What do you think?
Rate this book
A Drop of Ink
Penniless and disgraced, Adelaide Wentworth is feeling rather desperate. With nothing left to lose, she and her sister, Louisa, flee to Lake Geneva with Adelaide’s lover, the infamous poet Julian Estes. There, Louisa hopes to persuade Bayard Sonnier—celebrated writer and her former lover—to advance Julian’s career. He is their last hope for salvation.
At the Villa Diodati—the place that inspired the writing of Frankenstein sixty years earlier—Louisa plots to rekindle her affair with Bayard, while Adelaide hopes to restore her fading love for Julian by being the muse he needs.
But soon, secrets are revealed, passions ignited, and hidden talents discovered. Adelaide begins to imagine a different life. Confused, she turns to Giovanni Calina—Bayard’s assistant and a man with his own secrets and deep resentments—and the two form a dangerous alliance. No one leaves unscathed in this richly imagined, emotionally nuanced tale of passion, ambition, inspiration, and redemption.
At the Villa Diodati—the place that inspired the writing of Frankenstein sixty years earlier—Louisa plots to rekindle her affair with Bayard, while Adelaide hopes to restore her fading love for Julian by being the muse he needs.
But soon, secrets are revealed, passions ignited, and hidden talents discovered. Adelaide begins to imagine a different life. Confused, she turns to Giovanni Calina—Bayard’s assistant and a man with his own secrets and deep resentments—and the two form a dangerous alliance. No one leaves unscathed in this richly imagined, emotionally nuanced tale of passion, ambition, inspiration, and redemption.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2017
610 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Megan Chance
32 books701 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 8, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Megan Chance for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. It is 1876 Switzerland, where 5 people have gathered at the Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva some 60 years after poets Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, alongside his writer wife, Mary Godwin Shelly, gathered one summer; the year in which Mary wrote Frankenstein. The two others that accompanied them were Claire Clairmont, Mary's stepsister and former lover of both Bryon and Shelly, as well as Bryon's physician, Dr. John Polidori, who wrote "The Vampyre" that summer. The villa's past inspired the two women and three men to conduct a contest to see who can write the best ghost story. Romance, rage, and revenge haunted the halls of this famous home and challenged it's occupants. Not a bad tale, but a bit slow at the beginning.
April 20, 2024
Review from 2017
There are two narrators in this; Taylor Ann Krahn gets a C and Tim Campbell a B, and the story gets a B+, so I'm saying 4 stars overall.
In 1816, a group of five writers lived for a few months at the Villa Diodati on the shores of Lake Geneva. One night, during a particularly virulent storm, they sat around telling each other ghost stories, and then one of their number issued a challenge that they should all write one … and the rest is history because one of those stories was eventually published as Frankenstein. The writers were, of course, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley and his wife, Mary, her step-sister Claire (and Shelley’s some-time lover) and Byron’s friend and physician, Dr. John Polidori, whose own effort, The Vampyre, was written several decades before Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
In A Drop of Ink, Megan Chance re-imagines this story some sixty years later, in 1876. Author Bayard Sonnier is as famous for his romantic liaisons as for his writing, and, as was the case with Byron, he’s the equivalent of a rock star in terms of his fame and the interest that is generated by anything and everything he does. Following the ending of his most recent, scandalous, love affair, Bayard has left England in the attempt to find some anonymity and time to work on his next book, which is already overdue. He is accompanied by his secretary, Giovanni Calina who, in spite of his Italianate name, hails from Bethnal Green in the East End of London. The son of a cobbler, Giovanni – usually referred to in the book as ‘Vanni’ – has been well educated and managed to land the job as Bayard’s secretary, in part because of his skill with languages – a definite plus, given Bayard’s intention to travel. Vanni is also an aspiring writer, and hopes that perhaps he will be able to learn something about the craft by working closely with the renowned author.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals
There are two narrators in this; Taylor Ann Krahn gets a C and Tim Campbell a B, and the story gets a B+, so I'm saying 4 stars overall.
In 1816, a group of five writers lived for a few months at the Villa Diodati on the shores of Lake Geneva. One night, during a particularly virulent storm, they sat around telling each other ghost stories, and then one of their number issued a challenge that they should all write one … and the rest is history because one of those stories was eventually published as Frankenstein. The writers were, of course, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley and his wife, Mary, her step-sister Claire (and Shelley’s some-time lover) and Byron’s friend and physician, Dr. John Polidori, whose own effort, The Vampyre, was written several decades before Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
In A Drop of Ink, Megan Chance re-imagines this story some sixty years later, in 1876. Author Bayard Sonnier is as famous for his romantic liaisons as for his writing, and, as was the case with Byron, he’s the equivalent of a rock star in terms of his fame and the interest that is generated by anything and everything he does. Following the ending of his most recent, scandalous, love affair, Bayard has left England in the attempt to find some anonymity and time to work on his next book, which is already overdue. He is accompanied by his secretary, Giovanni Calina who, in spite of his Italianate name, hails from Bethnal Green in the East End of London. The son of a cobbler, Giovanni – usually referred to in the book as ‘Vanni’ – has been well educated and managed to land the job as Bayard’s secretary, in part because of his skill with languages – a definite plus, given Bayard’s intention to travel. Vanni is also an aspiring writer, and hopes that perhaps he will be able to learn something about the craft by working closely with the renowned author.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals
March 29, 2017
I received an ARC of the book from Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
A Drop of Ink by Megan Chance is a historical fiction novel. This story starts off by focusing on a man named Giovanni Calina who assists the one and only Bayard Sonnier. Bayard is one of the most popular and influential authors of their time. Calina and Bayard agree that in order for Bayard to focus more on his writing and less about the rumors that surround him, they must escape to Lake Geneva. Meanwhile, Louisa Wentworth, one of Bayard’s many lovers, plans to follow Bayard to Lake Geneva to gain more wealth for her and her sister, Adelaide Wentworth. Adelaide goes with her and brings along her lover, Julian Estes, who wishes to appeal to Bayard so that he can further his writing career.
Calina, Bayard, Louisa, Adelaide and Estes all end up staying at Villa Dodati, the place that inspired the creation of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. They all slowly start to become close and embark on adventures such as a writing contest that ultimately help them define who they are as people. The more they spend time with each other, the more they find out about each other’s desires, passions, and most important of all, they figure out each other’s dirty secrets. They eventually come to an understanding that although they thought they knew each other, it turns out everyone has something to hide. Connections are made, people start to get hurt, relationships become damaged and it seems like all is doomed for this handful of friends. Will the Wentworth sisters, Calina, Bayard and Estes ever be able to redeem themselves and return to the life they had before their escape to Lake Geneva?
I have no doubt that A Drop of Ink is my favorite read of 2017. This novel is woven with so many deep, complicated relationships that when you start to make all of the connections, your mouth drops to the floor. All of the characters are rich and unique in their own way and each of them resembles a famous figure from the Romantic movement. I instantly understood that Bayard, in a way, is supposed to represent (my boy) Lord Byron. If you are unaware of the topsy-turvy relationships between Byron, Percy and Mary Shelley, and others such as Claire Clairmont, you will get an compelling insight of their lives through this recreation of their story. If you are aware of the details of their relationships like I am and love these figures as much as I do, you will sincerely appreciate this beautiful nod to the Romantic poets. While I did develop an inkling (no pun intended) as to where these characters were going to end up, that didn’t stop me from crying and feeling so much at the novel’s ending. All I am going to say is that each character ends up making major decisions and these decisions affect them for years to come. Adelaide (who is my favorite character) and her ending made me cheer. Other’s endings, such as Calina’s hurt my soul but in the best way possible.
I truly am in love with this book. It is the type of book I have been yearning to read for a long time but never discovered until now. Megan Chance’s writing is killer. The pacing of the story is quick but it is meant to be and works fabulously with the story. She places little intricate plot twists here and there that make the story much more thoughtful and enchanting. The story as a whole brings your attention to certain historical drama and the present day dramas that come with writing to teach you that no matter what, you should follow your dreams. Each character has a certain dream and is held back by something, whether it be their romantic partner or their wealth or their social status. But it is important to know that things like that should never hold you back.
By reading about the characters in this book, I learned people who are passionate and creative sometimes don’t know how to handle these traits. If they are not able to handle this passion or creativity, they can sometimes become depressed or reckless. However, living out your dreams helps you control all of the heartaches in your life, channels your passion and devotes it to a greater cause. It not only helps you discover who you are but it helps other people who come across it discover who they are as well. I recommend this book to anyone who likes gossip, complicated relationships, a good historical novel or to writers who are struggling to find their niche. This book will help you understand that although it is not okay to hide secrets and wound your most important relationships, it is okay to allow yourself to discover who you truly are.
February 11, 2017
This is NOT a feel good book! For about the first third of it, I hated it and hated the characters. There were a couple of characters who I never grew to like, but I still wanted a happy ending for all of them. By the time I was halfway through the book, I couldn't put it down, even though it continued to make me mad and melancholy. The actual storyline was rather uneventful; however, the characters with their many demons and flaws kept me intrigued with their dysfunction. I recommend the book, just don't expect anything uplifting or life changing.
March 7, 2017
I don't want to give too much away so I will talk about feelings rather than plot. When I finished this wonderful book, I felt both awe and sadness. Awe, from the writer's talent and the original convolution of ideas in ways one did not suspect. Sadness - as though something had been ripped from me and left behind a deep loss, a longing, a feeling of the unresolved. A Drop of Ink culminated into a haunting, magical end but the ride was both powerful and illuminating.
For those who write, for those who are fans of Mary Shelley, for those curious about writers and their frustrations and for those who pine for a nostalgic bygone era, this book is exquisite.
A Drop of Ink stands out as a superbly crafted story for this very reason: speculating on what could have been...and offering us a glimpse into this possibility through imagined characters. Again, without giving too much away, the characters mesmerise in their resemblance to that first quintet who met 60 years prior in the very villa where Frankenstein was penned - Lord Byron, Dr John Polidori, Mary Shelley, her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and her step-sister, Claire Clairmont.
This novel is an unusual and at first, unsuspected, love story thwarted by class differences and ambition. At first, the stage is set, like an almost comedic Woody-Allen-does-Switzerland with its insufferable characters, each with their own flaws and eccentric manners or moods. Then as one scratches the surface and the engaging plot unravels, the emotional entwining is revealed and multiple facets emerge in each character.
I most identified with the passionate Vanni - I thought he was remarkably well defined, with reactions and emotions so vivid they seemed to match my own, achieving to complete a well-drawn and believable character. Toward the end of the book, I became haunted by what would become of him.
Megan Chance is a wonderful writer in a way that is unique and difficult to describe. A Drop of Ink unraveled at an intensely emotional pace. It brought forward many questions about the original quintet and offered consolation to a tragic real life ending. It was perfect.
For those who write, for those who are fans of Mary Shelley, for those curious about writers and their frustrations and for those who pine for a nostalgic bygone era, this book is exquisite.
A Drop of Ink stands out as a superbly crafted story for this very reason: speculating on what could have been...and offering us a glimpse into this possibility through imagined characters. Again, without giving too much away, the characters mesmerise in their resemblance to that first quintet who met 60 years prior in the very villa where Frankenstein was penned - Lord Byron, Dr John Polidori, Mary Shelley, her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and her step-sister, Claire Clairmont.
This novel is an unusual and at first, unsuspected, love story thwarted by class differences and ambition. At first, the stage is set, like an almost comedic Woody-Allen-does-Switzerland with its insufferable characters, each with their own flaws and eccentric manners or moods. Then as one scratches the surface and the engaging plot unravels, the emotional entwining is revealed and multiple facets emerge in each character.
I most identified with the passionate Vanni - I thought he was remarkably well defined, with reactions and emotions so vivid they seemed to match my own, achieving to complete a well-drawn and believable character. Toward the end of the book, I became haunted by what would become of him.
Megan Chance is a wonderful writer in a way that is unique and difficult to describe. A Drop of Ink unraveled at an intensely emotional pace. It brought forward many questions about the original quintet and offered consolation to a tragic real life ending. It was perfect.
July 8, 2017
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bayard Sonnier begins the novel is a pompous, drunk, egomaniac with a narcissistic streak a mile long. He has no growth or changes into any kind of person that has the slightest redeeming quality.
Giovanni Calina has his head so far up his own ass that he refuses to see what is going on in the world around him. He actually believes that beautiful women want him around for himself when all that is discussed is Bayard Sonnier. When he finally does see the reality of the world, he becomes a disgusting leech who finally dies in his own filth.
Adelaide Wentworth is pathetic. She trails after her lover, Julian Estes, and younger sister, Louisa Wentworth, doing absolutely nothing for herself. She is a mindless, shell of a human being. When it is finally revealed how Julian abandoned her in Venice while pregnant to run around Paris with Louisa, and Adelaide was not only accused of murdering Julian's wife but experienced a miscarriage from the stress, I did understand why Adelaide was so numb to the world and allowed herself to be led around. She had no one left to turn to but those people who had utterly betrayed her.
Julian Estes is a hypocritical asshole. He proclaims free love for all, abandoning his wife (who was pregnant with his child) to run around with Adelaide. Than he abandons Adelaide who was pregnant with his child to run off with Louisa. But he throws an absolute shit fit when he discovers Louisa is having an affair with Bayard Sonnier. He is so upset that "his" women are "disloyal" he goes out and kills himself.
Louisa Wentworth is a spoiled, petulant brat who needed to be turned over a knee as a child and spanked until she learned some proper manners. Sadly, she only learns how to use her pretty looks, dramatic flair, and sexuality to get what she wants when she wants it. She is an utter disgrace in all ways.
For most of this book the characters do nothing except drink and fuck. It is an utter waste of time and when the subject of mental illness and mental health is bandied about in such a horrible fashion I am appalled!
Bayard Sonnier begins the novel is a pompous, drunk, egomaniac with a narcissistic streak a mile long. He has no growth or changes into any kind of person that has the slightest redeeming quality.
Giovanni Calina has his head so far up his own ass that he refuses to see what is going on in the world around him. He actually believes that beautiful women want him around for himself when all that is discussed is Bayard Sonnier. When he finally does see the reality of the world, he becomes a disgusting leech who finally dies in his own filth.
Adelaide Wentworth is pathetic. She trails after her lover, Julian Estes, and younger sister, Louisa Wentworth, doing absolutely nothing for herself. She is a mindless, shell of a human being. When it is finally revealed how Julian abandoned her in Venice while pregnant to run around Paris with Louisa, and Adelaide was not only accused of murdering Julian's wife but experienced a miscarriage from the stress, I did understand why Adelaide was so numb to the world and allowed herself to be led around. She had no one left to turn to but those people who had utterly betrayed her.
Julian Estes is a hypocritical asshole. He proclaims free love for all, abandoning his wife (who was pregnant with his child) to run around with Adelaide. Than he abandons Adelaide who was pregnant with his child to run off with Louisa. But he throws an absolute shit fit when he discovers Louisa is having an affair with Bayard Sonnier. He is so upset that "his" women are "disloyal" he goes out and kills himself.
Louisa Wentworth is a spoiled, petulant brat who needed to be turned over a knee as a child and spanked until she learned some proper manners. Sadly, she only learns how to use her pretty looks, dramatic flair, and sexuality to get what she wants when she wants it. She is an utter disgrace in all ways.
For most of this book the characters do nothing except drink and fuck. It is an utter waste of time and when the subject of mental illness and mental health is bandied about in such a horrible fashion I am appalled!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2017
Ah, the joy of a budding novelist who has gained favor from the world's most renown writer! Giovanni Calina, cobbler's son one day and author's apprentice the next, is about to change his life forever.
A DROP OF INK by Megan Chance is no "lazy day Sunday in the park" read—it is deep with plot and personality, layered with intricate characters, and its conflict is massive. Set in May 1874, this story reflects on an experience famed author Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, had in 1816 while visiting Switzerland and Lord Byron, "We will each write a ghost story . . . " Ms. Chance has creatively taken this scenario and turned it into a novel of unforgettable proportions.
The European setting is described magnificently and includes a tempting villa, a charming countryside, romances, intimacies, and rivalries. Along with Giovanni (Vanni) Calina are four other major players: Famed author Bayard Sonnier, Poet-extraordinaire Julian Estes, and two American sisters, Louisa and Adelaide Wentworth. This story is told from the perspectives of both Vanni and Adelaide.
When the five of them decide to write their own ghost stories, mimicking Mary Shelley and Lord Byron fifty-plus years earlier, the allure to "writers who are readers" will perk up some ears. Who wouldn't want to be among these five? Unfortunately, the five people who have come together in this novel are truly flawed people—untrustworthy, underhanded, conniving, and deceitful. Oh, each of them shows a flash of humanity at times, but overall, I did not like a single character out of the whole bunch. The story itself, however, is wholly rich, and its complexity will keep the reader deeply entrenched, especially the last few chapters, which were pure magnificence, in my opinion.
Although I found the writing superb, I feel compelled to mention one major exception: How many names can a character have before the reader gets lost? Giovanni Calina, Vanni, Gio-Gio, Mr. Calina; Bayard Sonnier, Bayard, Bay, Mr. Sonnier; Louisa Wentworth, Louisa, Miss Wentworth, LouLou, sister; Adelaide Wentworth, Adelaide, Miss Wentworth, Addie, sister; Julian Estes, Julian, Mr. Estes, Jules, the poet; and others. The names, especially with the sisters, became confusing. It was an unnecessary distraction.
Initially, I picked up this book because of its fantastic cover, which I think is unbeatable, but I read it because of its interesting storyline and remarkable writing. This is the first novel I've read by Megan Chance. If you are looking for a novel with substance, A DROP OF INK may very well be the book for you.
A DROP OF INK by Megan Chance is no "lazy day Sunday in the park" read—it is deep with plot and personality, layered with intricate characters, and its conflict is massive. Set in May 1874, this story reflects on an experience famed author Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, had in 1816 while visiting Switzerland and Lord Byron, "We will each write a ghost story . . . " Ms. Chance has creatively taken this scenario and turned it into a novel of unforgettable proportions.
The European setting is described magnificently and includes a tempting villa, a charming countryside, romances, intimacies, and rivalries. Along with Giovanni (Vanni) Calina are four other major players: Famed author Bayard Sonnier, Poet-extraordinaire Julian Estes, and two American sisters, Louisa and Adelaide Wentworth. This story is told from the perspectives of both Vanni and Adelaide.
When the five of them decide to write their own ghost stories, mimicking Mary Shelley and Lord Byron fifty-plus years earlier, the allure to "writers who are readers" will perk up some ears. Who wouldn't want to be among these five? Unfortunately, the five people who have come together in this novel are truly flawed people—untrustworthy, underhanded, conniving, and deceitful. Oh, each of them shows a flash of humanity at times, but overall, I did not like a single character out of the whole bunch. The story itself, however, is wholly rich, and its complexity will keep the reader deeply entrenched, especially the last few chapters, which were pure magnificence, in my opinion.
Although I found the writing superb, I feel compelled to mention one major exception: How many names can a character have before the reader gets lost? Giovanni Calina, Vanni, Gio-Gio, Mr. Calina; Bayard Sonnier, Bayard, Bay, Mr. Sonnier; Louisa Wentworth, Louisa, Miss Wentworth, LouLou, sister; Adelaide Wentworth, Adelaide, Miss Wentworth, Addie, sister; Julian Estes, Julian, Mr. Estes, Jules, the poet; and others. The names, especially with the sisters, became confusing. It was an unnecessary distraction.
Initially, I picked up this book because of its fantastic cover, which I think is unbeatable, but I read it because of its interesting storyline and remarkable writing. This is the first novel I've read by Megan Chance. If you are looking for a novel with substance, A DROP OF INK may very well be the book for you.
February 5, 2017
I posted this review on my blog The Purple Booker first.
I want to thank Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to get an ARC of this book. I will admit that it was the cover which drew me in first, but the description kept me interested and the book and the book itself that made me keep reading.
This is one of the most unique books I have had a chance to read in a while and the tapestry of characters is rich and interesting. If you are a reader who is also very interested in writing and the entire process it has you are really going to enjoy a drop of ink because it is all about the process of writing and the characters who are writers while of course also giving you a nice dash of history and romance too. If you are looking for a happily ever after kind of romance this is not the book for you, I am just going to say that now without giving away any major spoilers.
The year is 1876 the place is Lake Geneva in Switzerland, at a Villa where famous writers Lord Byron and Mary & Percy Shelly stayed some 60 years ago. It was this Villa where Frankenstein and his Monster were born. There is a curious collection of characters gathered here this time as well, Bayard the famous writer, Giovanni his assistant who is trying to claw his way up the social ladder, Estes, who is, well, in my opinion a useless poet who likes his drug flask way t0o much and the Sisters Adelaide and the rather insane Louisa.
You get plotting and scheming and controversy and sometimes of course scandal. Overall, I really enjoyed the book it was fun and entertaining and the historical backdrop was nice. Other times I could not help but roll my eyes a little and sigh, some of the drama that Louisa caused was just over the top and Adelaide well she was not much less crazy at times then her sister. The fact that so many people didn't really seem to notice all the drama was also a bit curious and yet those people had no problem showing up and surrounding the famous writer. The trope of the grumpy ole writer who hated being surrounded like that was probably my least favorite of the bunch. However, when it comes to complaints that is really a small one as far as things go.
This book really was one that I enjoyed a great deal. It had supernatural theories and fun playing along as well as humor, romance and history. I have always adored the idea of writing a book in the old way with a dip or fountain pen on parchment paper. So this one was bound to be a fun, enjoyment for me. The ending really was not overly satisfying for me, but it was realistic and I understand that sometimes realism has to win over the happily ever after.
I want to thank Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to get an ARC of this book. I will admit that it was the cover which drew me in first, but the description kept me interested and the book and the book itself that made me keep reading.
This is one of the most unique books I have had a chance to read in a while and the tapestry of characters is rich and interesting. If you are a reader who is also very interested in writing and the entire process it has you are really going to enjoy a drop of ink because it is all about the process of writing and the characters who are writers while of course also giving you a nice dash of history and romance too. If you are looking for a happily ever after kind of romance this is not the book for you, I am just going to say that now without giving away any major spoilers.
The year is 1876 the place is Lake Geneva in Switzerland, at a Villa where famous writers Lord Byron and Mary & Percy Shelly stayed some 60 years ago. It was this Villa where Frankenstein and his Monster were born. There is a curious collection of characters gathered here this time as well, Bayard the famous writer, Giovanni his assistant who is trying to claw his way up the social ladder, Estes, who is, well, in my opinion a useless poet who likes his drug flask way t0o much and the Sisters Adelaide and the rather insane Louisa.
You get plotting and scheming and controversy and sometimes of course scandal. Overall, I really enjoyed the book it was fun and entertaining and the historical backdrop was nice. Other times I could not help but roll my eyes a little and sigh, some of the drama that Louisa caused was just over the top and Adelaide well she was not much less crazy at times then her sister. The fact that so many people didn't really seem to notice all the drama was also a bit curious and yet those people had no problem showing up and surrounding the famous writer. The trope of the grumpy ole writer who hated being surrounded like that was probably my least favorite of the bunch. However, when it comes to complaints that is really a small one as far as things go.
This book really was one that I enjoyed a great deal. It had supernatural theories and fun playing along as well as humor, romance and history. I have always adored the idea of writing a book in the old way with a dip or fountain pen on parchment paper. So this one was bound to be a fun, enjoyment for me. The ending really was not overly satisfying for me, but it was realistic and I understand that sometimes realism has to win over the happily ever after.
July 22, 2018
Chance carries on her love affair with 1800s writers and artists but unlike the her very similar novel, Inamorata, A Drop of Ink leaves out the paranormal and focuses on the demons within the human mind. I did find many similarities between Inamorata and A Drop of Ink, if you have read both, it is difficult not to feel the connection between the two stories.
Adelaide Wentworth, along with her sister Louisa, have a plan to get back on their feet; Adelaide's lover, Julian Estes, is talented, a revolutionary, he just needs a sponsor. Louisa has had an affair with the famous author, Bayard Sonnier and she hopes to convince Bayard of Julian's genus.
The sisters and Julian follow Bayard and his secretary, Vanni, to Lake Geneva and convince the famous author to let them stay for the duration of a competition for who can create the best ghost story. While the group toys with dark thoughts and their own haunted pasts, the ghosts surrounding the group seem bursting to be freed.
Just as in Inamorata, an unknown artist prodigy seeks fame and fortune through a sponsor. Megan Chance writes from a woman's perspective by creating a female muse to inspire the young unknown artist genus. In Inamorata, it is a twin who's soul purpose for living is to be her brother's muse while in A Drop of Ink, Adelaide would do anything to grow out of the mold of Julian's muse.
I enjoy Chance's writing style, it is clear she plays to her strengths in characters and settings. I did find the similarities between Inamorata and A Drop of Ink, unsettling. Although I separately they were almost the same story and I was found wanting for some uniqueness.
Adelaide Wentworth, along with her sister Louisa, have a plan to get back on their feet; Adelaide's lover, Julian Estes, is talented, a revolutionary, he just needs a sponsor. Louisa has had an affair with the famous author, Bayard Sonnier and she hopes to convince Bayard of Julian's genus.
The sisters and Julian follow Bayard and his secretary, Vanni, to Lake Geneva and convince the famous author to let them stay for the duration of a competition for who can create the best ghost story. While the group toys with dark thoughts and their own haunted pasts, the ghosts surrounding the group seem bursting to be freed.
Just as in Inamorata, an unknown artist prodigy seeks fame and fortune through a sponsor. Megan Chance writes from a woman's perspective by creating a female muse to inspire the young unknown artist genus. In Inamorata, it is a twin who's soul purpose for living is to be her brother's muse while in A Drop of Ink, Adelaide would do anything to grow out of the mold of Julian's muse.
I enjoy Chance's writing style, it is clear she plays to her strengths in characters and settings. I did find the similarities between Inamorata and A Drop of Ink, unsettling. Although I separately they were almost the same story and I was found wanting for some uniqueness.
November 22, 2021
“Your story isn’t about spells and magic. It’s about sisters. When you focus on them, you are quite brilliant. Curses don’t belong to you, Mr. Calina. You should take them out of the story.”
“And leave them to you,” I said.
A nod. “I understand them better.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m under one,” she said, meeting my gaze. “Can’t you tell?” [p. 256]
Sixty years after the rainy summer holiday by the shores of Lake Geneva -- the venue for the famous ghost-story competition which spawned Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and John Polidori's The Vampyre -- another group of five passionate artists gathers at the villa. The famous writer Bayard Sonnier is there with his secretary, Giovanni Calina, who grew up in the slums of Bethnal Green but is hoping for Bayard's help and patronage. Descending on them comes a party of three: American sisters Adelaide and Louisa Wentworth, and Adelaide's lover, the poet Julian Estes.
Personally I would not like to spend a rainy weekend, much less a fortnight, with any of these people. Bayard is smug, self-indulgent and hypocritical; Calina (known as Vanni, one of the two narrative voices) is blind to how little Bayard thinks of him, and to how others view him as a way of getting close to his employer; Louisa is mercurial, selfish and immature; Julian is a laudanum addict, unfaithful to Adelaide (for whom he left his pregnant wife) and arrogant; and Adelaide, the other narrative voice and probably the most likeable of the protagonists, is deeply depressed after a miscarriage. (She was also accused of murdering Julian's wife Emily: I'm not sure we ever discover how Emily did die.) But this volatile gathering does provide a great deal of drama, some of it echoing incidents in the lives of Shelley and Byron's group.
I found this quite a harrowing read, because the dual viewpoints gave an overview of the situation which I don't think was available to any of the individuals caught up in it. I felt immense sympathy for Vanni and Adelaide, and wonder if I would have felt more kindly towards Louisa or Bayard if they'd been given voice. (Pretty sure I would not have liked Julian.) Adelaide, whose own writing has been suppressed by Julian's insistence that she's his muse, finds a friend -- and maybe more -- in Vanni; Vanni, meanwhile, is writing furiously, illicitly, both inspired by and fighting against Bayard.
It's gloriously Gothic, with mistaken identities, treachery, fearsome weather and a laudanum flask that's as much a symbol as an actuality. The codependence of the Wentworth sisters is horribly claustrophobic, and Vanni's resentment of the others' privileges is acutely sour. This really drew me in, and I'll read more by this author -- though I note I didn't have the same reaction to her earlier novel, Bone River, read last year.
February 7, 2017
In 1816, Mary Godwin and her soon-to-be husband, Percy Shelley, spent the summer at Lake Geneva in the Swiss Alps with Lord Byron, one Dr. John Polidor, and Claire Clairmont, Mary’s stepsister. During one stormy evening, they told ghost stories, then held a contest to each write their own. From this moment came the Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and John Polidori’s “The Vampyre”—with the character most of us know as Dracula.
Megan Chance reimagines this story sixty years later. Five people gather at a villa by a lake in the Swiss Alps. One is a famous writer, another is his secretary, a man who sees his employment not only as a chance to escape his hardscrabble life in London but also to learn something about writing. Soon after they arrive, they are joined by two sisters who grew up in a Free Love community in the U.S. and an atheist poet. And like the gathering of friends in the summer of 1816, there is a story contest.
I was not familiar with the events of 1816, so I truly did not know where this story was going. It’s a tale of lies and betrayals, secrets and resentments, love and self-discovery. Everyone is flawed, and everyone’s past seems to be intricately connected despite initial appearances. Which is what makes this story so good. Why the sisters and the poet show up at the lake is baffling at first, but there’s just enough information in each chapter to keep you turning the pages.
Megan Chance reimagines this story sixty years later. Five people gather at a villa by a lake in the Swiss Alps. One is a famous writer, another is his secretary, a man who sees his employment not only as a chance to escape his hardscrabble life in London but also to learn something about writing. Soon after they arrive, they are joined by two sisters who grew up in a Free Love community in the U.S. and an atheist poet. And like the gathering of friends in the summer of 1816, there is a story contest.
I was not familiar with the events of 1816, so I truly did not know where this story was going. It’s a tale of lies and betrayals, secrets and resentments, love and self-discovery. Everyone is flawed, and everyone’s past seems to be intricately connected despite initial appearances. Which is what makes this story so good. Why the sisters and the poet show up at the lake is baffling at first, but there’s just enough information in each chapter to keep you turning the pages.
February 25, 2021
Ummmm......
I was so enthralled with Megan Chance after reading A Splendid Ruin, that I skipped 5 books already in my kindle and bought this one.....maybe not the best move.
It seemed like a good idea, total Lord Byron fan-fic, by a real superstar of story craft. I had read The Prisoner of Chillon, knew a bit about the "mad, bad & dangerous to know" Lord. I'd even been to the chateau.....what could go wrong?! Quite a bit.
Ms. Chance's story is cleverly based on the 19c Byron/Shelley trip to Chillon with a parallel set of later 19c characters offering up some of the same conflicts, and outcomes. The presentation is an interesting alternation between 2 characters. The voice shift is competently done, the story, however takes too long to unfold and really lacks the drama of some of Ms. Chance's other efforts. It is hard to get emotionally invested in any of this lot. The Mary Shelley one is not compelling enough for my engagement. The Lord Byron one lack that charisma (told, not shown), our Polidori was a bit clueless.....
Reasonable, but not great. It made me wonder that had I not been aware of the particulars of the homage, I might have really been lost in a long, slow story in which nothing seems to happen....and then all of a sudden something does.....and that's the end.
Not high on my list of books to recommend, but not at the bottom either. A solid 3 star effort.
I was so enthralled with Megan Chance after reading A Splendid Ruin, that I skipped 5 books already in my kindle and bought this one.....maybe not the best move.
It seemed like a good idea, total Lord Byron fan-fic, by a real superstar of story craft. I had read The Prisoner of Chillon, knew a bit about the "mad, bad & dangerous to know" Lord. I'd even been to the chateau.....what could go wrong?! Quite a bit.
Ms. Chance's story is cleverly based on the 19c Byron/Shelley trip to Chillon with a parallel set of later 19c characters offering up some of the same conflicts, and outcomes. The presentation is an interesting alternation between 2 characters. The voice shift is competently done, the story, however takes too long to unfold and really lacks the drama of some of Ms. Chance's other efforts. It is hard to get emotionally invested in any of this lot. The Mary Shelley one is not compelling enough for my engagement. The Lord Byron one lack that charisma (told, not shown), our Polidori was a bit clueless.....
Reasonable, but not great. It made me wonder that had I not been aware of the particulars of the homage, I might have really been lost in a long, slow story in which nothing seems to happen....and then all of a sudden something does.....and that's the end.
Not high on my list of books to recommend, but not at the bottom either. A solid 3 star effort.
January 25, 2021
A Drop of Ink is an Easter Egg hunt for literature lovers. Megan Chance sets her story in the famous house on Lake Geneva, where Frankenstein was first written. Aside from the obvious references to that great gothic tale, Chance folds in references to Byron and Shelley's poetry, Polidori's beautifully written Vampyre, Rousseau's works, and even a pre-figuring of D.H. Lawrence's Women in Love. It's an amazing web of interconnected storytelling.
Two sisters and a companion crash the home of a famous author with whom they have little more than a passing acquaintance. Knowing that at least one of the guests is unstable, the author, anxious for entertainment, welcomes them in so he can enjoy the drama he knows they'll provide. His secretary, who is a hopeful writer himself, knows that the presence of guests--especially these guests--will mean more distraction and less writing from his mentor/boss.
Two sisters and a companion crash the home of a famous author with whom they have little more than a passing acquaintance. Knowing that at least one of the guests is unstable, the author, anxious for entertainment, welcomes them in so he can enjoy the drama he knows they'll provide. His secretary, who is a hopeful writer himself, knows that the presence of guests--especially these guests--will mean more distraction and less writing from his mentor/boss.
February 26, 2021
A cleverly done retelling to the 1815 'Frankenstein' contest, with the same setting and contest, and a cast of characters that plays homage to the originals. The characters and character dynamics are the strength of this novel, as the two POVs are well drawn with very human flaws. The group of five has the perfect balance to get wound up and basically torment each other for the duration of the novel. Michael should take notes (I really want to make a reference to a specific TV show, but also don't want to spoil it for anyone, so...hopefully this is vague enough). If you want likeable people to root for, this is not going to be your jam. It took a few chapters to really hook me but then I read it in basically three sessions. Usually that means I liked a book
July 9, 2021
The first few pages were etheric and magical and then out of the blue we were introduced to the abrasive Louisa Wentworth. I found her so annoying that it felt like chalk screeching on a blackboard.
The story is set in Switzerland. The famous writer Bayard Sonnier rents a house for the summer in order to write. The story alternates between the point of view and voice of Giovanni, Bayard’s secretary and aspiring author and Adelaide, Louisa’s sister.
The book has a wonderful pace and rhythm. The characters were complex and fascinating. This is my second book by Megan Chance - I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
The story is set in Switzerland. The famous writer Bayard Sonnier rents a house for the summer in order to write. The story alternates between the point of view and voice of Giovanni, Bayard’s secretary and aspiring author and Adelaide, Louisa’s sister.
The book has a wonderful pace and rhythm. The characters were complex and fascinating. This is my second book by Megan Chance - I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
February 4, 2017
This book was mesmerizing. When I started it, I had actually forgotten what the basic story was. I knew it was on my "to read " list and that it was probably about writers. Beyond those obvious details, I was clueless. The descriptions of the characters, what was going on, the location, weather, food, etc were just detailed enough to put me there as I read it without being a swamp that I had to wade through. I was completely connected to the major characters. I felt and understood their emotions, opinions, histories, times of peace, and frustrations.
Megan Chance is a magical writer.
Megan Chance is a magical writer.
January 5, 2021
Although the work was a little difficult for me to get into initially, the story and characters soon became fascinating. The story swaps between the viewpoints of several characters without too much overlap, giving the reader insight into their different perspectives. I was a little disappointed with character depth and development, though they were all varied which kept it from being boring. The story and its events were well-written and kept you interested until the end. It was overall a solid read with a satisfying ending.
June 17, 2017
I received a copy of this for free through Goodreads First Reads
This was a very depressing, sad book. It was very well written, but I found myself totally hating several of the characters. Louisa, Bayard, and Julien are the most selfish hateful people that I believe I have ever seen in a novel. I almost couldn't finish it due to Louisa's apparent insanity. Really wish there could have been a more happy ending for Vanni or Adelaide.
This was a very depressing, sad book. It was very well written, but I found myself totally hating several of the characters. Louisa, Bayard, and Julien are the most selfish hateful people that I believe I have ever seen in a novel. I almost couldn't finish it due to Louisa's apparent insanity. Really wish there could have been a more happy ending for Vanni or Adelaide.
December 18, 2018
Outstanding writing!
Loved the story and it held up throughout the entire book. I love the history behind Chance's muse which you get to read at the end. My only complaint is the to the author as the one character that I liked overall was so tragic. I know...we can't write Disney endings always. Great as usual if you're a fan or new to this author!
Loved the story and it held up throughout the entire book. I love the history behind Chance's muse which you get to read at the end. My only complaint is the to the author as the one character that I liked overall was so tragic. I know...we can't write Disney endings always. Great as usual if you're a fan or new to this author!
April 24, 2020
Bone River
After a very slow start, I almost didn’t finish reading Bone River. About 1/3 in I found myself intrigued, then engulfed into the story. I couldn’t help but wonder why the author felt the need to use such a vocabulary. I was disappointed with the ending, but I’m sure there was a reason for it.
After a very slow start, I almost didn’t finish reading Bone River. About 1/3 in I found myself intrigued, then engulfed into the story. I couldn’t help but wonder why the author felt the need to use such a vocabulary. I was disappointed with the ending, but I’m sure there was a reason for it.
December 25, 2020
Hooked
I've only stumbled across Megan Chance recently, and I'm sorry that I hadn't found her sooner. This is the second of her novels that I've not been able to put down. I love her narration and characters. There is no perfect person; no one is purely good or evil. And her endings aren't neat and tidy, but still satisfying enough to leave me content to finish. It's sublime.
I've only stumbled across Megan Chance recently, and I'm sorry that I hadn't found her sooner. This is the second of her novels that I've not been able to put down. I love her narration and characters. There is no perfect person; no one is purely good or evil. And her endings aren't neat and tidy, but still satisfying enough to leave me content to finish. It's sublime.
May 19, 2022
This is my third Megan Chance book to read and like A Splendid Ruin and an Inconvenient Wife I did not want it to end. She is an amazing author and did not disappoint in this historical fiction. There was no resemblance between these three books but one wonders how she creates these unforgettable characters with such amazing storylines. They are a must read!
May 13, 2025
Absolute toxic houseguests and everyone involved was despicable but I loved it! The plot was a slow burn through a good portion of the book but the more I read the more it kept me hooked. I appreciate a really good terrible story and this delivered!
Goodness, I wanted to strangle Louisa throughout most of the book! Well done making me hate her so much 😂
Goodness, I wanted to strangle Louisa throughout most of the book! Well done making me hate her so much 😂
May 6, 2017
I don't know how the author does it, how she hooks me with her flawed, complicated, and at times, very unlikable characters, but I'm glued to the page from start to finish. This is only the second book by this author I've read, and I see I have a long list to work through--huzzuh!!! :)
May 29, 2017
Once again Megan Chance delivers your not the same ol same ol run of the mill romance. Deeply flawed characters, betrayal, mental illness and a veritable cornucopia utopian ideals abound. Highly enjoyed this book as I do all her books.
July 10, 2017
I like this book because of the inter-tangled connections between the main characters. It connected with me because of the connection it had to Lord Byron and Mary Shelly. People who enjoy gothic adventures would like this book.
February 14, 2021
Warning the hero of this story is killed off
I do not like that the main character was killed.he was the most likable person in the book.he was treated badly by the other people. As though he was not as good as them. He deserved a happy ending.
I do not like that the main character was killed.he was the most likable person in the book.he was treated badly by the other people. As though he was not as good as them. He deserved a happy ending.
August 15, 2021
Another Winner!
Megan Chance is an incredibly skillful writer. Her characters are well-developed. I miss them when I finish her book! Her dialogue is flawless. And her plot lines are amazing.
Megan Chance is an incredibly skillful writer. Her characters are well-developed. I miss them when I finish her book! Her dialogue is flawless. And her plot lines are amazing.
October 16, 2021
This is the second book I've read by this author. She has a knack for modernizing a period piece without destroying its authenticity. I embraced each character in this story and by the end of the book, I knew them well. An excellent read, not for the faint of heart.
May 30, 2023
Life was very hard for women in the 1800's.
The setting of this book was very descriptive. The characters could be likeable and at times despicable.
I would recommend the book to family and friends.
The setting of this book was very descriptive. The characters could be likeable and at times despicable.
I would recommend the book to family and friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews