- Paperback: 608 pages
- Publisher: Corgi; New edition edition (25 May 1990)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0552132829
- ISBN-13: 978-0552132824
- Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 3.2 x 17.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 204,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Painting The Darkness
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"I was hooked by this atmospheric historical mystery"
-Sarah Broadhurst, "Today"
"It has all the ingredients of a first-class melodrama...engaging and satisfying"
-"The Times"
"It explodes into action so that the reader is hooked by the time he reaches the third page...he is a superb storyteller"
-"Sunday Independent"
-Sarah Broadhurst, "Today"
"It has all the ingredients of a first-class melodrama...engaging and satisfying"
-"The Times"
"It explodes into action so that the reader is hooked by the time he reaches the third page...he is a superb storyteller"
-"Sunday Independent"
Book Description
The brain-teasing new thriller from the 'master of the clever twist'
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Robert Goddard's take on the Martin Guerre theme of the ghost of the past returning to try to re-establish his identity, and be haunted by the present. It is the late Victorian era and we find a sophisticated English gentleman resurrecting himself from a supposed grave to become embroiled in emotional, legal, and violent contests as he endeavours to re-establish his name, claim the title and riches which are his due, and win back the woman he loved ... now married to another.
Goddard has built a reputation on his ability to weave mysteries and thrillers out of the passage of time - his stories reach back into the histories of his characters, explore the histories of nations, and create a depth and sophistication in storytelling which few can emulate. In 'Painting the Darkness', allusions to real events and the inclusion of real historical figures serve only to throw into relief the lack of verifiable history which James Norton can offer to prove his identity, and the refusal of his family and world to accept as valid the history he does provide.
This is a fairly lengthy novel, nearly 600 pages, and the first chapter is just a little slow. Goddard simulates the language of upper class, Victorian England - restrained, formal, refined; as you get into its rhythm and style, you become absorbed in the story, but those first few pages take you through a learning curve in the metre and formality of the language, and can be a little off-putting. Persevere, for this is a finely crafted tale, with Goddard's usual menu of red herrings, spiced and sauced, and served with many a twist.
Goddard is a very fine writer and an outstanding storyteller. 'Painting the Darkness' is no breakneck thriller - it moves at elegant pace, subtle as the swish of satin, graceful as a ballgown's passage across the floor, with just the hint of a well-turned ankle. Highly entertaining, with a convincing sense of place and time, it will keep you guessing to the end.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
What a superb storyteller Robert Goddard is! From the very first pages the book grips you, and you find yourself wanting to know ever more...
The story doesn't move at breakneck speed, but Goddard times his story expertly, and you cannot help but find yourself wondering whether Norton is who he claims to be. Believe you me, Goddard will keep you guessing until the very end.
I should mention the prose too: the dialogues are absolutely first-rate, and the way Goddard can describe people and places, and conjure up an atmosphere is quite uncanny.
The story doesn't move at breakneck speed, but Goddard times his story expertly, and you cannot help but find yourself wondering whether Norton is who he claims to be. Believe you me, Goddard will keep you guessing until the very end.
I should mention the prose too: the dialogues are absolutely first-rate, and the way Goddard can describe people and places, and conjure up an atmosphere is quite uncanny.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An excellent, atmospheric tale. It has all the layers, twists and turns that make Mr Goddard so readable. I thoroughly recommend it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent escapism
The story opens as William Trenchard relaxes in the apparent idyll of settled domesticity. Then a stranger appears, claiming to be the man to whom his wife was previously engaged -... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alison McVey
Painting The Darkness
A man claiming to be James Davenall, some years after it was believed Davenall had committed suicide, rattles more than a few skeletons in his family's closet. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Rich
Fantastic
This was one of the best audio books i have ever listened to the reader was excellent and the story had loads of thrills. Read more
Published on 11 Feb 2008 by mrs waters
Painting a fine story
I hesitated about reading this book,, I've loved many of Goddard's other books but was concerned that this would be a bit historical for me as its set in the 1800s. Read more
Published on 31 Dec 2006 by Binka
An engaging melodrama
In the first day of October 1882, William Trenchard, co-owner of the Trenchard & Leavis retailing chain, is still a happy man in his marital status with his wife Constance Sumner. Read more
Published on 27 Jun 2006 by HORAK
Absolutely stunning -- a gripping, thrilling read.
Quite possibly the finest mystery I've ever read. Listening to the tape version in my car, I nearly ran off the road when the story pulled its big punch ... and I do mean BIG. Read more
Published on 29 Nov 2004
Magnificent, sweeping and intensely moving
Bravo Robert Goddard!!! What a magnificent novel you have written. One of the very best novels I have ever read. Read more
Published on 19 Mar 1999
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