The Mist in the Mirror

How forgetful of me - I nearly didn't tell you what I though of Susan Hill's 'The Mist in the Mirror'. Well, as expected, reading it over Christmas was a delight. Like her 'The Woman in Black', some of the action is centered over the festive season itself, so reading it when I did was very atmospheric.

I won't bore you with all the details of the plot, but essentially the narrative focuses on the life of Sir James Monmouth - originally an explorer - after he returns to England. Monmouth can't remember his native country as he left when very young with his mysteriously unamed guardian. Nevertheless, he now hopes to settle down and write a work about the explorer Conrad Vane, whom Monmouth admires and had retraced his travels when abroad. In attempt to research Vane's background, Sir James meets with various people from the man's past who all give vague, but nonetheless serious warnings about the danger he faces in his quest. What ensues is a terrifyingly vivid set of events which are all brought to life by Hill's excellent skill as a writer.

All in all, I thought it to be excellent. Although a little 2D in places (for me, there was too little infomation about Vane at the end - I wanted to know his motives!) its better elements more than redeem it. I loved the atmosphere Hill created at the Quincebridge's, and the sharp contrast this forms to Monmouth's own family estate. The vivid description she uses is really effective, as when Monmouth visits Alton (Vane's own school) and is alone in the corridor at night, I could actually feel my heart pounding when he sees a figure and then runs in fear to the porter's lodge. Anyway, in conclusion, it is a great read - really thrilling, particularly if you like traditional ghost stories. I would particularly recommend reading it at Christmas, as I did.