I loved Susan Howatch a decade ago or so. Her novels were like a magical escape for me, filled with complex characters and intricate plots that kept me on the edge of my seat. However, as time has passed, I've noticed a change in her writing. Now her plots seem a little over the top, perhaps trying too hard to be shocking or dramatic. The plot in this particular work strains credulity to the point where it becomes difficult to suspend disbelief. The spiritual connections that she tries to establish also feel a bit forced, as if she is shoehorning them in rather than allowing them to develop naturally within the story.
Despite these flaws, it is always engaging to read her work. There is still something about her writing style that draws me in and keeps me reading. She has a talent for creating vivid and memorable characters, and her descriptions of settings and emotions are often quite beautiful. Even when the plot is a bit far-fetched, I find myself invested in the characters and their relationships. So while I may not love Susan Howatch's novels as much as I once did, I will still continue to read them, hoping to recapture some of that magic that I first experienced all those years ago.
While I initially found this book somewhat annoying, there was something about it that managed to capture my attention. As I delved deeper into its pages, I couldn't help but keep reading all the way through to the end. It was a light read, which made it easy to consume in one sitting. The story was rather suspenseful, with enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat. Despite my initial misgivings, I found myself enjoying the book more and more as I progressed. By the time I reached the final page, I was glad that I had given it a chance. It goes to show that sometimes, even the most unexpected books can surprise us and draw us in.