I read this book many years ago, and unfortunately, I couldn't remember the story-line at all.

I suspect that this might be because certain aspects didn't really seem to 'fit right' towards the end.

However, I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. On one hand, I think this was just an 'OK' book. But on the other hand, there are elements that I did like.

I did have some enjoyment while reading it, yet the ending seemed strangely unsatisfying. I had the feeling that I might have missed a few crucial details to truly understand it.

As a result, I thought that it would probably need a re-read. But then again, I don't think I have the desire to do so.

It's a bit of a conundrum really.

Literary, Gothic, psychological - these are just some of the elements that make up this remarkable novel. But above all, it is a love story. With an incredibly deft hand, Adams portrays the orderly and proper British protagonist, Alan, falling in love with the German-born Karin. We, as readers, never learn very much about Karin's past, and neither does Alan. However, Adams has drawn her so completely as a human being that it doesn't matter. Like Alan, we are charmed utterly by her.

It seems a mistake to consider this novel a contemporary "horror" or ghost story, as the front book cover text suggests. It is only so in a style similar perhaps to The Turn Of The Screw by Henry James. That is, the atmosphere evoked by the book is more in the Victorian/romantic genre than something by Stephen King. The ending of The Girl in a Swing is open to multiple interpretations, leaving the reader to ponder the true nature of the story long after the final page has been turned.

This novel is a masterful work of literature that combines elements of mystery, romance, and psychological depth to create a truly unforgettable reading experience. Adams has crafted a story that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those who enjoy a good love story to those who are fans of Gothic and psychological fiction.

Richard Adams is one of my all-time favorite authors, and he has once again delivered a rich and captivating novel. In his renowned Watership Down and the less familiar Shardik, Adams has the remarkable ability to construct a fictional realm that makes you believe in its existence upon emerging from it.

In The Girl in a Swing, he crafts the character of Kathe, a figure whose beauty and hedonistic nature you initially want to believe in. However, I found myself in a state of uncertainty as to whether I truly could. Nevertheless, I still recommend this novel.

Before delving into The Girl in a Swing, though, I highly suggest reading his Shardik. It is a work that I consider to be astonishingly imaginative and an absolute delight to read. The vivid descriptions and unique storyline of Shardik draw you in and keep you engaged from beginning to end. Adams' talent for creating believable and immersive fictional worlds is on full display in this book, making it a must-read for any fan of his work or for those who simply appreciate a well-written and imaginative novel.

A spine-chilling ghost story that is filled with a plethora of steamy and erotic encounters. It begins with a young couple, Sarah and Tom, who decide to move into an old, abandoned mansion. Little do they know that the place is haunted by the spirit of a former mistress. As the nights pass, strange things start to happen. The couple hears mysterious noises and feels an eerie presence. One night, while Sarah is taking a shower, she feels a cold hand touch her shoulder. She turns around, but there is no one there. Tom, on the other hand, has vivid dreams of being seduced by a beautiful woman. As the story unfolds, the sexual tension between the couple and the ghostly presence builds, leading to a series of terrifying and passionate encounters. Will they be able to escape the clutches of the haunted mansion and the lustful spirit?

Another one to avoid if you are feeling depressed.

It can be truly grim at times, with its dark and somber tone. The story or situation might present a series of hardships and difficulties that could potentially deepen one's feelings of sadness and despondency.

However, despite its grim aspects, it is also very moving. There are moments within it that tug at the heartstrings and evoke strong emotions. It might show the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, or perhaps a glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness.

Overall, while it may not be the best choice for someone in a depressed state, it does have its own unique qualities that can make it a powerful and impactful experience for those who are willing to face its challenges.

Good,

Creepy,

Unpleasant.

I don't exactly recommend it, but a very good read just the same.

This short description seems to hint at a book or story that has a certain allure despite its less than appealing qualities. The words "good," "creepy," and "unpleasant" create a sense of mystery and anticipation. One wonders what could make a read both good and creepy at the same time. Perhaps it's a thrilling mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, or a horror story that sends shivers down your spine. Even though the author doesn't explicitly recommend it, there must be something about it that makes it worth reading. Maybe it's the unique writing style, the complex characters, or the unexpected plot twists. In any case, it sounds like a book that would be interesting to pick up and give a try.

Read for book club.

At first, I found a film on YouTube. However, I won't recommend it for technical and artistic reasons. There was a large chunk of the story missing, perhaps due to a technical hitch. Later on, while reading a PDF, I discovered that the film didn't start until quite a bit later in the story compared to the original book.

Initially, I thought the book was better than the film. Although the frequent use of classical Greek and German texts seemed to obscure rather than illuminate the story, at least for me.

I was intrigued to find that the story has several real-life private characters. Also, it's interesting that Kathe became Karin, presumably because the real-life person with the same name/surname objected.

I wasn't a fan of Watership Down, so I can't compare or contrast Adams' other work.

Overall, I would give the book 3.7 stars, but I've rounded it up to 4.

This book has its strengths and weaknesses, but it's still an interesting read that I would recommend to others in the book club.

If you manage to trudge through the first three quarters of the book, it does get interesting.

However, when you reach the end, you realize that you needed to read some dialogue in the first half carefully to figure out what the hell just happened.

The pay-off just isn't worth it, especially if this isn't your first supernatural/thriller.

Stick to Stephen King :P

This book starts off rather slowly, and it takes a great deal of effort to make it through the initial three-quarters. But then, as you near the end, you begin to see some glimmers of interest.

Unfortunately, when you finally reach the conclusion, you discover that you had to pay very close attention to certain dialogues in the first half of the book in order to understand what was going on.

The overall pay-off is simply not sufficient to justify the amount of time and energy you've invested. This is especially true if you're already well-versed in the supernatural/thriller genre.

In such cases, it might be wiser to stick with the tried and true works of Stephen King, who is widely regarded as a master of the genre. His books are known for their engaging plots, well-developed characters, and thrilling twists and turns.

So, if you're looking for a truly satisfying supernatural/thriller experience, it might be best to give this book a pass and reach for one of Stephen King's many excellent works instead.

All the details about ceramics in the story are truly fascinating.

However, what immediately captured my attention is that the protagonist, Alan Desland, has a gift for ESP that surfaces unpredictably and randomly throughout his life.

These paranormal sequences add an eerie undertone to the story and hint at harrowing events to come.

The Girl in a Swing is irresistibly readable.

The descriptions of the ceramics trade and Alan's early psychic experiences set the stage for the turning point when he visits Copenhagen and meets the stunning and mysterious Karin Forster.

The love story is extremely effective.

But Karin is far beyond Alan's reach, so when she agrees to suddenly abandon her life in Copenhagen and return to England to marry him, we dread the worst.

Soon the honeymoon is over in more ways than one, and the book continues with its plan of building supernatural horror and uncovering its dark secrets.

The Girl in a Swing is truly disturbing and packs a powerful punch.

It turns out that Richard Adams has much more to offer than just stories about rabbits.

Could not get into it.

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. It implies a sense of frustration, perhaps when trying to engage with a particular activity, book, or situation. Maybe the subject matter was too complex, or the initial approach just didn't click.

It could also suggest a lack of interest or motivation. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we just can't seem to find that spark that makes us want to invest more time and energy.

However, it's important to remember that not being able to get into something right away doesn't mean it's not worth pursuing. It might just require a different perspective, a new strategy, or a bit more patience.

We should be willing to explore different angles and give it another try. After all, there could be hidden treasures waiting for us if we're willing to push through the initial difficulties and find that connection.

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you "could not get into it," don't give up too easily. Take a step back, reassess, and see if there's another way to approach it. You might be surprised at what you discover.

This book was recommended to me by a friend. However, unfortunately, it wasn't the right fit for me.

On the plus side, I did find the character of Desland quite sympathetic. I also really enjoyed the author's very visual writing style, which made it easy for me to picture the scenes in my mind. Additionally, the love affair in the book intrigued me for a significant portion of the story.

But there was a persistent question at the back of my mind. Why would a beautiful and desirable woman like Käthe fall in love with an introverted, awkward, and by his own admission unattractive Desland? It simply didn't seem believable. And what was the deal with the whole marriage thing in America?

The hope that something dramatic would occur eventually managed to maintain my interest throughout what I perceived as a rather long and drawn-out tale. Although I thought the ending was clever and very graphic, in the end, I didn't feel fully satisfied.

An interesting story line is like a captivating maze that leads the reader on an exciting journey. It has the power to engage our minds and keep us hooked from the very beginning. The story unfolds in a series of events that are both unexpected and yet make perfect sense.

Underneath the surface of the interesting story line, there are often deep thoughts and profound ideas. These thoughts are presented clearly, making it easy for the reader to understand and reflect upon them. The author uses various literary devices and techniques to convey these ideas, such as symbolism, metaphor, and irony.

For example, a story about a young girl's journey of self-discovery might seem like a simple coming-of-age tale on the surface. However, upon closer examination, we might find that the author is exploring themes such as identity, purpose, and the meaning of life. The story line serves as a vehicle for these deep thoughts, allowing the reader to explore them in a more engaging and accessible way.

In conclusion, an interesting story line with deep thoughts presented clearly is a powerful combination that can have a lasting impact on the reader. It can make us laugh, cry, think, and feel, all at the same time. It is the essence of great literature and a testament to the power of the written word.