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16th out of 150 books
—
53 voters
Green Darkness
by
Anya Seton
This story of troubled love takes place simultaneously during two periods of time: today and 400 years ago. We meet Richard and Celia Marsdon, an attractive young couple, whose family traces its lineage back to medieval England. Richard's growing depression creates a crisis in Celia, and she falls desperately ill. Lying unconscious and near death, Celia's spirit journeys b
...morePaperback, 576 pages
Published
June 28th 2007
by Hodder
(first published 1972)
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Rating: 3 stars out of five, but only because I still love the memory
The Publisher Says: This unforgettable story of undying love combines mysticism, suspense, mystery, and romance into a web of good and evil that stretches from 16th-century England to the present day. Richard Marsdon marries a young American woman named Celia, brings her to live at his English estate, and all seems to be going well. But now Richard has become withdrawn, and Celia is constantly haunted by a vague dread. When she...more
The Publisher Says: This unforgettable story of undying love combines mysticism, suspense, mystery, and romance into a web of good and evil that stretches from 16th-century England to the present day. Richard Marsdon marries a young American woman named Celia, brings her to live at his English estate, and all seems to be going well. But now Richard has become withdrawn, and Celia is constantly haunted by a vague dread. When she...more
I found this book sitting all by itself on a table at a library book sale. It was the last day of the sale and everything had been quite picked over except for this gem. Needless to say I grabbed it right away.
Thank goodness for the Mt. TBR Challenge which prompted me to read those books which have been on my shelves the longest. This being one.
The novel is divided into three parts and begins during what feels like the 1970's. Celia and Richard Marsdon are a wealthy young couple recently married...more
Thank goodness for the Mt. TBR Challenge which prompted me to read those books which have been on my shelves the longest. This being one.
The novel is divided into three parts and begins during what feels like the 1970's. Celia and Richard Marsdon are a wealthy young couple recently married...more
5 likes · like · see review
That's my absolute favourite by Anya Seton. She combines present and past in this story of a crime in a medieval setting and how it's still affecting the present. She explains political and social issues in an easy to understand way. One of the books I keep re-reading
8 likes · like · see review
I was really looking forward to reading this book. Maybe that's why I was so disappointed with it. I truly liked the idea of the book (reincarnation and karma- two things I strongly believe in), which is the only thing that prevented me from rating it with one star.
The characters were not real, I didn't felt as though I knew very much about how they were feeling and that some things were ridiculously elaborate (Julian is from Italy- we get it! I think that is mentioned at least 300 times. Yet h...more
The characters were not real, I didn't felt as though I knew very much about how they were feeling and that some things were ridiculously elaborate (Julian is from Italy- we get it! I think that is mentioned at least 300 times. Yet h...more
7 likes · like · see review
I read this book when it was "new" and omg I LOVED it. It was complex and dark and romantic and my then 14 yr old self couldn't get enough.
Someone commented that it's "dated". It wasn't then but it's a reason I've never tried to re-read it. I want to keep the feeling of how wonderful it was to younger less world-weary me.
Someone commented that it's "dated". It wasn't then but it's a reason I've never tried to re-read it. I want to keep the feeling of how wonderful it was to younger less world-weary me.
10 likes · like · see review
The storyline and narrative structure of Green Darkness are very different from other books I have read. Green Darkness starts out in 1968 with a house party. The hosts, Sir Richard and Lady Celia Marsdon are newlyweds but their relationship is anything but blissful, as Richard has turned cold towards his new wife in recent months. Several strange events lead Celia to enter into a catatonic state. One of the guests, an Indian doctor, realizes that Celia and Richard had known each other in a past...more
4 likes · like · see review
I must be the only man who has ever read this novel. If you've been having difficulty getting to sleep, Green Darkness can help. I'm surprised some pharmaceutical company hasn't named a hypnotic after it. It's a long, dreary romance, rendered in prose that's the stylistic equivalent of dishwater, about a modern couple plagued by unresolved issues from a past life exasperating in all the wrong ways. The story idea seemed interesting, and I slogged through it one summer when I was in junior high s...more
7 likes · like · see review
Katherine has long been one of my favorite historical novels, so I thought that it was past time to try one of her other books. I happened upon a copy of Green Darkness in my local used book store and figured that it would do as well as any to start out with. Sadly, I don't think it lives up to Katherine.
Partly, it's the narrative structure that didn't work for me. Green Darkness starts in the 1960's, with recently married Richard and Celia Marsdon. When Celia starts having visions and then laps...more
Partly, it's the narrative structure that didn't work for me. Green Darkness starts in the 1960's, with recently married Richard and Celia Marsdon. When Celia starts having visions and then laps...more
Aug 12, 2009
Amy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
romance
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I've had Green Darkness in my to-be-read pile for a long time now. I don't know exactly what was making me so reluctant to begin it. For one thing, the story takes place in two time periods: the late 1960's in an historic English manor home and in 1550's Tudor England during the reigns of King Edward VI and Mary I. I love stories about Tudor England, but this was my first one to also include the element of reincarnation. While I personally don't believe in reincarnation, it does make for a fasci...more
This could have been a good book. Written in the late 60s, her ideas and worldview were well ahead of her time and relatively original. But sadly, she's not a great writer and her desire to explore the concept of reincarnation overshadowed the story. You can feel her shoe-horning everything to fit the concept, which results in flat characters, trite plots, and the overall impression of her storytelling as juvenile (I know - ouch!). The incarnations of the characters as remaining pretty much who...more
Dec 22, 2009
Nancy
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
historical fiction buffs
Recommended to Nancy by:
I love the author
I've loved Anya Seton's books, but this one stretched credibility even farther than I can usually make it. It deals with reincarnation and the main story is set in England during the tumultuous years of young King Edward's reign to when Queen Elizabeth came to the throne. It's full of intrigue and religious persecution; first the Catholics under Edward, then the Protestants with Queen Mary's importation of the Spanish Inquisition, then the uncertainty as Queen Elizabeth began her reign.
The aut...more
The aut...more
I got Green Darkness from someone who said, “I just couldn’t put it down.” So it is fair to say that I started reading hyped up by the recommendation. I was able to put it down. In fact, I had to take breaks.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a good read, but there was a lot of repetition—much of it unnecessary. I got tired of reading “The Hindu” and “The Italian.” Fine, I get it the man was from Italy and then Hindu, move on.
I did enjoy the historical bits. The abuse, brutality, persecution, and tota...more
Don’t get me wrong, it was a good read, but there was a lot of repetition—much of it unnecessary. I got tired of reading “The Hindu” and “The Italian.” Fine, I get it the man was from Italy and then Hindu, move on.
I did enjoy the historical bits. The abuse, brutality, persecution, and tota...more
"Green Darkness" was my first foray into Anya Seton's novels and I completely fell in love with her writing. As with all her books, the period is meticulously researched so you feel completely immersed in the time period. Green Darkness follows wealthy Celia Marsden, who following her recent marriage to Richard Marsden, moves to England. Their relationship is somewhat troubled and strained, but they cannot place as to why. They do know that they were instantly drawn to each other. When Celia goe...more
Jul 03, 2011
Megan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
British History buffs
Recommended to Megan by:
Stacey Van Valkenburg
Most of my friends know that I love anything and everything to do with Tudor England. So it shouldn't be a big surprise to learn that I was absolutely ENTHRALLED by this fascinating book from acclaimed author and researcher Anya Seton.
"Green Darkness" tells the story of Celia, a young peasant girl living in rural England during the 16th Century. Through her eyes, the reader experiences wars, religious reformation, romance, and feudal life. Her forbidden relationship with a Benedictine Monk is dr...more
"Green Darkness" tells the story of Celia, a young peasant girl living in rural England during the 16th Century. Through her eyes, the reader experiences wars, religious reformation, romance, and feudal life. Her forbidden relationship with a Benedictine Monk is dr...more
My dad found this book in a bargain bin at a library. He had read it in middle school or high school and remembered liking it back then (must have been new at that time). He gave it to me to read - I was then in middle school - and I remember absolutely loving it! It's a little bit too adult for a middle schooler (prosition, sex, etc) and I often wonder what I would think of it now.
The reincarnation part is almost a side thing - there's only a few pages at the beginning and end dealing with mode...more
The reincarnation part is almost a side thing - there's only a few pages at the beginning and end dealing with mode...more
Aug 16, 2007
Laura
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
borrowed-from-public-library
This wasn't as good as the other Seton novels I've read. Despite an interesting idea, the characters weren't very real to me, and I didn't care very much what happened to any of them. Specifically, I thought the main character's husband was a huge jerk, even if he WAS wrestling with demons.
Apr 13, 2013
Lianne Downey
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
reincarnation-resources
While browsing a library book sale, my hand was drawn to a hardcover book on the 50-cent table, its black fabric torn and shredded, title so worn it was invisible to me. I couldn't even see the author's name. But something inside said, "It's only 50 cents; buy this book!" So I threw it in my little pile of purchases. This isn't so significant until you realize that it has been my life's work to study and write about reincarnation, but I didn't know this old book even existed!
I was stunned to dis...more
I was stunned to dis...more
I have to echo what many others have said about this book and that is to say this book was not nearly as good as Anya Seton's other books. This was the 3rd I've read by her thus far and while the other 2 I could barely put down, this one I had trouble picking it back up! I have read Avalon and The Winthrop Woman; those 2 were incredible with great characters that you actually get a sense of connection with and are interesting. The main problem with Green Darkness, I think lies in that the main p...more
Mar 17, 2009
Aonbelay
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
those who like historical fictions
Recommended to Aonbelay by:
My mother
This book is very interesting. It takes the time to set up characters both past and present and captivates you. I feel that this is another book people either love or hate mainly because of the time and the historical thickness of it.
If you dig historical fictions, this is a good read. I read this book as a first addition and was ecstatic when it was re-released. Yes it's set in the 60's, yes it takes forever to get going, yes it's VERY wordy with historical dates and events, but the way it's t...more
If you dig historical fictions, this is a good read. I read this book as a first addition and was ecstatic when it was re-released. Yes it's set in the 60's, yes it takes forever to get going, yes it's VERY wordy with historical dates and events, but the way it's t...more
One of my all time favorite books, I've read it several times over the years and I continue to return to it; the writing is fantastic, the story is haunting. Just a fantastic read.
Sep 23, 2009
Hannah
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historicals,
romances
Read this a few years ago after completing Seton's magnificent Katherine. From what I remember of my impressions, this is not a bad book, but I'd also say it's not to the caliber of Katherine.
Usually, when I read time travel books, I enjoy the plot thread of the past lives better then the modern ones. In the case of GD, I actually liked the modern storyline better, and felt more sympathy with the characters in the present. Nonetheless, GR is still a beautifully written novel, and I enjoyed the m...more
Usually, when I read time travel books, I enjoy the plot thread of the past lives better then the modern ones. In the case of GD, I actually liked the modern storyline better, and felt more sympathy with the characters in the present. Nonetheless, GR is still a beautifully written novel, and I enjoyed the m...more
I read this book years ago and decided to do a reread and enjoyed it just as much. Although this is an historical novel it is also a novel about reincarnation.
Back Cover Blurb:
Celia de Bohun fell in love in 1552. But Stephen was a priest. When he returned her love, the young sweethearts became the victims of their savage times....
Centuries later, their tragedy threatens the life and happiness of another Celia, the young, rich and unhappy wife of Richard Marsdon and lady of the Sussex manor calle...more
Back Cover Blurb:
Celia de Bohun fell in love in 1552. But Stephen was a priest. When he returned her love, the young sweethearts became the victims of their savage times....
Centuries later, their tragedy threatens the life and happiness of another Celia, the young, rich and unhappy wife of Richard Marsdon and lady of the Sussex manor calle...more
This book wasn't as good as I was hoping, although by the end I did find myself quite absorbed by the story. Overall, I felt the writing to be too heavy-handed, in particular the references to spirituality and reincarnation, which read like obvious exposition. The link between the two parts of the story felt quite weak, and the transition between them was a little jarring. The ending also disappointed, after all the passion that had been building throughout the book, there seemed to be no real c...more
I have enjoyed many of Anya Seton's books--she seems to have a knack for bringing the past to life in a truly enjoyable way. This one was slightly different in that there was a framing story set in the present (at the time the book was written, the 60's) and this story tied in the with the main plot. As with most of her books, I hated to put it down. I didn't think the framing story added much to the plot, although given the era it was written in, she may have felt the mystical hippy Indian guru...more
Apr 04, 2013
Terra Kelly
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Terra by:
found randomly at a laundrymat
The Green Darkness by Anya Seton is one of my favourite novels. I originally found my first copy of it in a laundry mat, I randomly picked it up for something to do while I was waiting and then I fell in love. I sadly stole that book from the laundry mat so I could finish reading it. In a twist of fate I have gotten and lost that book on three different occasions!
The book is set in two different time periods with a Tudor setting and a more modern setting (well kind of more modern) of 1968. It is...more
The book is set in two different time periods with a Tudor setting and a more modern setting (well kind of more modern) of 1968. It is...more
Present day: Richard Marsdon meets Celia Taylor on a trans-Atlantic crossing and immediately feels drawn to her, as if they are destined to be together. Now don't get confused and think that he is in love with the woman, for that doesn't seem to be the case at all. It seems more of an obligation than anything else. The quickly marry, settle in his huge house in England, and have fabulous weekend soirees with the randomest gathering of acquaintances they can manage to scrounge up. Celia and her h...more
I first read this in 1973 when I was 14. I plucked it off the shelves of my parents' bookstore and quickly became absorbed and a little obsessed with it. I read it over and over.
I ran across a copy in a used bookstore this week and sat down on a couch to spend an afternoon re-reading it. Apparently 40 years later just before my 54th birthday (in March), this book doesn't have quite the same appeal to me as it did when I was in my very early teens. That's a pity.
The atmosphere and mood are stil...more
I ran across a copy in a used bookstore this week and sat down on a couch to spend an afternoon re-reading it. Apparently 40 years later just before my 54th birthday (in March), this book doesn't have quite the same appeal to me as it did when I was in my very early teens. That's a pity.
The atmosphere and mood are stil...more
Green Darkness was a haunting book that spanned from Tudor England to the 20th Century. In the first part of the book, we are introduced to Celia and her husband. We quickly discover that there is something in their past life that causes conflict in their current life. In the second part of the book, we are taken back to 16th Century England during the reign of King Edward and we are introduced to another Celia. It's mildly predictable when everyone in Celia's 16th Century life resembles everyon...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My all time favorite book | 11 | 52 | Apr 15, 2012 11:58pm |
Anya Seton (January 23, 1904 (although the year is often misstated to be 1906 or 1916) - November 8, 1990) was the pen name of the American author of historical romances, Ann Seton.
Ann Seton was born in New York, New York, and died in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. She was the daughter of English-born naturalist and pioneer of the Boy Scouts of America, Ernest Thompson Seton and Grace Gallatin Seton....more
More about Anya Seton...
Ann Seton was born in New York, New York, and died in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. She was the daughter of English-born naturalist and pioneer of the Boy Scouts of America, Ernest Thompson Seton and Grace Gallatin Seton....more
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“Truth is naturally universal...and shines into many different windows, though many are clouded.”
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updated May 17, 2013 10:51am
great teen reading! :)
May 17, 2013 04:01pm