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Title: Legend of the Seventh Virgin
ISBN: 0449211231
Author:
Victoria Holt
Publicate Date: 1986-01-12
Publish: 1986-01-12
List Price: $5.99
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Format: Mass Market Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $25.00
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $0.61
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Out of the ordinary for Victoria Holt
This is a good weekender book--and the main character holds your attention throughout. Kerensa is not particularly likable, but you do come to understand her and why she is so determined to change her life. Many people would just take life's humiliation, whine and complain, but go on with things exactly as before, but she takes the bull by the horns and turns Fate her way. She is strong-willed and very ambitious--but she does not waste her time in dreaming of a better life--she goes after it! I came to actually admire her in a way--even though nothing really turns out as she wants, I liked her pride and willfulness. She is not all bad, though, and her fierce love for her grandmother and brother, and then later, the pastor's daughter, show her in a better light. Granny Bee is one of my favorite Holt characters--I love the story of her and her Spanish husband. For Holt fans, this book is another one (like "The Secret Woman", and one other I cannot remember) that includes several references to a Spanish comb and mantilla, which was also used in connection with a masked ball (The Secret Woman)--I have come to think this must be connected somehow with the author's past.
Mellyora's character is a bit pale, compared to Kerensa, but is still fairly realistic--I did like the fact that though she is a sweet, quiet blonde, she is strong in her convictions and will fight for what she feels is right. Other than her, Kerensa and Granny Bee, though, some of the other main characters, like Justin and Johnny and Judith, seem rather 1-dimensional--Justin is especially ghostlike, almost not there at all. Kerensa's obssession with the 7th Virgin is interesting, especially considering the ending. The ending is not what you would expect and takes clever turn; it is not, as would seem at first, a moral judgment on Kerensa, as much a gentle warning that, as Granny Bee reminded her, no matter how much you plan and push to get your way, other forces are at work which can change everything in the twinkle of an eye! It is not a warning against going for what you want, only a caution to remember that your life path converges with others' paths, and thus can be altered in ways you don't expect.
One thing I like is that you really get a period feeling, what with the language and customs of Cornwall so well presented--you can tell Holt had done some research and taken trouble to be authentic with the area, the culture and the time.
This is not great classic literature, but it is a good story, involving and interesting. It is also suitable for young adults if you would like to get them more into reading. I came to Victoria Holt first at age 12, with "The Secret Woman" and became addicted early on. She writes in the romantic/gothic tradition, where sexuality is hinted at, but only used as another color in the story, not the main draw--at least until "Judas Kiss", which suddenly veers into the erotic and prurient (surprising after years of polite innuendo). This one is safe for teens and interesting for adults as well.
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2: I liked it :)
This is the first Victoria Holt book I have read. I found the story quite interesting and different. We don't always have to love the main character. Kerensa kept me wondering when she would learn life lessons and took me for quite a ride. A good study in human character, how people grow up, grow or not grow, attitudes. This is one I shall keep on my own bookshelf. :)
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3: Good read!
My sister was named for the heroine in this novel, so of course, Kerensa and I had to read it. It's a heartbreaking book, full of romance and drama! The historical background is absolutely breathtaking! It made me a Victoria Holt fan, and since reading this book, I have read more of Holt's books! Great read for a sunny day!
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4: Captivating!
This was one of te most unusual Victoria Holt books I have ever read. You don't really like the heroine, and yet you do understand her. This book reminds me of a saga - you go on this journey with the heroine throughout many years of her life. There are some captivating characters throughout and this is one book that I will never forget.
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5: I also read this book when I was 12? 14? Can't Remember
But I loved it. It's not a perfect, tidy ending, but that was what I liked about it. It had the formula of a gothic novel, but not 100%. It was moodier and more interesting. I wish I knew where all my Victoria Holt's were. But this one was the best
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