| Revision as of 15:22, 20 June 2012 editMaggieButler (talk | contribs)13 edits →Synopsis← Previous edit | Revision as of 05:58, 26 June 2012 edit undoFiverFan65 (talk | contribs)1,077 edits I broke the wall of text into parags; I corrected a dangling participle; I delete the part about the denouement, which was slightly mistaken in wording; I'm fixing some bracketing. More soon.Next edit → | ||
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| '''The Ivy Tree''' is a novel of romantic suspense by ]. Her sixth novel, it was published in 1961 in Britain by ] and in 1962 in the United States by ]. As usual with the author, the novel is narrated in first person by a bold and intelligent young woman, and the setting is picturesque—in this case, Northumberland. | '''The Ivy Tree''' is a novel of romantic suspense by English author ]. Her sixth novel, it was published in 1961 in Britain by ] and in 1962 in the United States by ]. As usual with the author, the novel is narrated in first person by a bold and intelligent young woman, and the setting is picturesque—in this case, Northumberland. | ||
| ==Synopsis== | ==Synopsis== | ||
| Mary Grey |
Mary Grey is off work on Sunday afternoon and relaxing in the northern English countryside. As she leans against part of near a cliff overlooking the waters of , her day suddenly changes when she becomes aware that a strange, handsome man has followed her. Connor Winslow approaches, calling her "Annabel." He refers to her as his ex-fiancee, is obviously angry, and makes a veiled threat to throw her over the cliff. When Mary finally succeeds in making Connor believe she is not Annabel, he is amazed at the similarity in appearance. He offers Mary Grey an opportunity to earn much-needed money by persuading her to impersonate Annabel, who disappeared eight years earlier from the family farm, Whitescar. | ||
| Annabel's grandfather, Matthew, is very ill but delaying the announcement to whom he will leave Whitescar and his financial estate. Even after eight years, Matthew continues to hope that his favorite Annabel will return home. His nephew, Connor, is determined to inherit Whitescar; his half-sister, Lisa, is determined to do whatever Connor wants; and they certainly do not want Whitescar left to the pretty young cousin, Julie Winslow. If Mary will return as Annabel, and if Matthew then leaves the farm to her, Mary is to give it to Connor, in return for payment. | |||
| For reasons only partially explained (to Connor and Lisa, as well as to the reader) she agrees, becomes Annabel, and goes to Whitescar where she succeeds in convincing the household -- Grandfather Matthew, Connor's sister Lisa, cousin Julie, and Mr. & Mrs. Bates (employees of Whitescar) -- that she is indeed Annabel. | |||
| Mary's one weakness is horses, however. Annabel was practically a ], while Mary shows fear of them and balks at riding one. Nevertheless, Mary offers a believable excuse for the fear and continues on with her deception. Then she discovers a secret even Connor did not know: Annabel was having an affair with a married neighbor, Adam Forrest, owner of nearby Forrest Hall. During their relationship, Annabel and Adam exchanged letters and notes by leaving them in the trunk of the ivy tree on Forrest property. When Adam discovers the long-lost Annabel after her late-night visit to the ivy tree, he admits his undying love to her. It's up to Annabel to make him realize their romance is over. In doing so, Adam understands her to be acting as an imposter. Mary persuades him to keep her identity secret as long as no one is hurt, and he agrees. | |||
| The ] ] is satisfying: Mary really ''is'' Annabel, and has been determined not to let the violence-prone Connor harm Grandfather or Julie in any way. At the climax, Annabel tries to save Adam from dying in a cave-in of an old cellar. Her heroic efforts lead to a final confrontation with Connor, who at last realizes the truth about the cousin who outwitted the would-be outwitter. | |||
| ] (]) 15:22, 20 June 2012 (UTC) | ] (]) 15:22, 20 June 2012 (UTC) | ||
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| '''Mary Grey''', a beautiful, slender, 27-year-old female and a new arrival in England from Canada, working in the Kasbah cafe in Newcastle and renting an old run-down flat. Some of her ancestors came from Northumberland County and she is hoping for a new beginning in life when she meets Connor Winslow. | '''Mary Grey''', a beautiful, slender, 27-year-old female and a new arrival in England from Canada, working in the Kasbah cafe in Newcastle and renting an old run-down flat. Some of her ancestors came from Northumberland County and she is hoping for a new beginning in life when she meets Connor Winslow. | ||
| '''Connor Winslow''', the handsome but hot-tempered and ruthless manager of Whitescar Farm and nephew of Matthew Winslow. As attractive as he is on the outside, inside he is self-centered and ruthless with a murderer's heart. | '''Connor Winslow''', the handsome but hot-tempered and ruthless manager of Whitescar Farm and nephew of Matthew Winslow, proud of his Irish heritage. As attractive as he is on the outside, inside he is self-centered and ruthless with a murderer's heart. | ||
| '''Lisa Dermott''', Connor's half-sister, is loyal only to her brother. At times, she is completely unlikeable because of her lack of independence or desire to create her own identity. Lisa seems totally satisfied serving Connor and the Winslow household in the hopes that her brother will gain full control and ownership of it. | '''Lisa Dermott''', Connor's half-sister, is loyal only to her brother. At times, she is completely unlikeable because of her lack of independence or desire to create her own identity. Lisa seems totally satisfied serving Connor and the Winslow household in the hopes that her brother will gain full control and ownership of it. | ||
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| '''Matthew Winslow''', the elderly, domineering patriarch of Whitescar, is the grandfather of Annabel and Julie and uncle to Connor. Although a stroke has weakened him and death is imminent, Matthew continues to control his household and enjoys keeping everyone in suspense regarding his final wishes to his heirs. Everyone knows Annabel is his favorite. | '''Matthew Winslow''', the elderly, domineering patriarch of Whitescar, is the grandfather of Annabel and Julie and uncle to Connor. Although a stroke has weakened him and death is imminent, Matthew continues to control his household and enjoys keeping everyone in suspense regarding his final wishes to his heirs. Everyone knows Annabel is his favorite. | ||
| '''Julie Winslow''' is the pretty, vivacious |
'''Julie Winslow''' is the pretty, vivacious young cousin of Annabel. Julie adores Annabel and freely confides about her feelings concerning Whitescar, her boyfriend Donald, and her knowledge of the affair between Annabel and Adam. When Connor threatens Julie, it is Annabel and Adam who rescue her. | ||
| Archaeologist '''Donald Seton''', Julie's boyfriend, is captivated with his work on Roman excavations, and his lack of attention towards Julie upsets her, causing her to doubt if she and Donald will ever marry. Despite their opposite personalities and his job, Donald adores Julie. When he almost dies in a cave-in on Forrest Hall property, it |
Archaeologist '''Donald Seton''', Julie's boyfriend, is captivated with his work on Roman excavations, and his lack of attention towards Julie upsets her, causing her to doubt if she and Donald will ever marry. Despite their opposite personalities and his job, Donald adores Julie. When he almost dies in a cave-in on Forrest Hall property, it draws them closer together. | ||
| After Annabel disappeared eight years earlier, '''Adam Forrest''' moved to Italy after his home, Forrest Hall, caught fire and burned. He managed to rescue his wife from the flames, but in doing so, his hands were badly burned and disfigured. During his absence from Forrest Hall, Adam's wife died. Shortly after returning home, he discovers Annabel. At the first sight of his disfigured hands, Mary is startled to tears -- a reaction not lost on Adam. | After Annabel disappeared eight years earlier, '''Adam Forrest''' moved to Italy after his home, Forrest Hall, caught fire and burned. He managed to rescue his wife from the flames, but in doing so, his hands were badly burned and disfigured. During his absence from Forrest Hall, Adam's wife died. Shortly after returning home, he discovers Annabel. At the first sight of his disfigured hands, Mary is startled to tears -- a reaction not lost on Adam. | ||
| ==Reviews== | ==Reviews== | ||
| Mary Stewart was already a popular author of romantic suspense and most reviewers felt that this novel was up to her standards. The Atlantic Monthly said, "The author has a neat touch with red herrings and cambric-tea romances." The Christian Science Monitor said: "If the reader feels cheated by the denouement, the author has earned forgiveness by her exciting, belief-suspending account of Mary Grey's sensitive groping for the right response to those who are more sure than the reader that they have known her all her life." The eminent mystery-novel critic Anthony Boucher said, "No one writes the damsel in distress tale with greater charm or urgency." | Mary Stewart was already a popular author of romantic suspense and most reviewers felt that this novel was up to her standards. The Atlantic Monthly said, "The author has a neat touch with red herrings and cambric-tea romances." ] said: "If the reader feels cheated by the denouement, the author has earned forgiveness by her exciting, belief-suspending account of Mary Grey's sensitive groping for the right response to those who are more sure than the reader that they have known her all her life." The eminent mystery-novel critic ] said, "No one writes the damsel in distress tale with greater charm or urgency." | ||
| == References == | == References == | ||
| Phoebe Adams, The Atlantic Monthly, April 1962 | Phoebe Adams, The Atlantic Monthly, April 1962 | ||
| The Christian Science Monitor, January 11, 1962 | ], January 11, 1962 | ||
| Anthony Boucher, The New York Times Book Review, January 7, 1962 | ], ], January 7, 1962 | ||
| <!--- Categories ---> | <!--- Categories ---> | ||
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The Ivy Tree is a novel of romantic suspense by English author Mary Stewart. Her sixth novel, it was published in 1961 in Britain by Hodder & Stoughton and in 1962 in the United States by William Morrow. As usual with the author, the novel is narrated in first person by a bold and intelligent young woman, and the setting is picturesque—in this case, Northumberland.
Synopsis
Mary Grey is off work on Sunday afternoon and relaxing in the northern English countryside. As she leans against part of near a cliff overlooking the waters of Crag Lough, her day suddenly changes when she becomes aware that a strange, handsome man has followed her. Connor Winslow approaches, calling her "Annabel." He refers to her as his ex-fiancee, is obviously angry, and makes a veiled threat to throw her over the cliff. When Mary finally succeeds in making Connor believe she is not Annabel, he is amazed at the similarity in appearance. He offers Mary Grey an opportunity to earn much-needed money by persuading her to impersonate Annabel, who disappeared eight years earlier from the Northumberland County family farm, Whitescar.
Annabel's grandfather, Matthew, is very ill but delaying the announcement to whom he will leave Whitescar and his financial estate. Even after eight years, Matthew continues to hope that his favorite Annabel will return home. His nephew, Connor, is determined to inherit Whitescar; his half-sister, Lisa, is determined to do whatever Connor wants; and they certainly do not want Whitescar left to the pretty young cousin, Julie Winslow. If Mary will return as Annabel, and if Matthew then leaves the farm to her, Mary is to give it to Connor, in return for payment.
For reasons only partially explained (to Connor and Lisa, as well as to the reader) she agrees, becomes Annabel, and goes to Whitescar where she succeeds in convincing the household -- Grandfather Matthew, Connor's sister Lisa, cousin Julie, and Mr. & Mrs. Bates (employees of Whitescar) -- that she is indeed Annabel.
Mary's one weakness is horses, however. Annabel was practically a , while Mary shows fear of them and balks at riding one. Nevertheless, Mary offers a believable excuse for the fear and continues on with her deception. Then she discovers a secret even Connor did not know: Annabel was having an affair with a married neighbor, Adam Forrest, owner of nearby Forrest Hall. During their relationship, Annabel and Adam exchanged letters and notes by leaving them in the trunk of the ivy tree on Forrest property. When Adam discovers the long-lost Annabel after her late-night visit to the ivy tree, he admits his undying love to her. It's up to Annabel to make him realize their romance is over. In doing so, Adam understands her to be acting as an imposter. Mary persuades him to keep her identity secret as long as no one is hurt, and he agrees.
The foreshadowed plot twist is satisfying: Mary really is Annabel, and has been determined not to let the violence-prone Connor harm Grandfather or Julie in any way. At the climax, Annabel tries to save Adam from dying in a cave-in of an old cellar. Her heroic efforts lead to a final confrontation with Connor, who at last realizes the truth about the cousin who outwitted the would-be outwitter. MaggieButler (talk) 15:22, 20 June 2012 (UTC)
Characters
Mary Grey, a beautiful, slender, 27-year-old female and a new arrival in England from Canada, working in the Kasbah cafe in Newcastle and renting an old run-down flat. Some of her ancestors came from Northumberland County and she is hoping for a new beginning in life when she meets Connor Winslow.
Connor Winslow, the handsome but hot-tempered and ruthless manager of Whitescar Farm and nephew of Matthew Winslow, proud of his Irish heritage. As attractive as he is on the outside, inside he is self-centered and ruthless with a murderer's heart.
Lisa Dermott, Connor's half-sister, is loyal only to her brother. At times, she is completely unlikeable because of her lack of independence or desire to create her own identity. Lisa seems totally satisfied serving Connor and the Winslow household in the hopes that her brother will gain full control and ownership of it.
Matthew Winslow, the elderly, domineering patriarch of Whitescar, is the grandfather of Annabel and Julie and uncle to Connor. Although a stroke has weakened him and death is imminent, Matthew continues to control his household and enjoys keeping everyone in suspense regarding his final wishes to his heirs. Everyone knows Annabel is his favorite.
Julie Winslow is the pretty, vivacious young cousin of Annabel. Julie adores Annabel and freely confides about her feelings concerning Whitescar, her boyfriend Donald, and her knowledge of the affair between Annabel and Adam. When Connor threatens Julie, it is Annabel and Adam who rescue her.
Archaeologist Donald Seton, Julie's boyfriend, is captivated with his work on Roman excavations, and his lack of attention towards Julie upsets her, causing her to doubt if she and Donald will ever marry. Despite their opposite personalities and his job, Donald adores Julie. When he almost dies in a cave-in on Forrest Hall property, it draws them closer together.
After Annabel disappeared eight years earlier, Adam Forrest moved to Italy after his home, Forrest Hall, caught fire and burned. He managed to rescue his wife from the flames, but in doing so, his hands were badly burned and disfigured. During his absence from Forrest Hall, Adam's wife died. Shortly after returning home, he discovers Annabel. At the first sight of his disfigured hands, Mary is startled to tears -- a reaction not lost on Adam.
Reviews
Mary Stewart was already a popular author of romantic suspense and most reviewers felt that this novel was up to her standards. The Atlantic Monthly said, "The author has a neat touch with red herrings and cambric-tea romances." The Christian Science Monitor said: "If the reader feels cheated by the denouement, the author has earned forgiveness by her exciting, belief-suspending account of Mary Grey's sensitive groping for the right response to those who are more sure than the reader that they have known her all her life." The eminent mystery-novel critic Anthony Boucher said, "No one writes the damsel in distress tale with greater charm or urgency."
References
Phoebe Adams, The Atlantic Monthly, April 1962 The Christian Science Monitor, January 11, 1962 Anthony Boucher, The New York Times Book Review, January 7, 1962
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