Some super reviews recently for THE VISITORS on Amazon, that have made my day. Here’s some of them:
‘Compelling, beautifully written and moving, Rebecca Mascull’s debut novel combines all the best aspects of a historical novel with a satisfying ghost story. I particularly loved the way that the author created the sensory experience of Adeliza – the deaf-blind girl in whose voice the story is told – a brave move but one that feels convincing here. I was rooting for Adeliza right from the start and as she grows and changes throughout the book she remains utterly sympathetic. I was especially impressed with the supernatural elements that always felt very natural and integral to Adeliza’s story. The writing is excellent, creating a wonderful sense of time and place and convincing, intriguing characters. The historical research is dealt with superbly, subtle and never heavy handed. A very impressive debut that deserves to do well.’
‘I really enjoyed this book – it was well thought out, planned, researched and written. Telling the story of a young girl who was both deaf and blind and her relationship with the world in which she must use her other senses to explore and live within. The author wrote a fascinating story which thought was beautifully written.’
‘I finished reading The Visitors last night and had tears in my eyes. I found the book to be moving, inspiring and beautifully written. It is the story of a deaf-blind girl, Adeliza and her enduring friendship with Lottie who helps her to communicate. Lottie’s brother Caleb and The Visitors who are an integral part of the story. I couldn’t put it down and would thoroughly recommend this beautiful, heartbreaking story. 10 out of 10.’
‘I pre-ordered this (on good authority) so it arrived early in the New Year; what a way to chase away the January blues. I was drawn in to Liza’s world from the start, the beautiful descriptions were evocative of Liza’s experiences of the world. The beauty of this story is most definitely in the turns and paths that at times creep up but are always in keeping with the flow of the characters’ journey. The characters are alive on every page and it’s impossible to stop yourself delving in to their lives and loves as they develop. The Visitors themselves intertwine with Liza and Lottie’s lives in a beautifully crafted style that feels effortless. It’s currently sitting amongst all my favourites and I’ll most certainly be re- reading time and time again.’
‘I took this book to work with me expecting to have plenty left to read when I got home from my 2 week trip, well was I wrong, I spent every spare minute I had with my nose in this book, even after a 12hr night shift !. Fair to say I was both happy and sad when I had completed this book, happy that I could catch up on some sleep but sad that I had completed Adeliza’s gripping tale of hardship, romance and an unbreakable friendship.
I would recommend this book to a wide audience as there is something for everyone within the story.
I look forward to future works of this talented author.’
‘I was captivated from the first chapter of this wonderful tale, beautifully written, and well researched. A really impressive debut from a gifted writer. I can only hope Ms Mascull’s next book is not too long in the writing.’
‘A thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s depth and use of language makes The Visitors a satisfying experience for the reader, with an unusual, but gratifying choice of main character and theme.’
‘The Visitors. Opens up the emotions within oneself as Adeliza strives for what she knows is out there not knowing what but certainly her instinct tells her there is something. When she escapes how brave to run from her constricted enviroment. One can almost smell the perfume of the hops. Her journey through life with twists and turns makes for an excellent read. Cannot wait for your next book.’
‘an excellent debut book. A lot of research had obviously been done to make this work of fiction totally believable. A very gripping and exciting story of a deaf/ blind girl which left you wanting more. Shades of Helen Kellar. Can’t wait for this new author to have her 2nd book published.’
‘I’ve never heard of Rebecca Mascull and bought this book purely because of the cover and the intriguing blurb – I do love a ghost story. It’s one of those rare books where you know you’re in safe hands as a reader within the first page. The prose is beautiful, Liza’s voice is unique yet not irritating and it changes and matures as she learns to communicate. The story is about the importance of friendship and how one person can change the course of your life, and how the strength of that bond can carry you through tough times. Some other reviews have questioned the Visitors themselves and what relevance they had within the story, and I do wonder if they were reading the same book as me!! Surely (been careful here not to give spoilers) the accusations of murder couldn’t have been dealt with without the Visitors???
Anyway, loved it. A real treat. What I’d really like to see is Liza and Lottie going off on ‘detective’ missions with the invaluable assistance of the Visitors…’
Reviews are essential to authors and I’m hugely grateful to everyone who’s not only read the book, but taken the trouble to share their views on it. Cheers!
