A Christmas JourneyAnne Perry
Do you love seasonal reading? I do! It is so nice to read a novel set in summer, when I can enjoy sunny days and cold drinks just like the protagonists in the book, or when their Christmas traditions are described while I am involved in similar activities.
This year, Anne Perry's Christmas Journey signalled the start of my seasonal reading for Christmas.
I have posted several reviews on my blog of her series about Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, set in Victorian London. One recurring and probably much loved character by all readers of the series is Charlotte's elderly great-aunt Vespasia. She often helps with the enquiries, and there is mutual fondness and respect between her and the much younger Pitts.
In this book, we meet Vespasia as a young woman of about 30. She is part of a weekend party at a country house in early December. Among the guests are two young widows, both eager to remarry, and two eligible daughters of a wealthy couple. Their host has invited an equal number of bachelors and widowers, and everybody expects at least one or two announcements of engagement before the weekend is over and they all part ways.
However, things do not go as planned. Although romantic interests soon become obvious, a tragic death occurs, with one of the young widows accused of being responsible for having triggered the suicide.
The consequences are drastic, but the gracious and wise host of the party suggests a way for the accused woman to redeem herself: A journey of expiation.
Vespasia offers to accompany her friend, and the two ladies set out on what proves to become a journey that is as difficult as it is finally rewarding.
I enjoyed this book very much, and it is entirely fitting for Christmas - not in a kitschy way with glittering baubles and surprise visits from Santa, but in that it touches the timeless topics of guilt and forgiveness, love and friendship.
One does not need to know the Pitts series to enjoy the story, but it adds valuable background to those stories.
I've enjoyed all of Anne Perry's Christmas stories along with her other books.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend, Meike!
The first time I read a book by Anne Perry was, if I remember correctly, also a Christmas story - many years ago, and it was probably borrowed from the library.
DeleteThis one came from my stack of spoils from a church sale. I will pass it to a friend of mine who regularly exchanges books with me, unless my Mum wants to read it first.
I've never read any Anne Perry but a cozy book set during the holidays does sound nice.
ReplyDeleteI sent a card your way 2 days ago...hope it makes it in time!,♡
The book is not all that cosy, actually. There is seriousness in it, and behind the suicide that triggers the Christmas journey lies a deep sadness. But there is also hope, and a little bit of humour, and friendship and love.
DeleteThank you, Jennifer, I'll let you know when your card arrives!