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Thornyhold by Mary Stewart
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Thornyhold (original 1988; edition 1989)

by Mary Stewart

MembersReviewsPopularityAverage ratingMentions
1,5834611,143 (3.69)106
When Gilly's aunt leaves Thornyhold to her, a house in the middle of the woods, Gilly finds that she has inherited far more than she realized. Along with the house comes a cat, a still room filled with herbs (and a missing recipe book), an attic chamber with carrier pigeons (who have secret messages), and an attractive neighbor whose young son offers the sacred and unique blessing of friendship. But Thornyhold possesses far more than even these simple offerings. The place itself seems to bestow otherworldly gifts as well.… (more)
Member:auntdodi
Title:Thornyhold
Authors:Mary Stewart
Info:Fawcett (1989), Edition: Reissue, Mass Market Paperback
Collections:Your library
Rating:***1/2
Tags:fiction, mystery

Work Information

Thornyhold by Mary Stewart (1988)

  1. 30
    Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (whymaggiemay)
    whymaggiemay: Although I believe that du Maurier was the better writer, Thornyhold and many others by Mary Stewart give the same suspenseful feeling.
  2. 10
    A Winter's Tale by Trisha Ashley (allisongryski)
    allisongryski: They both have: An unexpected inheritance of a house in the countryside, a hint of historical witchiness, and a bit of romance. The quality of writing is better in Thornyhold, but A Winter's Tale was a fun, light read with some similar plot elements.… (more)
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» See also 106 mentions

English (45)  Italian (1)  All languages (46)
Showing 1-5 of 45 (next | show all)
I loved this. The ending seemed a bit weak (hence only 4 stars), but as always, Stewart weaves an atmospheric spell that I find quite addictive. I find her such an evocative writer, and much more interesting than the current fad of plunking a protagonist into a Pivotal Situation on page 1, with action-action-action all. the. time. ( )
  BethOwl | Jan 24, 2024 |
I love a good gothic novel but don't love the dark themes that so many newer gothics carry. I really enjoyed Thornyhold because, while the story does contain a bit of witchcraftiness, it's seen to be a negative, even an ungodly, thing and the heroine keeps a pure heart. It's a simple story---a novella, really---and was a refreshing short read during a busy few days. ( )
  classyhomemaker | Dec 11, 2023 |
A young woman inherits a witch's house and has to deal with sudden paranormal events! It's not as exciting as it sounds. I like subtle, meandering, under-stated stories as much as the next ironic slacker, but this book is in a coma. ( )
  proustbot | Jun 19, 2023 |
Just got myself a second hand copy of this charming little book. First read it when it came out in the late 80's. Great read for a cold november night. ( )
  LisaBergin | Apr 12, 2023 |
This was a delightful little booked filled with witchcraft, old houses, and love. I must read more from Mary Stewart! ( )
  kaylacurrently | Mar 5, 2023 |
Showing 1-5 of 45 (next | show all)
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» Add other authors (4 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Mary Stewartprimary authorall editionscalculated
Agutter, JennyNarratorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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Epigraph
Enter these enchanted woods,
You who dare.
Nothing harms beneath the leaves
More than waves a swimmer cleaves.
Toss your heart up with the lark,
Foot at peace with mouse and worm,
Fair you fare.
Only at the dread of dark
Quaver, and they quit their form:
Thousand eyeballs under hoods
Have you by the hair.
Enter these enchanted woods,
You who dare.
--George Meredith The Woods of Westermain
Dedication
To the memory of my mother and father with love and gratitude
First words
I suppose that my mother could have been a witch if she had chosen to.
Quotations
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
Disambiguation notice
this is the abridged version do not combine
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Wikipedia in English (1)

When Gilly's aunt leaves Thornyhold to her, a house in the middle of the woods, Gilly finds that she has inherited far more than she realized. Along with the house comes a cat, a still room filled with herbs (and a missing recipe book), an attic chamber with carrier pigeons (who have secret messages), and an attractive neighbor whose young son offers the sacred and unique blessing of friendship. But Thornyhold possesses far more than even these simple offerings. The place itself seems to bestow otherworldly gifts as well.

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Book description
There was only one part of Gilly Ramsey's lonely childhood that was magical-the visits from her godmother, Geillis Saxon, an extraordinary woman with special powers. When Geillis died suddenly, the grown-up Gilly inherited Thornyhold, Geillis's charming cottage in Wiltshire, and went there to live in the lovely English countryside.

But nothing had prepared Gilly for the strange enchantment she was about to discover-sinister neighbors, messages from beyond the grave, and even the whisper of love. Just as Gilly began to return the love of an attractive stranger, the inexplicable aura of suspense and witchcraft surrounding Thornyhold turned all too real and far too dangerous...
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