This story was odd, intriguing, strange, and mesmerizing all at once.
I was immediately intrigued by the leading lady's aversion to the color white. That's something I hadn't seen before in a story, so it made me wonder what the story was behind it. I think the reveal came much too soon, but it was definitely a unique aspect to the story. I wish this aversion would have been consistent. Unfortunately, she had no problem with handling her favorite book or any newspapers or a calling card, all of which would be peppered with whiteness. Yet, she couldn't touch a particular type of money because it had white edges. Overall, this quirk was fun and entertaining.
The charming hero snagged my heart at the “burgundy red” tablecloth. He stayed heroic for the vast majority of the story. He cared deeply about preserving the lady's reputation... until he hung around while she was in her shift and under only a cloak. This was so awkward to read. But I really did find Percy quite charming in all the other scenes.
Molly's mother had clearly let the disappointment of having an ill (but alive) son stop her from finding joy and living her life to the fullest. My heart broke for her, because a cloak of sorrow is a heavy thing to don every morning for an entire lifetime. This was so well written that I couldn't even dislike the woman even though she hardly gave me reason to admire her.
The book of Dracula was referred to many times as Molly's “bible.” This was disrespectful to the actual Bible.
The faith thread was strange. At times, God and the Bible were mentioned. The vast majority of the time, superstition, “Fate,” and the balance of life were heavily emphasized as the religion in this story.
I enjoyed aspects of this story. Like I said, it mesmerized me. There was something about this journey of a sister's love that captured my attention. Yet, there were too many things that were dark and odd and rubbed me the wrong way.
The fact that the leading lady adventured with a book – taking the same journey as was written in the book – delighted me. That sounds like great fun, and I just might have to try it someday.
Content: euphemism with “church bells,” Romanian mythology
