Set in Stone
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Review
The protagonists' unreliable narratives keep readers on the edge of their seats as the shocking nature of their secret is gradually, teasingly revealed in this lyrical novel.', Lesley Agnew, The Bookseller .'An absorbing, thoughtful, jigsaw puzzle of a book... if its atmosphere is that of a Victorian mystery, the setting combines the richly imagined detail of a George Eliot novel with the grace and light of a Vuillard painting.', Kate Agnew, Books for Keeps .'Linda Newberry has very successfully recreated the nineteenth century voice reminiscent of the Bronte's and Austen, and the element of mystery to be solved evokes the style of Wilkie Collins. The particular strength of this novel is the way in which the characters are drawn, each with their own story that leads the reader through the quagmire that is the Farrow family saga... most suited to older teenagers and adults.', Writeaway! .'This novel calls to mind the writings of the Bronte sisters... despite or maybe because of the author seeming so unconcerned with current trends, this book works on every level. The plot is full of twists, the charcters are multi-dimensional, and the atmosphere of that grand Victorian house, with all its intrigue and hierarchy, is electric. Set in Stone is a gripping page-turner for children and adults alike.', Glasgow Herald
The Independent, July 10, 2006
... succeeds so brilliantly through virtuosity of style ... exactly captures genteel Victorian diction and the seething lust, shame and cruelty beneath.
--This text refers to the
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book won the Costa Children's book of the year, and it's not hard to see why. The writing is lyrical and so beautifully expressed, and the story packs a real punch.
At the beginning, the style reminded me of Emily Bronte because the story is told from the point of view of two servants to a grand family. Set at the turn of the century, the book follows the fortunes of Samuel Godwin, a young aspiring artist, who is placed as art tutor to two teenage girls. Charlotte Agnew, the girls' governess and confidante, is the other narrator, and through their eyes we watch the events at `Fourwinds' unfold with growing horror. For although everything on the surface is fine, there is a terrible secret at the root of the family. I can't possibly say what it is, because that would give the book away, but suffice it to say that although the secret is indeed very nasty, the strength of the book lies in its beautiful writing.
The use of first person narrator tells us so much about Samuel and Charlotte - their naiveties and affections, their roles and personalities. I had wondered whether I would find the style too `old-fashioned' and thus become detached from rather than drawn into the story. Not so - this is such a brilliantly written book that I found myself going to bed early just so I could read a bit more! Highly recommended.
At the beginning, the style reminded me of Emily Bronte because the story is told from the point of view of two servants to a grand family. Set at the turn of the century, the book follows the fortunes of Samuel Godwin, a young aspiring artist, who is placed as art tutor to two teenage girls. Charlotte Agnew, the girls' governess and confidante, is the other narrator, and through their eyes we watch the events at `Fourwinds' unfold with growing horror. For although everything on the surface is fine, there is a terrible secret at the root of the family. I can't possibly say what it is, because that would give the book away, but suffice it to say that although the secret is indeed very nasty, the strength of the book lies in its beautiful writing.
The use of first person narrator tells us so much about Samuel and Charlotte - their naiveties and affections, their roles and personalities. I had wondered whether I would find the style too `old-fashioned' and thus become detached from rather than drawn into the story. Not so - this is such a brilliantly written book that I found myself going to bed early just so I could read a bit more! Highly recommended.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a book I couldn't put down, a strange house with a half-crazed, beautiful girl living in it, a domineering, sinister father and the young artist who discovers the secrets behind the stone carvings on the outside of the house. It haunted me long after I'd put it down. Linda Newbery always deals superbly with things other writers for teens are often scared to mention. You have to read it.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Samuel Godwin is a young man with artistic talent who is looking for his purpose in life; he is hired by Ernest Farrow as an art tutor for his two daughters, Juliana and Marianne, who have recently lost their mother. Samuel is enchanted both by the Farrows' house, Fourwinds, and the beautiful Marianne, while discovering a sort of kindred spirit in the girls' companion, Charlotte Agnew. However, both Samuel and Charlotte are unaware of the dark secrets that lurk beneath the respectable surface, secrets that will eventually come to light in a shocking climax.
Those who've already read some Austen and Brontė will enjoy Newbery's nods to the great authors of the age, with her two contrasting sisters, the elder calm and reserved, the younger wild and emotional. Her story, however, is very modern, seeing the Victorian family from the two perspectives of Samuel and Charlotte. Newbery gradually peels back the family's respectable exterior to reveal the shame and anguish in both girls, as well as the flaws of their supposedly enlightened father.
In her previous two books for the Distinctions series, Newbery displayed a talent for interweaving themes and ideas that she uses to excellent effect here: art imitating life, the occult, family secrets, the difference between talent and genius, the preoccupations of late Victorian England. Fans of her previous novels will find this one very satisfying and those new to her writing could not have a better introduction.
Those who've already read some Austen and Brontė will enjoy Newbery's nods to the great authors of the age, with her two contrasting sisters, the elder calm and reserved, the younger wild and emotional. Her story, however, is very modern, seeing the Victorian family from the two perspectives of Samuel and Charlotte. Newbery gradually peels back the family's respectable exterior to reveal the shame and anguish in both girls, as well as the flaws of their supposedly enlightened father.
In her previous two books for the Distinctions series, Newbery displayed a talent for interweaving themes and ideas that she uses to excellent effect here: art imitating life, the occult, family secrets, the difference between talent and genius, the preoccupations of late Victorian England. Fans of her previous novels will find this one very satisfying and those new to her writing could not have a better introduction.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Set in Stone
Once again I was delighted with the service received in the processing of this order. I will be very happy to use the services again in the future.
Published 8 months ago by Maggie
Absolutely stunning
Absoultely loved this book, it is beautifully written. You are drawn into the story by the strange & intriguing characters & the details of art & architecture are amazing. Read more
Published 12 months ago by MME Gubby Cabaret
"To handle stone is to handle the stuff of life and death..."
SET IN STONE is about a house, Fourwinds, and the people who live there during the late 1800s. Within the beautiful architecture and seemingly idyllic location, Fourwinds hides... Read more
Published on 6 April 2009 by Brida
A pleasant read
When young artist Samuel finds himself at Fourwinds, the impressive house of wealthy Mr Farrow, engaged to teach his two daughters, he is unaware he is stepping into a trap or that... Read more
Published on 11 May 2008 by H. Lacroix
A MUST BUY!!!
When I purchased this book, I could not have known it would become one of the greatest novels I have ever read! Read more
Published on 10 July 2007 by FAMOUS NAME
Why Judy Bloom Should Be Worried
Writing of this high quality is rare. It's rarer to find a 'children's book' (what ever that is) written so engagingly and with such care. Read more
Published on 30 May 2007 by Listener
A book for all age groups
I picked up this book because of the intriguing cover - I initially thought I would buy it for my bookworm god-daughter. Read more
Published on 8 Mar 2007 by Z. OConnor
Touching & tactful - a riveting read.
Set in Stone is incredibly intense and deals with some very adult themes (which are dealt with tactfully and sympathetically) therefore it's aimed more at the young adult market... Read more
Published on 6 Jun 2006 by Mrs. K. A. Smurthwaite
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