The Brimstone Wedding

Ruth Rendell writing as Barbara Vine is truly amazing and this book is one of the best of a series of very good books. It is a gut-wrenching tale of love and betrayal told by a dying woman in a nursing home. Her story and the story of her young caregiver Genevieve run along simultaneously in the book, but as I read I realized that Stella's story was going to end much differently and much more tragically than Genevieve's. The plot is set around a house that has been empty for twenty-five years and it is the cleaning up and use of this house that brings this terrible tale to light. Stella knows she wants to tell her story before she dies. Someone needs to know what actually happened to Gilda Brent. Ms. Vine weaves the past and the present together inextricably in this book, and it's magic will draw you in. There is no one quite like her in this genre.

Genevieve Warner, a young woman trapped in a hopeless affair and a loveless marriage, works at Middleton Hall, a home for the elderly. Most of the residents are pleasant enough, contentedly reminiscing about their lives to their carers, but Stella is different. Stella and Genevieve immediately form a bond, taking to one another, seeing little bits of their own personality and situation within the other. Unlike other residents, though, Stella is sharp, smart, and in control, and she does not share the memories of her past, so retains a definite air of mystery. But Stella is dying of lung-cancer, and now she feels a desperate need to tell someone the story of her eventful life, so that her secrets do not die with her, following her into the grave, unknown forever. Thus, she decides to tell her story to Genevieve, slowly unfolding a tale that is moving, powerful, and, ultimately, subtly horrific. This, "The Brimstone Wedding", is yet another masterpiece of atmospheric fiction from Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell). Yet again she synthesises her twin storylines ­ one in the past, one in the present ­ brilliantly, and they eerily mirror each other down the generations. She builds the atmosphere brilliantly in both the time periods, and the suspense is continually ratcheted up, helped along by subtle and tantalising hints as to what exactly Stella's shocking secret could possibly be. This time around, the characters are also more likeable than is the norm for a Vine novel, so it has a warmer, deceptively (and dangerously) cosy feel, which is juxtaposed with the usual chilly atmosphere and down-to-the-bones and wonderfully detached writing style. They're characters you are motivated to care deeply about, which serves to make this not only a powerful in places but also very moving. Certainly, there was one point when I even shed a few tears. The story is told brilliantly, giving readers enough information to satisfy, but yet as little as possible, to ensure that they need continually to turn the page to find out more. It all culminates excellently with a shocking revelation about the true nature of Stella's secret. This revelation is not overblown and exaggerated, as some authors might make it, instead Vine underplays it, clearing it entirely of melodrama and simply telling things exactly as they were, which forces the reader to actually think about it, thus bringing huge power to the climax. This, a masterpiece that is the sum of many excellent parts, is a complete triumph for Vine, matching up very equally with my previous favourite of hers, the erotic and chilling genius that is "No Night Is Too Long". Neither of these books should be passed over by any reader worth their salt.

This is one of the very best thrillers that I have read. An elderly resident of a nursing home, Stella, is befriended by Genevieve,her special carer. Gradually Stella unfolds her story which in parts is sad, ordinary, suspenseful and terrible. At the same time as Genevieve is hearing Stella's story, she is, in part, re-enacting the same story with her secret lover, Ned.Stella's lover, Alan, is married to a b-grade movie actress from the 40's whose role playing and drama queen dramatics alienate both her husband and her friends. Stella and Alan continue their love affair for 10 years until circumstances force their hands and their affair takes a new direction. As usual, Barbara Vine inserts the stinger in the tail of the story--a really good read.

Jenny/Genevieve Warner is one of the most appealing heroines in contemporary women's fiction. Vine (Ruth Rendell) creates a dark, complex plot that unwinds almost too slowly, drawing the reader inward, to a conclusion too horrifying to want to believe. How does love die? Many ways, but none more sad than the story of Stella and her boyhood sweetheart, reunited at last and lost to each other forever. Strong stuff! Is redemption at hand with what might happen with Jenny and Richard, Stella's son? Vine leaves it open, but surely some happiness has to come out of all this misery! Masterfully written; a poignant psychological mystery. The setting --- the brooding, watery fens of England's east coast, adds a subtle layer of unease to the story and almost becomes another character with which to reckon. Another writer who does this well -- combining mystery, broody setting, and psychological drama -- is the wonderful Minette Walters.

This novel takes you from the first, intrigues you with the young companion, old woman dialogue. Tends to bog down in the middle but is engrossing enough overall to carry the reader through this. The ending, and all the threads meeting at one intersection, is spectacular