Teresa’s review of The Juniper Tree > Likes and Comments

Hi Teresa,
I've only read one book of Ms. Comyns's: The Vet's Daughter. To be honest, it was like a quick descent to hell. So incredibly dark.
I have wanted to read Spoons for a while now, to give her another chance. Are either one of them "lighter" in tone?

Julie wrote: "Hi Teresa,
I've only read one book of Ms. Comyns's: The Vet's Daughter. To be honest, it was like a quick descent to hell. So incredibly dark.
I have wanted to read Spoons for a while now, to give ..."

Hi, Julie. I haven't read 'The Vet's Daughter' (though I would), so I can't say if the other two are lighter in tone, but I can say neither Spoons nor this one is light.

Ha! It shouldn't surprise me. Her bio is pretty dark, so I guess it makes sense, that this is what she worked out in her writing.

Julie wrote: "Ha! It shouldn't surprise me. Her bio is pretty dark, so I guess it makes sense, that this is what she worked out in her writing."

From one Shirley Jackson fanatic to another: a review I read of 'The Vet's Daughter' made me think of 'Hangsaman,' which is one reason I'd like to read it.

Yes, that IS a selling point! I've never read Hangsaman, not sure why, given my devotion. I did read one of Jackson's memoirs this year, though, for the Vermont portion of my reading road trip. Have you read either one yet?

Julie wrote: " I did read one of Jackson's memoirs this year, though, for the Vermont portion of my reading road trip. Have you read either one yet?"

I read them years ago (way before GR) and have just recently reread both of them.

I've read all of her published works -- I can only reread now.

Glad to find this review in my feed, Teresa. Your reaction is pretty similar to my own, especially regarding the 'left-over misshapen puzzle piece'. It was exactly that!

Good review Teresa :) Sounds like a mixture of fairy tale and reality?

Fionnuala wrote: "Glad to find this review in my feed, Teresa. Your reaction is pretty similar to my own, especially regarding the 'left-over misshapen puzzle piece'. It was exactly that!"

Thanks for reading it, Fionnuala. After writing mine, I reread your review and I think it's safe to say this is your least favorite by her? So far it is for me, though I haven't read them all. I'd like to find a copy of Sisters By a River.

Ann wrote: "Good review Teresa :) Sounds like a mixture of fairy tale and reality?"

Thank you, Ann. It's all presented as reality, but it's definitely informed by fairy tales.

Teresa wrote: "Thanks for reading it, Fionnuala. After writing mine, I reread your review and I think it's safe to say this is your least favorite by her? So far it is for me, though I haven't read them all. I'd like to find a copy of Sisters By a River."

You're right—my least favourite.
Do track down Sisters by a River if you can because it is kind of a key to Comyns' other books, it shows how and why she writes the way she does. It's not perfect but is very charming. I got it in kindle because it wasn't available as a paper'n'ink.

Fionnuala wrote: "Do track down Sisters by a River if you can because it is kind of a key to Comyns' other books, it shows how and why she writes the way she does. It's not perfect but is very charming. I got it in kindle because it wasn't available as a paper'n'ink"

I finished "Sisters" last night, Fionnuala. I read a paper copy, which I found reasonably priced on eBay. I want to read 'The Skin Chairs' next, but the cheapest copy I can find is over $30!

Oh that's steep —when it's second-hand and the pages may probably be yellow with age as most of my Comyns are. But you know what, I'm thinking now that the one I'd really like to have a paper copy of is Sisters by a River..

How Bella handled the tragic accident (burying the body under the juniper tree) seemed a bit bizarre given Bella had not reacted in such a bizarre manner before. But oh well, I still liked it.

Bizarre is the perfect word for it, Jim.

Yes - I also had in mind Angela Carter - she re-wrote a bunch of fairy tales.
I don't know the Grimm's tale here - I should probably look it up. Bella is clearly from Beauty and the Beast don't you think. The woman must bring out the best in the man - nonsense.

Laura Anne wrote: "Bella is clearly from Beauty and the Beast don't you think. The woman must bring out the best in the man - nonsense."

Yes, definitely. I completely agree.

I like when naive and propulsive come together, Teresa, (thinking of Hurricane Girl), sorry this wasn't a better read for you. I've yet to experience her...

Jennifer wrote: "I like when naive and propulsive come together, Teresa, (thinking of Hurricane Girl), sorry this wasn't a better read for you. I've yet to experience her..."

Thanks, Jennifer. I haven't read Hurricane Girl, but I have read all of Comyns and even though this wasn't one of my favorites by her, I'm still glad I read it.