Green Darkness (Rediscovered Classics)

I first read this novel nearly 30 years ago when working with a splendid lady who believed firmly in reincarnation. I have long felt there may be something in that. On re-reading Part 1, I confess to feeling rather irritated with the bored, idle rich aristocrats and their house parties, perhaps because of all the restrictions and lockdowns forbidding gatherings during the current pandemic. But I was sympathetic to Celia, knowing the basis for her fears and confusion. Part 2, however, was a real page-turner for me because the Tudor era is one of my favourites and perhaps the one I know the most about. I love the historic buildings of that time too. I can see why many believe Green Darkness to be among the most authentic and well-researched of historical novels to have been written by an American author who loved England. But it is long and I found that on finishing it, I needed to read the first part again in order to ascertain who had been who in their Tudor lifetimes and to clarify their Karmic issues. I do feel though that apart from the Hindu doctor, most of the characters had made little real spiritual progress and would have liked Richard and Celia to have decided to use their wealth and status to support some good causes. Indeed, part of me would have preferred Richard to have been an Anglican Bishop rather than a baronet, struggling again with his vocation versus earthly love, and faced with the non-Christian doctrine of reincarnation. I could never be a Christian but this novel made me feel there was one real advantage to the Protestant Reformation, which I studied for A Level. It caused huge turmoil but it at least allowed its Church ministers to have marriages and family lives as well as their vocations, something Stephen clearly needed, and something which the Catholic Church continues to deny its clerics even today.

I decided to read this after reading Katherine. I am interested in the themes of the book, history and reincarnation and also live in the area of Sussex described. However, I am not sure I will even finish this. It has not stood the test of time and feels very dated with its odd stereotypical descriptions of the 'present day' English characters and the appalling attempt to render their accents and speech. The author may have a love of historical England, her English contemporaries, not so much. There is even a reference to NHS false teeth and a comparison to the American heroines flawless teeth. Quite bizarre. This book could easily have been written in the nineteen thirties but not in a good way. Sadly for me these anti English prejudices spoil the book. Obviously aimed at an American readership

I read this book about 40 years ago. Just finished reading it again and loved it just as much. I was rather disappointed in the quality of print which made some pages difficult to read. I don't recall any misspelled words in the first copy I had, but there was in this one. It is a very good book. You'll have a hard time putting it down. If you're interested in 1500's England, and the 1960's you'll enjoy this book. It does deal with reincarnation, so if that's offensive to you, don't get it.

I remember enjoying several novels by Anya Seton years ago. I first read this particular book when I was young and impressionable. At that time I was fascinated by the idea of re-incarnation. I am still. But I’m now far more wise and discerning. On re-reading, I found the modern section of the story far from credible; the main characters two-dimensional and frankly irritating. The attraction between the young American, Celia, and Sir Christopher and their whirlwind romance failed to set the scene for a grand passion, a murder and a suicide in a previous life. The modern marriage appeared loveless and superficial, whereas surely there would have been unbridled passion unleashed, if the Past was to be recreated. Their relationship seemed to me just a convenient prelude to relate the historical romance. The parallel connections did not work for me. The historical story was more convincing with the religious upheavals of those times giving authenticity to the doubts and struggles of conscience that Stephen’s love for Celia initiated. Celia herself was manipulative and wanton, and I found little sympathy for her plight. The conclusion of the story, two miracle cures by the Hindu doctor, is far too convenient and unbelievable, designed to give the “happy ever after” ending required by many readers.

Like Jerri, this is one of my favorites. I have read it so many times that I have worn out two hardcopy editions, so I was thrilled when I was able to purchase a Kindle edition. Well, I'm 85% of the way through. Having re-read this book many times for more than 40 years, I know it so well that the errors in the Kindle version are glaring, and jarring. They run the gamut from a missing letter, or a wrong letter, to missing words. I am actually more than disappointed with the lack of quality assurance in the conversion; I am disgusted. Perhaps first-time readers won't mind, as they will still get all of the story, but to people like me, for whom this is an old, old, favorite, I would get more enjoyment out of reading my old tattered copy. I suppose I should be grateful I didn't spend nearly ten dollars for it. Oh, wait, I did. One last thing: this is not the only Kindle version of a beloved book in which I have spotted multiple, serious errors of transcription. Doesn't anyone proofread this stuff before offering it for sale?