yes
Read in format.
Brenda's Bookshelf 
I will give it a try. Thans Brenda.
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Oh, Brenda. When I was a teenager, I too binged everything that Anya Seton ever wrote. I still remember where her books were shelved in our tiny town library. And honestly, I had a huge crush on John Gault thanks to “Katherine.” Thank you for reviving the memory. Maybe I’ll reread Dragonwyck again too.
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Yes! A fellow Anya Seton binger! I was quite amazed at how Dragonwyck still resonated despite the passage of time. You might have to reread Katherine again, too!
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