THE WYNDCLIFFE

by Louise Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1975

In trying to add some literary and psychological dimensions to a usual sort of ghost story, Louise Lawrence backs herself right to the edge of the rocky Wyndcliffe, an attractive nuisance that never does claim its victim although we're continually teased with the possibility. . . . In harsh contrast to her worldly sister Ruth (she actually likes a boy who drives a motorcycle), Anna is just the sort of loner who would win the affections of the local west country ghost, a minor poet named John Hollis who gave up the flesh at 23 after being jilted by his true love, Sorrel Lancet. Invisible and inaudible to everyone but Anna, John moves right into her house (he has to vacate the spare bed when brother Simon comes home from London) and he and Anna share long walks through the rain and mundane conversations. After some banter between John and Simon about Dracula (John is surprisingly au courant for someone who's been dead since 1823), Simon makes the point that his sister, being under sixteen is not fair game. A witty solution. . . and the whole relationship might be enjoyed as demi-camp, were it not for all the fuss about Anna's sensitivity, capped by Simon's discovery that her experience has given her ""the wisdom of a lifetime"" and put ""an incredible depth of expression into her gray eyes."" ""He caught her cold hand and realized she was precious"". . . which is just what we thought all along.

Pub Date: April 1, 1975

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1975

Categories: FICTION