A Dark-Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine is a psychological mystery that delves into a family's dark secrets and the repercussions of a murder committed by Aunt Vera. The story is narrated from the perspective of Faith Severn, the niece of the murderer, as she uncovers the twisted motives and hidden truths behind the tragic events. The writing style is described as dense and atmospheric, capturing the upper crust snobbishness of the characters while slowly unraveling a complex web of jealousy, madness, and family dynamics.

Characters:

The characters are vividly crafted, each representing different facets of family dysfunction, with Faith as a reflective observer and Vera as a tragic figure shaped by her obsessive tendencies.

Writing/Prose:

The author's style is rich and detailed, emphasizing psychological depth and the complexities of familial relationships with a focus on a female perspective.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on a family's dark past, specifically the connection between Faith Severn and her aunt's murder, revealing layers of secrets and tragedies that shape their lives.

Setting:

The setting encompasses the historical backdrop of World War II England, influencing the characters' lives and the unfolding psychological drama.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and steady, enhancing the story's psychological depth and gradually revealing critical information about the characters and plot.

On the morning Vera died I woke up very early. The birds had started, more of them and singing more loudly in our leafy suburb than in the country. They never sang like that outside Vera's windows in ...

Notes:

The story revolves around Faith Severn and her aunt Vera Hillyard, who was convicted of murder thirty years prior.

Vera Hillyard has an obsessive and controlling relationship with her sister, Eden.

Faith reminisces about her childhood vacations spent with Vera, who exhibited casual cruelty and insecurity.

The book explores themes of family dysfunction and the impact of World War II on personal relationships.

Vera's character shows a transformation from repressive and cold to being embroiled in a desperate act of violence due to circumstances.

The novel keeps readers guessing by revealing the murderer early but leaving the motive and victim unclear until later.

Atmospheric details, such as wartime rationing, enhance the setting and credibility of the story.

The narrative style is described as slowly revealing mysteries through character reflections and personal history.

The author, Barbara Vine, is a pseudonym for Ruth Rendell, which marked a different style of writing for her, focusing more on psychological suspense rather than just mystery.

The complex relationships and secrets within the Hillyard family add depth to the storyline, making it rich with emotional layers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of murder, emotional abuse, familial tensions, and mental health issues, which could be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

A Dark-Adapted Eye is a modern classic. If you enjoy the crime novels of P.D. James and Ian Rankin you will love this book.

'A rich, complex and beautifully crafted novel' P.D. James

The prize-winning classic that 'changed the thriller landscape', with a new foreword from Val McDermid.

VERA HILLYARD. AUNT. MOTHER. MURDERESS.

Faith Severn's life has long been overshadowed by the mystery surrounding her aunt. A respectable woman who committed a crime so terrible she was hung for it.

Now, the time has come to piece her story together.

What secret caused two devoted sisters to turn from love to hate?

And was Vera born a killer. . . Or was she driven to it?

'Brilliantly plotted. Vine is not afraid to walk down the mean streets of the mind and can build up an almost tangible atmosphere of menace and unease' Daily Telegraph

'Will linger in your memory long after you have closed the book. A first-rate novel' Washington Post

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About the Author:

Barbara Vine was the pen-name of Ruth Rendell, and Viking published all of her books under that name. Rendell was an exceptional crime writer, with worldwide sales of approximately 20 million copies, and regular Sunday Times bestsellers. Rendell won numerous awards, including the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger for 1976's best crime novel with A Demon in My View, a Gold Dagger award for Live Flesh in 1986, and the Sunday Times Literary Award in 1990. In 2013 she was awarded the Crime Writers' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger for sustained excellence in crime writing. In 1996 she was awarded the CBE and in 1997 became a Life Peer. Ruth Rendell died in May 2015.

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A Dark-Adapted Eye

Barbara Vine