Dragonwyck
Ratings5
Average rating3.8
15
Ratings5
Average rating3.8
A classic gothic romance, the story features an 18-year-old Miranda Wells who falls under the spell of a mysterious old mansion and its equally fascinating master. Tired of churning butter, weeding the garden patch, and receiving the dull young farmers who seek her hand in marriage, Miranda is excited by an invitation from the upstate New York estate of her distant relative, the intriguing Nicholas Van Ryn. Her passion is kindled by the icy fire of Nicholas, the last of the Van Ryns, and the luxury of Dragonwyck, and a way of life of which she has only dreamed. Dressed in satin and lace, she becomes part of Dragonwyck, with its Gothic towers, flowering gardens, acres of tenant farms, and dark, terrible secrets. This compelling novel paints a marvelous portrait of a country torn between freedom and feudal traditions; a country divided between the very wealthy and the very poor. Poor tenant farmers at Dragonwyck, the European royalty who visit, and American icons such as Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, and the Astors are vividly brought to life. This is a heart-stopping story of a remarkable woman, her breathtaking passions, and the mystery and terror that await her in the magnificent hallways of Dragonwyck.
Reviews with the most likes.
Not as Gothic as I was lead to believe from the description, Anya Seton weaves some Gothic elements such as the brooding mansion into more of a straightforward historical romance novel describing how tenant farmers rebelled against landowners as the heroine is swept off her feet by the brooding landowner. The historical parts are quite interesting and the depictions of Nicholas and Miranda seemed well handled. It reminded me a little of GWTW crossed with Rebecca. A little dated, but the plot moves along nicely and it was an enjoyable holiday read.
