I was therefore delighted to discover by accident what is seemingly one of Stewart's 'lost' books while browsing in my favourite independent bookshop. The Wind off the Small Isles is a small, very short book and the story is set on the island of Lanzarote. Apart from being written by one of my all-time favourite authors, the hard cover is so pretty I would have bought it anyway!
Yes, it's a bit too short which gives it less depth and makes the hint of romance less believable, but the author still had the power to take me to another place and involve me in the characters' lives for a couple of days. Moreover, she also managed to add in a little mystery and danger that is such a feature of her novels. I think this is a little book I'll treasure as a special, unexpected treat.
Did you read Mary Stewart?
Rosemary
17 comments:
That is a lovely cover!
No, I've not read any Mary Stewart books, I don't think – though I used to be very bad at remembering author names and book titles.
Read them all - got them all!
Yes, love them. My favourite is Airs Above the Ground. Hard to replicate now, when foreign travel is so much more part of life than in the 40s/50s and modern communications mean you can hardly ever be very isolated.
No, Rosemary, I've not read her books. Knowing your enthusiasm, I started one, but wasn't gripped. I suspect it's an age thing (see Kate's point). Perhaps I simply missed the boat?
Maybe I should have another go I hate to think I'm missing out. Have you a recommendation for a late starter?
This is fascinating, Rosemary, I was a HUGE fan of her books, but have never heard of this novella! I would love to reread her novels (have recently bought a couple as I didn't keep the originals) but do worry they might be dated and I don't want to spoil the memories :-)
Isn't it, Patsy! Must say I read most of them in my youth and haven't revisited them yet, apart from this 'found' one.
I have too, Vonnie, though I had to get rid of my very battered ones!
I loved that too, Kate, and was even thinking about it when in Vienna a few years ago. You're absolutely right about the difference modern life makes - I'd hardly been out of the country when I read the novels.
I can understand that, Joan, and have agreed with Kate's point. It also helps if you're very keen on romantic suspense. I loved Airs Above the Ground and Nine Coaches Waiting, although I enjoyed them all. Avoid the Crystal Cave series unless you like stories about Merlin - they're quite different!
I feel exactly the same, Karen! I was delighted to find that little hardback and enjoyed it up to a point but haven't tried any of the others yet since my teens. Had to get rid of my battered copies so now looking for more!
I love Mary Stewart's books, Rosemary, and I read and re-read them as a teenager. I haven't read this novella, but I'm now really looking forward to reading it!
What a lovely find, Rosemary! I don't remember reading her books, but the name rings a bell so perhaps I did. It was certainly the sort of book I read during my early teens. The cover is lovely!
Gosh, yes, I loved Mary Stewart - and I still read them from time to time. If you accept the date they were written and the outdated dialogue, they are still wonderfully descriptive and thrilling!
I've never read Mary Stewart. The question of authors changing and maturing over the years is interesting. I love Joanne Harris, for instance, but her early schlock-horror novels are awful!
Glad you enjoyed them too, Helena!
I was so delighted to find such a lovely, unexpected copy of this, Teresa!
That's good you still enjoy them, Helen - must try one of my old favourites!
That is interesting, Julia - I think we as readers change so much over the years too!
What a wonderful find, Rosemary. I haven't read Mary Stewart, although I remember when I was at school her books were always prominent on the tiny shelf of books for sale in our local newsagents. I just couldn't afford them!
The covers of these old books are always a delight Rosemary.
I've never read any of her books, but despite their age they can still be enjoyed, as well as reminding up what made up want to read the next book.
I’ve never read Mary Stewart either. This must be remedied!
I think they were particularly popular among teenagers, Rae!
This one has brought back a lot of memories, Carol!
Hope you don't find them too dated, Wendy!
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