Define Books Concering The House of Stairs
| Original Title: | The House of Stairs |
| ISBN: | 0140114467 (ISBN13: 9780140114461) |
| Edition Language: | English |
Barbara Vine
Paperback | Pages: 281 pages Rating: 3.84 | 2041 Users | 139 Reviews
Point Based On Books The House of Stairs
| Title | : | The House of Stairs |
| Author | : | Barbara Vine |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Anniversary Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 281 pages |
| Published | : | 1988 by Penguin |
| Categories | : | Mystery. Fiction. Crime. Suspense. Thriller. Mystery Thriller |
Representaion To Books The House of Stairs
The House of Stairs - an unputdownable crime classic from bestselling author Barbara VineLizzie hasn't seen her old friend, Bell, for some fourteen years, but when she spots her from a taxi in a London street she jumps out and pursues her despite 'all the terrible things' that passed between them. As Lizzie reveals those events, little by little, the women rekindle their friendship, with terrifying results ...
'This is the third psychological thriller by Ruth Rendell writing as Barbara Vine and when I say it surpasses the first two that's really saying something ... Vine has not only produced a quietly smouldering suspense novel but also presents an accurately atmospheric portrayal of London in the heady 60's. Literally unputdownable' Time Out
The House of Stairs is a modern masterpiece of the crime genre and will leave you gripped from the first page to the last. If you enjoy the novels of P.D. James, Ian Rankin and Scott Turow, you will love this book.
'The Rendell/ Vine partnership has for years been producing consistently better work than most Booker winners put together' Ian Rankin
'A superb and original writer' Amanda Craig, Express
Barbara Vine is the pen-name of Ruth Rendell. She has written fifteen novels using this pseudonym, including A Fatal Inversion and King Solomon's Carpet which both won the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award. Her other books include: A Dark Adapted Eye; The House of Stairs; Gallowglass; Asta's Book; No Night Is Too Long; In the Time of His Prosperity; The Brimstone Wedding; The Chimney Sweeper's Boy; Grasshopper; The Blood Doctor; The Minotaur; The Birthday Present and The Child's Child.
Rating Based On Books The House of Stairs
Ratings: 3.84 From 2041 Users | 139 ReviewsArticle Based On Books The House of Stairs
I'm frustrated with this book. I enjoyed reading it, but the ending irritated me. Why does Elizabeth take Bell into her home (and her Will)? She is such an awful person with no redeeming qualities. Why take care of her after everything? Also, why does Elizabeth allow Cossette to go on thinking she was betrayed by everyone she loved? I think Elizabeth owes it to Cossette to explain that she was not the mastermind of the plot so Cossette knows at least one person in the world loved her just forI am back to the same dilemma, choosing the appropriate rating.It seems to me that works of fine, literary merit should stand apart from those of a more untried worth. There is no debate in my estimation, that Barbara Vine is a skilled, even brilliant author; but this novel was dark, often plodding and very depressing. I liked it least of those I have read by Vine. So here I am with an internal dispute. Do I rate this book in the same class as someone who has slim talent and grinds out new
Out of print. This is my favorite Barbara Vine novel. Incredible structure, with a perfect amount of foreshadowing. Narrator's voice is pitch perfect throughout. This book is worth reading more than once, as I just have, taking advantage of the fact that it is now available in ebook format.I have placed this book on my shelf of "books-about-books" because Rendell (here under her pseudonym) borrows her main story line, events that are recalled, from "The Wings of the Dove" by Henry James. In
This is really 3.5 stars.I don't really like trying to write spoiler-free reviews of mysteries, so I'll just keep this brief and say that the vast majority of this book was great. Vine builds up the tension wonderfully and writes Lizzie, Cosette, and Bell as fully formed people, with quirks and inconsistencies and nuance. The "mystery" is not really mysterious, as Vine references Wings of the Dove often enough for the reader to figure out that it is crucial. I wasn't disappointed in this,
This novel isnt a true mystery, as it is clear from the beginning that theres murder afoot and who the perpetrator is, but its the story of three very different women. Cosette is a pathetic middle age rich woman, since she cant buy back her youth, she tries to buy love and friendship instead. Bell is a cold-hearted liar with many secrets. Elizabeth, the protagonist, is so infatuated with Bell to be unbearably gullible. I didnt loved the story, which I found melancholic and sad, but I liked the
This was one of the first three Barbara Vine novels. I'd been an avid fan of Ruth Rendell since my early teens (even before she came to our school to chat to us in the sixth form common room - she was a friend of our form teacher). When I found out she'd written three novels under another name, I was incensed. Why hadn't anyone told me? I devoured all three books immediately, and loved them - the daily commute from Colchester to Liverpool Street had never been so enjoyable. The books have been
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