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shelbycat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
readingoverbreathing's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This could not have been more up my alley — an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but all contained within a distinctly Persephone domestic setting.
I would pitch this as Tom Ripley (the later books, set more at Belle Ombre) meets the domestic concerns and self-conscious feminism that so characterizes the Persephone list. There's quite a lot of logistical considerations and ever-evolving obstacles and threats all up in the air, creating almost immediately an intensity that does not let up until the final page, very much in the same way that the Ripley books operate. Lucia's situation is even further complicated by a constant barrage of neediness from her own family, whom she paradoxically has done everything in her power to protect.
The wartime setting, the shortages, and the husband away, also make for an interesting angle here. I was surprised in the first few pages to realize that this was set in America, as I assumed that the focus on the Second World War surely meant this was a British book. It's not often, at least in my reading life, that I get the American take on domestic life during the war, and that backdrop certainly does a lot to intensify the events of the book.
My only complaint was that I found the constant arrival of unannounced guests to be a little tedious after a few instances. It was compelling to have so much of the book set almost exclusively on the Holleys' property, but all of this dropping by started to feel just a little too convenient after a while, though perhaps that would have been more common at the time.
Other than that though, I found the plotting to be excellent, perfectly paced, and always with an underlying uncertainty and mistrust that really makes for a great thriller. The characters were all great as well, transcending their rather archetypal roles to achieve a genuine human complexity that only made this all the more readable.
The past couple of Persephones I've read have honestly been a little disappointing, so it felt so good to pick up one I so thoroughly connected to and enjoyed. Highly, highly recommend!
I would pitch this as Tom Ripley (the later books, set more at Belle Ombre) meets the domestic concerns and self-conscious feminism that so characterizes the Persephone list. There's quite a lot of logistical considerations and ever-evolving obstacles and threats all up in the air, creating almost immediately an intensity that does not let up until the final page, very much in the same way that the Ripley books operate. Lucia's situation is even further complicated by a constant barrage of neediness from her own family, whom she paradoxically has done everything in her power to protect.
The wartime setting, the shortages, and the husband away, also make for an interesting angle here. I was surprised in the first few pages to realize that this was set in America, as I assumed that the focus on the Second World War surely meant this was a British book. It's not often, at least in my reading life, that I get the American take on domestic life during the war, and that backdrop certainly does a lot to intensify the events of the book.
My only complaint was that I found the constant arrival of unannounced guests to be a little tedious after a few instances. It was compelling to have so much of the book set almost exclusively on the Holleys' property, but all of this dropping by started to feel just a little too convenient after a while, though perhaps that would have been more common at the time.
Other than that though, I found the plotting to be excellent, perfectly paced, and always with an underlying uncertainty and mistrust that really makes for a great thriller. The characters were all great as well, transcending their rather archetypal roles to achieve a genuine human complexity that only made this all the more readable.
The past couple of Persephones I've read have honestly been a little disappointing, so it felt so good to pick up one I so thoroughly connected to and enjoyed. Highly, highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Racism, War, and Alcohol
erboe501's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a fast and engaging read. I was prepared for the syntax and conversation pattern to be stilted, or at least requiring some effort, because of how old it was, but it read pretty similar to a modern novel. Fast-paced while also detailing domesticity, I moved through the plot quickly.
One aspect of the book that does not translate to today, especially after this summer's protests, was the depiction of Lucia's maid Sibyl. Sibyl in many ways serves as the foil to Lucia, functioning to flesh out our main, white protagonist, more so than as a character worthy of her own interiority. She takes care of countless household duties to help Lucia appear a competent housewife. She becomes an unspoken confidante in Lucia's criminal complicity. She takes care of Lucia when she is tired, feeds her, and calls for help when Lucia needs it. When we do get a glimpse into Sibyl's personal life--that her husband has been imprisoned for years--Lucia is shocked that she's known Sibyl for over a decade and never known this. But it shouldn't really come as a surprise; Lucia seems only to see Sibyl as she functions in her own life. Lucia incriminates Sibyl to help save her own family, without any thought for how Sibyl could get in trouble. I would love to read an essay that examines Sibyl's role in the story from a critical race theory perspective.
The second fascinating aspect of the story is how clearly suffocating and restrictive Lucia finds the role of mother and housewife. Her daughter dismisses Lucia as unworldly, narrow-minded, uninteresting because she married straight out of high school and never had a career. Lucia's children and father constantly demand her attention. In fact, they consider it their right to know where she's going and what she's doing at any time. She is constantly surveilled and judged. But Lucia also draws strength from her familial responsibility. It empowers her to cover up crimes and lie to family and police alike. I couldn't help but recognize, though, that Lucia is able to undertake what she does because of her presumed innocence as a white, middle class housewife from good people. After awakening to her own strength and ability, I can't help but wonder what the next chapter of her life will look like after the book's resolution.
One aspect of the book that does not translate to today, especially after this summer's protests, was the depiction of Lucia's maid Sibyl. Sibyl in many ways serves as the foil to Lucia, functioning to flesh out our main, white protagonist, more so than as a character worthy of her own interiority. She takes care of countless household duties to help Lucia appear a competent housewife. She becomes an unspoken confidante in Lucia's criminal complicity. She takes care of Lucia when she is tired, feeds her, and calls for help when Lucia needs it. When we do get a glimpse into Sibyl's personal life--that her husband has been imprisoned for years--Lucia is shocked that she's known Sibyl for over a decade and never known this. But it shouldn't really come as a surprise; Lucia seems only to see Sibyl as she functions in her own life. Lucia incriminates Sibyl to help save her own family, without any thought for how Sibyl could get in trouble. I would love to read an essay that examines Sibyl's role in the story from a critical race theory perspective.
The second fascinating aspect of the story is how clearly suffocating and restrictive Lucia finds the role of mother and housewife. Her daughter dismisses Lucia as unworldly, narrow-minded, uninteresting because she married straight out of high school and never had a career. Lucia's children and father constantly demand her attention. In fact, they consider it their right to know where she's going and what she's doing at any time. She is constantly surveilled and judged. But Lucia also draws strength from her familial responsibility. It empowers her to cover up crimes and lie to family and police alike. I couldn't help but recognize, though, that Lucia is able to undertake what she does because of her presumed innocence as a white, middle class housewife from good people. After awakening to her own strength and ability, I can't help but wonder what the next chapter of her life will look like after the book's resolution.
rmarcin's review against another edition
3.0
Quick read about a woman in the 1940s and the depths she will go to protect her family. Lucia Holley does not like Ted Darby, a man with whom her 17 year old daughter Bee has become involved. Lucia tries to keep them apart, but that only drives them closer together. When Lucia discovers Ted dead in a boat near their home, she is frantic, and decides to hide the body.
This kicks off a series of events with unsavory characters. She is blackmailed by Nagle, and then further harassed by Donnelly.
This is a mystery written in 1947, with a mix of everyday life and extraordinary circumstances.
#TheBlankWall #ElisabethSanxayHolding
This kicks off a series of events with unsavory characters. She is blackmailed by Nagle, and then further harassed by Donnelly.
This is a mystery written in 1947, with a mix of everyday life and extraordinary circumstances.
#TheBlankWall #ElisabethSanxayHolding
krobart's review against another edition
4.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2018/07/24/day-1244-the-blank-wall/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2018/07/24/day-1244-the-blank-wall/
mikewa14's review against another edition
3.0
a bit dated - full review here
http://0651frombrighton.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/the-blank-wall-elizabeth-sanxay-holding.html
http://0651frombrighton.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/the-blank-wall-elizabeth-sanxay-holding.html
scampizoid's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
5.0
big Woman Stress happening here. turned on my movie brain 4 sure, my fingers are crossed hoping there's a loud-shouting-black-and-white film version of this story. delighted and intrigued me beginning to end.
keoc333's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
koki_siringo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
aelunny's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
If you aren't used to books written a while ago, I wouldn't recommend this book for you. If I read this book before I really got into reading I probably would have DNF'd it.
I really enjoyed how this book provided a show, don't tell slate that leaves a lot of commentary on the status of women during WWII. I feel like Sanxay Holding did a great job at balancing succint good writing while also providing so many moments Lucia and other characters experience that all contribute to themes of the book. Once I got over my urge to think about what I'd do in her situation, I felt boxed in (I guess you could say hitting that 'blank wall') with Lucia, Sybil, and Bee with their own respective walls that consume them.
I really enjoyed how this book provided a show, don't tell slate that leaves a lot of commentary on the status of women during WWII. I feel like Sanxay Holding did a great job at balancing succint good writing while also providing so many moments Lucia and other characters experience that all contribute to themes of the book. Once I got over my urge to think about what I'd do in her situation, I felt boxed in (I guess you could say hitting that 'blank wall') with Lucia, Sybil, and Bee with their own respective walls that consume them.