A Citizen of the Country

A true sequel to the marvelous Vanished Child. Though I enjoyed Knowledge of Water perhaps more than some of the other readers writing here, this third volume is much, much better. Don't stop here whatever you do, Sarah -- when can I expect a fourth volume?

A Citizen of the Country succeeded where The Knowledge of Water failed, in that it was truly worthy of being called a sequel to the tremendous opening book, The Vanished Child. While typically complex, the mystery plot here was at least understandable. But, as always, the key to these novels is the human plot introduced in the Vanished Child, and the denouement of that plot here was just fantastic; it was truly a payoff for people who have read all the books in the trilogy. Hopefully, the author will reconsider her decision to make this only a trilogy, and write one more episode set during World War One. The ending of this book certainly sets up the possibility of such a sequel. All in all, this was a great read, and anyone who may have been slightly turned off of this series by The Knowledge of Water should definitely give this book a try.

Having read Sarah Smith's first two novels, I could hardly wait to read the third -- reportedly final installment of a trilogy. Like the second, this novel contains an involving new story as well as gripping developments in the ongoing saga of Alexander Reisden and Perdita Halley -- and my only objection is, I can't believe this is the final novel of the series! Without giving away the plot of this book, I have to say it strikes me as being set up for another sequel. And it's only fair to point out to future readers that, while this book is set in 1911, Smith earlier reported that she intended the final novel of the trilogy to be set in 1914 -- World War I. I'm still waiting for that novel! -- A Passionate Fan, Kirsten Russell

Sarah Smith has once again wriiten a beautifully intricate novel. Her third, it is definately not to be missed. In this carefully crafted novel, she once again deeply explores each of her charecters; their hidden motivations, secrets, mental standing and fears. In essense, she brings her charecters to life by making a 3-d copy of who they are and why- a DNA of personalities. Alexander von Reisden returns in this book, along with Perdita, the blind pianist. To reveal the plot would not only be sinful but almost impossible to do. The only way to know and understand the plot is to read the book. Although it is possible to read this excellent book without reading the first two, it would be a tragedy to miss the Vanished Child and the Knowledge of Water.

There is a dark foreboding of change is in the air, leaving a state of uneasiness settling throughout Europe in 1911. To restrain Germany, France and Russia have formed an alliance. However, Germany will go to any length to destroy that pact. The enigmatic Baron Alexander Von Reisden owns the very advanced mental institution, Jouvet. Though Alexander is running from his own past, his patient files contains information that would shatter the Franco-Russian agreement.As valuable as that data seems, the Germans seek something else at this moment. At Montfort Manor in Northeast France, the owner, a war hero, is doing extensive remodeling. The Germans want to know what secrets are being concealed beneath the walls of the chatelaine. They try to blackmail Alex into obtaining the buried "treasures." Alex will do whatever he needs to do to fulfill his role in destiny.Although A CITIZEN OF THE COUNTRY is the final volume of a historical fiction trilogy (see THE VANISHED CHILD and KNOWLEDGE OF WATER), the novel remains an excellent stand-alone tale. The story line combines suspense, character analysis, and drama into an exciting thriller. Cast members from the previous stories return as more of their personal histories are revealed and the author provides hints as to their futures. As with her first two novels, Sarah Smith has written a notable book that will provide her much acclaim.Harriet Klausner