The Dark on the Other Side

Oh my, where to start? This one was very spooky and gave me nightmares. I think it is because the novel is really about trust and misplaced trust. It is about manipulation and emotional abuse. The occult trappings are just a way to explore those themes.

The novel is certainly a product of the times. Originally written in 1970, this book pulls upon the culture of the time. During that time period, more than one author used occult themes. Given the abilities of Barbara Michaels, it isn't surprising that she succeeded in producing a haunting book.

It isn't a book I would read frequently, but it is one that will stick with me.

The Dark on the Other Side is a bit darker — if you’ll forbid the term — than the usual fare from Barbara Michaels (one of the pseudonyms used by Barbara Mertz). Pretty much all that the other reviews have said is true: The plot really drags in the middle, and the alley cat Napoleon is the most interesting character in the entire novel. Deus ex machina abound, and you can see the ending coming a mile away — which is why I didn’t bother waiting for it. Did not finish.

Barbara Michaels can usually weave an amusing and intriguing paranormal romance; don’t judge her by this disaster.

My second re-read of Barbara Michaels this year.

It had the potential to rock a lot more than it did - it would have made a brilliant little novella. Instead, the middle sagged and slowed so much it became dull. The beginning was interesting, if not misleading into making the main seem completely unlikeable. The end was great, though, as is Michael's trademark. I do wish a page or two was more fleshed out for finale though. Looks like there are more things in heaven and earth after all...

Characterization isn't much to write home on. Michael is likeable enough, but his cat is the more amusing of the pair. Gordon was charismatic, as he was supposed to be, and perhaps the best written. The 'witch' friend Andrea was more annoying and show more draining than anything else. Maybe she was supposed to be comical, maybe she was supposed to be intriguing, but that mark was missed by an inch or so.

The lead woman, Linda, is never likeable, even when she shrugs off the bitchy persona. She switches from a weakling I wanted to shake to a woman who is trying too hard to be convincing in her strength. I really thought there'd be more on the servant side, some sort of revealed treachery or something, to explain how horribly she treated the maid. I guess living in that household would make one grouchy.

I wonder, after her salvation, did she miraculously sober up and kick the bottle habit too?

I'd think that would crimp their relationship. Sadly the relationship connection at the end isn't that realistic, anyway.

It's a shame the pacing was so unsteady, as the plot and potential were full-fledged GOTH. Michaels went heavier on that than normal. The end used a creation she rarely did in her other books. She used her usual religious pondering and intellectual hammering at existence of the supernatural.

I can definitely see the trademark Michaels with this one...but almost like another writer was influencing her as well. Good, but certainly not great. She did a lot better with other books. show less

January 23, 2000
The Dark on the Other Side
Barbara Michaels

Another early work of BM’s, still with that 70’s dark, insanity-tinged atmosphere. Must have been a popular theme then. The main character(s) are always deeply troubled and a little nutty - the predecessors, I suppose, of the more traditional, “nice girl caught up in an extraordinary event” types.

Linda Randolph may or may not be going insane, and by all appearances seems to have tried to kill her filthy rich and handsome husband, Gordon. Gordon is the long-suffering mate, trying to bear his wife’s illness bravely. Hmmm.

Michael Collins gets involved when he’s asked to paint a portrait of Linda – one of those things rich people have done, I guess. All he can see at show more first is that for some reason, Linda Randolph drinks too much and more importantly, seems to really hate her husband. She also has a terrible fear of dogs. Even the word “dog” is enough to make her nearly keel over in a faint. You find out why that is later. She says she’s being haunted by a par of giant, black dogs – devil dogs. Proof of her nuttiness? Michael thinks so – at least at first.

Though it’s not too obvious in the beginning, the witchcraft / supernatural element comes out shortly – a subject that is fairly prevalent in quite a few of BM’s books, if not all. Things do unfold at a good pace, and learning “who is what” is scary and compelling. Again, as with Prince of Darkness, I just didn’t like the protagonists all that much, especially Linda. Though I don’t want them to be goody-goody (yuck), they need to at least be likable… show less

I read to Chapter 5 -pg. 82 and just decided I have other things I want to read more. It just wasnt keeping my attention especially after reading The Winter People which was an excellent "ghost" story. I may pick it up later but for now Im moving on.