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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.

Plot

Narrator/protagonist Mary Grey is off work on Sunday afternoon and enjoying the beauty of the northern English countryside. As she leans against Hadrian's Wall near a cliff overlooking the waters of Crag Lough, a local youth called Connor Winslow mistakes her for his long-lost cousin "Annabel". ). Upon persuasion to the contrary, Connor is amazed at her resemblance to Annabel, and offers Mary money to impersonate Annabel at the Northumberland family farm of Whitescar, in the hope that Annabel's grandfather, Matthew, will bequeath Whitescar and his financial estate to her, and that she in turn will transfer it, after Matthew's death, to Connor himself. For reasons only partially explained (to Connor and Lisa, as well as to the reader) she agrees, and succeeds in convincing the household - Grandfather Matthew, Connor's sister Lisa, cousin Julie, and Mr. and Mrs. Bates (employees of Whitescar) - that she is indeed Annabel. The sole weakness of this imposture is Mary's fear of horses, which contradicts Annabel's Natural horsemanship; but this is soon rationalized by all the locals except Adam Forrest, the owner of nearby Forrest Hall, of whom the original Annabel was a paramour. When Adam discovers the long-lost Annabel after her late-night visit to the ivy tree (their former rendezvous), he discovers the imposture; but Mary persuades him to keep her identity secret as long as no one is hurt. In a later plot twist, a background story is introduced wherein Mary Grey was herself a double-identity assumed by the original Annabel Winslow. At the climax, Annabel tries to save Adam from a cave-in of an old cellar, and is later confronted by Connor; but he is killed by a nearby horse. In conclusion, Annabel and Julie are confirmed friends, Julie will marry her boyfriend, and Annabel and Adam are presumed to marry, and inherit Whitescar.

Characters

Mary Grey, a beautiful, slender, 27-year-old woman 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."

Notes

1. Stewart, Mary. The Ivy Tree. William Morrow, 1962, p. 10.
2. Stewart, Mary. The Ivy Tree. William Morrow, 1962, p. 13.

References

• Adams, Phoebe. The Atlantic Monthly, April 1962.
• The Christian Science Monitor, January 11, 1962.
• Boucher, Anthony. The New York Times Book Review, January 7, 1962.
• Stewart, Mary. The Ivy Tree. William Morrow, 1962.

• Articles created via the Article Wizard
• Novels by Mary Stewart
• 1961 novels
• Novels set in Northumberland
• Hodder & Stoughton books