The Witching Hour (Lives of the Mayfair Witches)
by Anne Rice
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Book Summary Information
Author: Anne RiceEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1993-03-22
ISBN: 0345384466
Number of pages: 1056
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780345384461
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of The Witching Hour (Lives of the Mayfair Witches)
Book Review: "Why Are We the Playthings of This Spirit, Why Us in All the World?"
Summary: 5 Stars
Although Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles" are undoubtedly her most famous and best-selling novels, there is much to be said for her witch trilogy: "The Lives of the Mayfair Witches". Although none of the characters who populate "The Witching Hour," are quite as memorable as her vampires, the plot and pacing of her witch-stories appeal to me more than anything else she has written to date. Her skills as a novelist are on fine display here and her storytelling techniques are utterly unique, including introductory chapters told through the eyes of family associates who experience unsettling experiences with the Mayfair family; the gradual intertwining of her two main characters through a series of `coincidental' events; and a large chunk of the novel devoted to the records of an investigative organisation. The story is not told linearly; instead it flits back and forth from present to past, raising questions that are not resolved till much later in the novel's progression (and some which are not answered till later books).
Three major concepts are at work within the novel, all deeply connected with each other (though these connections may not be immediately apparent). First are Rowan Mayfair and Michael Curry; two attractive, successful and reasonably content human beings who are the protagonists of the trilogy. At least until the day Michael drowns at sea and is resuscitated only to believe that he has been sent back from death in order to complete a vital mission. His rescuer is Rowan, who was adopted at birth and has no knowledge of her family lineage, nor her and Michael's shared link with the grand old Mayfair house on First Street.
Second is the Mayfair family and their bond with a mysterious spirit who has haunted them for generations. A massive collection of cousins, daughters, sons, aunts and uncles, the Mayfairs orbit around a direct line of descendants which currently rests with Deirdre Mayfair (Rowan's mother), a catatonic mute who spends each day rocking in a chair on the veranda. For centuries, this lineage has bonded with a spirit known as Lasher, whose origins, intentions and purposes are a mystery, even to the individuals most deeply involved with him. Present throughout the tragic, magnificent and often sordid history of the Mayfairs, Lasher has been an integral part of its success - though he remains a quintessential mystery.
Those attempting to unravel this enigma are those who make up the third crucial component of the novel; an organisation known as the Talamasca, best described as a supernatural FBI who look into various phenomena around the world and have a particular interest in the Mayfair clan. Rice excels herself in her creation of the Talamasca's file on the Mayfair history. Recorded by various members, it is the transcription of the Talamasca's observations and interactions with the witch-clan, and is utterly fascinating. Taking up several chapters, the file chronicles Lasher's known history, and all that the Talamasca discover about the Mayfair over the years, packed full of smaller intrigues and tidbits. It's without a doubt the best part of the book and a lot of fun to read.
Overall, "The Witching Hour" is a fascinating, complex and intoxicating exploration into a family throughout history, countries and the generations. Rice's attention to detail is meticulous (right down to the patterns on antique cutlery) and manages to balance her massive range of characters, ideas, dates, intrigues, and events (both historical and fictional) with extraordinary skill. To my mind, it is her most elaborately plotted story, exceeding even her vampire novels and is unique simply because it is not so much a traditional beginning-middle-and-end story, but rather an investigation into a centuries-old mystery. For some, the length and detail may test patience, and admittedly it's difficult to properly describe the scope of the book, as it's very tempting to use the word "epic" in describing it. However you personally chose to define it, get ready for a novel that's too big to read in one sitting, however much you might like to.
Rowan and Michael come across as likeable, genuine people (though admittedly, I could have done with a little less detail concerning their sexcapades), but it the historical and secondary cast that really light up the page; Julien, Stella, Petyr van Abel, Deborah, Mary Beth, the tragic Antha and Deirdre - you won't forget any of them in a hurry. And lurking behind it all is the mysterious Lasher; mischievous, dangerous, manipulative, childlike; who he is and what he wants is always remains the core of the novel, as is his relationship with the Mayfair women. He's one of Rice's best inventions.
This is the first book of a trilogy is followed by "Lasher" and "Taltos", which are not quite up to par with this first installment, but necessary reads to uncover many of the mysteries mentioned here.
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