On the plus side, the characters and setting were reasonably promising and The Tempest references apt. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.


Uniquely Captures a Time & Place ... ...   August 1, 2003
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This book has drama and excitement. For me this story creates a time capsule - a time now past, where everything moved more slowly and travelling away from home was a new cultural adventure into the unknown. Mary Stewart has created in the main character a very "likeable heroinne" - who is quite ordinary but yet very brave in unusual circumstances - the sort of character whose company I enjoyed in the pages of this book, and who I would enjoy meeting again in another book. I also think the story would make a great movie. The story created beautifully a picture of the island in my mind and was very entertaining. The book has everything - travel, culture, thrills and even some romance! It's a book I would read more than once.


They don't write them like this anymore!   April 1, 2003
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This is one of Mary Stewarts best novels. Why is nobody today able to write a good story without meaningless sex, gratuitous violence or employing expletives regularly? This was written in a bygone age, a mixture of adventure (the Corfu setting was probably very exotic for its time), suspense and romance (handsome, obfuscating stranger). Alright, its not profound, and it won't extend your vocabulary, but make sure you read it, followed by The Moonspinners and My Brother Michael!!


Lashings of Shakespeare, Scenery and Adventure   March 28, 2003
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Another fun read from the mistress of well-written adventures... The Tempest is my favourite Shakespearean play and this is a worthy addition to the Canon of books, films and music inspired by Prospero's Island.

Highly literate, loads of fun - summer holiday excapism.