I'd been wanting to read this little novel from the mid-1940s for some time, especially after watching the contemporary classic movie that was based on it, starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison. After waiting in vain months to obtain a copy of it through PBS -- it seems to be a hard-to-come-by title -- I gave in and bought an ex-library copy off eBay. (My copy is a 1971 printing, but I think there is a new edition out recently.)
Though pretty much simple and straightforward in perhaps the way of many popular books of its time, the story is enjoyable and the characters engaging. I enjoyed reading a chapter or so a night during a recent busy and stressful period when I have had little time and shortened attention for "marathon reading" -- really just a calming little escape before turning in for the night. I looked forward to my nightly read and yet didn't feel too deprived in having to tear myself away from reading to get much-needed sleep!
There's some food for thought in the story, too, about the lessons of this life and the possibilities of afterlife -- nothing presented with too heavy a hand or that hasn't been done since many times, really, but more gentle suggestions for pondering, if one is in the frame of mind to.
If you liked the 1940s movie, you'll find some differences in the book, but the movie captured very well, I think, the basic tone and mood here -- so likely you'll enjoy the book as well.
I give this a definite thumbs-up, for my tastes, and I look forward to maybe hunting down a copy of the author's The Devil and Mrs. Devine to read.
Though pretty much simple and straightforward in perhaps the way of many popular books of its time, the story is enjoyable and the characters engaging. I enjoyed reading a chapter or so a night during a recent busy and stressful period when I have had little time and shortened attention for "marathon reading" -- really just a calming little escape before turning in for the night. I looked forward to my nightly read and yet didn't feel too deprived in having to tear myself away from reading to get much-needed sleep!
There's some food for thought in the story, too, about the lessons of this life and the possibilities of afterlife -- nothing presented with too heavy a hand or that hasn't been done since many times, really, but more gentle suggestions for pondering, if one is in the frame of mind to.
If you liked the 1940s movie, you'll find some differences in the book, but the movie captured very well, I think, the basic tone and mood here -- so likely you'll enjoy the book as well.
I give this a definite thumbs-up, for my tastes, and I look forward to maybe hunting down a copy of the author's The Devil and Mrs. Devine to read.
