Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Diana Verlag (2013), Edition: Deutsche Erstausgabe, 576 pages
Description
In Half Forgotten Song, fourteen-year-old Mitzy Hatcher's lonely life on the wild Dorset coast is changed forever when renowned artist Charles Aubrey arrives to summer there with his exotic mistress and daughters. � Mitzy develops a bond with the Aubrey household, gradually becoming Charles's muse. Over the next three summers, a powerful love is kindled in her that grows from childish infatuation to something far more complex� � Years later, a young man in an art gallery looks at a hastily drawn portrait and wonders at its intensity. The questions he asks lead him to a Dorset village and to the truth about those fevered summers in the 1930s. � With Sunday Times bestselling novel Half Forgotten Song, Katherine Webb spins a historical tale of long kept secrets and obsessive love that fans of Kate Morton and Susanna Kearsley are sure to love.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member beserene
I've owed this ER review for rather a long while, but in fairness, it did take quite some time to get through this book. Don't get me wrong -- that's not a bad sign. Webb's blend of historical fiction, contemporary suspense, and unsentimental romance is dense in a deeply intriguing way. I wanted to
There is a lot in this book -- a father, our main character, coming to terms with the break-up of his immediate family and the history of his extended family; an old woman revealing the tragic secrets she has held since girlhood; that girlhood and the changes as it grows to womanhood amid inexplicable and unpredictable people; a new romance growing in spite of trying circumstances and potential legal trouble -- it pretty much has it all. The description is rich and the mood of the entire book is deliciously dire with a surprising hint of the gothic. Taken all together, it's a very good package. If you enjoy genre-blending drama, heavy on the heavy but never the less enjoyable for its demanding nature, this is a book for you.
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sink into it and watch the drama unfold, but the content itself is so full, so thick, that it was hard to get entirely carried away by it. Even so, the characters and the mysterious events of their lives engaged me. The character of Charles Aubrey, the artist and object of fascination to the main characters in the book, was so authentically created that I had the urge to Google him so I could look at his art. It doesn't exist, though the author's note reveals that Aubrey the character was based on a real-life artist, one whom I shan't reveal here because... spoilers.There is a lot in this book -- a father, our main character, coming to terms with the break-up of his immediate family and the history of his extended family; an old woman revealing the tragic secrets she has held since girlhood; that girlhood and the changes as it grows to womanhood amid inexplicable and unpredictable people; a new romance growing in spite of trying circumstances and potential legal trouble -- it pretty much has it all. The description is rich and the mood of the entire book is deliciously dire with a surprising hint of the gothic. Taken all together, it's a very good package. If you enjoy genre-blending drama, heavy on the heavy but never the less enjoyable for its demanding nature, this is a book for you.
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LibraryThing member BooksCooksLooks
A strong gothic novel that moves back and forth in time as it tells the stories of Zack and Dimity (Mitzy). Zack is researching the artist Charles Aubrey and he heads to a very small village in Dorset where he hopes to find the pieces that will make his book special. What he finds is what some
This was a book that took a little bit to get going but once it did I was completely hooked. I found myself lost in the story as I turned the pages wondering as to what was going to come next. It was not what I expected and yet in some ways it was exactly what I expected. A book to be read again so that the nuances can be better observed with foreknowledge of ending.
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would call and obsession. He speaks with an old woman, Mitzy who once posed for Aubrey - can she unlock the secrets he seeks?This was a book that took a little bit to get going but once it did I was completely hooked. I found myself lost in the story as I turned the pages wondering as to what was going to come next. It was not what I expected and yet in some ways it was exactly what I expected. A book to be read again so that the nuances can be better observed with foreknowledge of ending.
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LibraryThing member Boobalack
This is one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a very long time. It is almost impossible to review without spilling some beans, so I’ll concentrate more on what I liked about it than on the plot.
The title is taken from one of the main characters, who remembered snippets of songs from
The author does a wonderful job of describing the scenery and the weather. In fact one could almost feel the mist and the sea spray; however, the book could have benefitted from a little less description of the geography and the weather.
It is hard to decide who the main character is. It almost seems as if the plot is more important than the characters. I’ve never read a book before where, for me, this has been the case. It’s a very novel idea if this was, indeed, the author’s intent.
I started out almost hating Charles Aubrey, an artist who played a large part in the story, but at the end of the book felt sorry for him, realizing that he might not have been guilty of all of which he was accused. It turns out that some women who claimed to have affairs with him were lying. They, for some strange reason, felt that it was some kind of badge of honor or something. Maybe it made them feel desirable, and it mattered not if they were single or married, or that he seemed to love his mistress and two daughters.
The character I pitied the most was Dimity. She fancied herself madly in love with Charles, even though she was still a young teen, and he was old enough to be her father. Her “love” was more of an obsession, and she kept her feelings for him throughout her long life, never marrying, although one of the local boys wanted desperately to marry her.
This is the kind of book that you will want to end, so you can find out what happens, but you won’t want it to end because it is so intriguing. Every time you think you’ve figured out something, there will be another twist to prove you incorrect. A real page-turner, it is.
One other thing – Dimity either had bats in her belfry or ghosts in an upper bedroom. I suspect that she had both.
At any rate, this is a good read and will keep you wondering until the end. What a book!
The title is taken from one of the main characters, who remembered snippets of songs from
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her childhood. I think it also could apply to her half forgotten memories, as she tended to tell about things that happened in her life the way she wanted them to be, rather than as they actually were.The author does a wonderful job of describing the scenery and the weather. In fact one could almost feel the mist and the sea spray; however, the book could have benefitted from a little less description of the geography and the weather.
It is hard to decide who the main character is. It almost seems as if the plot is more important than the characters. I’ve never read a book before where, for me, this has been the case. It’s a very novel idea if this was, indeed, the author’s intent.
I started out almost hating Charles Aubrey, an artist who played a large part in the story, but at the end of the book felt sorry for him, realizing that he might not have been guilty of all of which he was accused. It turns out that some women who claimed to have affairs with him were lying. They, for some strange reason, felt that it was some kind of badge of honor or something. Maybe it made them feel desirable, and it mattered not if they were single or married, or that he seemed to love his mistress and two daughters.
The character I pitied the most was Dimity. She fancied herself madly in love with Charles, even though she was still a young teen, and he was old enough to be her father. Her “love” was more of an obsession, and she kept her feelings for him throughout her long life, never marrying, although one of the local boys wanted desperately to marry her.
This is the kind of book that you will want to end, so you can find out what happens, but you won’t want it to end because it is so intriguing. Every time you think you’ve figured out something, there will be another twist to prove you incorrect. A real page-turner, it is.
One other thing – Dimity either had bats in her belfry or ghosts in an upper bedroom. I suspect that she had both.
At any rate, this is a good read and will keep you wondering until the end. What a book!
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LibraryThing member KayeBarley
Love or Obsession? It's a fine line and Katherine Webb writes a mesmerizing story following this line. I was totally enthralled by the story and the characters and highly recommend this novel.
LibraryThing member melaniehope
I love this author. Katherine Webb has a gift for storytelling and the ability to hook a reader. This book starts out a bit more slowly than her other two books, however, I did not want to put it down by the middle. Once again, the author has the ability to mix past and present into two amazing
The story begins in present day. Zach is a young man who owns an art gallery. He has always been fascinated by the works of the late Charles Aubrey.
The other part of the story, involves Mitzy Hatcher, a 14 year old girl who lives along the coast in a crumbling house with her bitter mother, Valentina.
When she meets Charles Aubrey, on holiday with his mistress and their two daughters, she becomes infatuated and obsessed with love for Charles despite their huge age difference.
What follows is the amazing, tense story of Mitzy and how upon meeting Charles, she imagines a whole new life she had never before thought possible. This story is both tragic, riveting, joyous and haunting. Another great novel by one of my favorite authors! I received a complimentary copy through the Librarything Early reviewers.
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worlds.The story begins in present day. Zach is a young man who owns an art gallery. He has always been fascinated by the works of the late Charles Aubrey.
The other part of the story, involves Mitzy Hatcher, a 14 year old girl who lives along the coast in a crumbling house with her bitter mother, Valentina.
When she meets Charles Aubrey, on holiday with his mistress and their two daughters, she becomes infatuated and obsessed with love for Charles despite their huge age difference.
What follows is the amazing, tense story of Mitzy and how upon meeting Charles, she imagines a whole new life she had never before thought possible. This story is both tragic, riveting, joyous and haunting. Another great novel by one of my favorite authors! I received a complimentary copy through the Librarything Early reviewers.
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LibraryThing member fuzzy_pickle
I really enjoyed this book. It's about a charismatic artist, the women who loved him and the mysterious end of his career. The pace is perfect and the ending was surprising.
LibraryThing member PattyLouise
A Half-Forgotten Song
By
Katherine Webb
My" in a nutshell summary...
Complicated lives surrounding a famous painter...
My thoughts after reading this book...
Zach's life is sort of unhinged...a divorce, a separation from his young daughter and a gallery that isn't doing well. He undertakes writing a book
The relationships in this book are dysfunctional, fascinating and complex. The heart of the book is Dimity and her relationship with the Aubrey family. They gave her insight into a lifestyle she knew nothing about and this insight made her yearn for more and more time with them...and more time with Charles.
Zach gets caught up with what is happening in this town in his quest to find out more about Charles Aubrey.
What I loved about this book...
I am not sure I even liked this book. I thought Dimity was creepy and sad and the story just went on and on...
Final thoughts...
A sort of interesting complicated mystery...but I had a difficult time connecting to this book.
By
Katherine Webb
My" in a nutshell summary...
Complicated lives surrounding a famous painter...
My thoughts after reading this book...
Zach's life is sort of unhinged...a divorce, a separation from his young daughter and a gallery that isn't doing well. He undertakes writing a book
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about a famous artist...Charles Aubrey. This involves research and going to the town where the artist lived for a bit. Part of his research involves an older woman named Dimity who was sketched by the artist and who also believes the artist loved her. The relationships in this book are dysfunctional, fascinating and complex. The heart of the book is Dimity and her relationship with the Aubrey family. They gave her insight into a lifestyle she knew nothing about and this insight made her yearn for more and more time with them...and more time with Charles.
Zach gets caught up with what is happening in this town in his quest to find out more about Charles Aubrey.
What I loved about this book...
I am not sure I even liked this book. I thought Dimity was creepy and sad and the story just went on and on...
Final thoughts...
A sort of interesting complicated mystery...but I had a difficult time connecting to this book.
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LibraryThing member kathydassaro
I originally heard about Katherine Webb when I was looking for authors similar to Kate Morton. I read and enjoyed her first novel, The Legacy, so reading this one was a no brainer for me. I was so thrilled to win a review copy from LibraryThing.
I’m going to start things off a bit differently for
Okay, anyone who had read even just a few of my blog posts knows that I LOVE dual time novels. LOVE. I know that some people can’t stand it, but I really enjoy following the two stories and trying to figure out how they will come together in the end. I always try to guess and I am rarely right, but I am always entertained.
I didn’t read any reviews for this book before I started so I was a little surprised at how slow going it was. For the first 100 pages or so, I was mildly interested in the characters and didn’t connect with one storyline over the other. There was a lot of description involved in both stories and neither seemed to be getting off the ground. I like Ms. Webb and knew this novel would be good, so I didn’t give up. Then by page 240 I was hooked.
Surprisingly, it was Zach and Hannah’s story line which hooked me. I really liked Zach. He was a good guy trying to do the right thing. I liked how committed he was to his daughter and how passionate he was about Charles Aubrey. Zach was the kind of person I would like to meet. On the other hand, I didn’t like Hannah that much. Zach obviously saw something amazing in her, but I never really felt it myself. She seemed too tough and hard. She didn’t seem to want or need anybody. I know she had reasons to be reserved, but I never warmed up to her, even in the end.
I felt so sorry for Mitzy (later Dimity) throughout this novel. Her life added a darker. sadder element to the story. Her mother was horrible. The whole way she had to live was horrible. It was no wonder she hung on to Charles and his family with everything she had. And although she was depressing, she was still very interesting and well written. Just not my favorite character.
Overall, I liked this book. I put it down for a few days and started another book. I knew I had to review it, so I picked up again, and I am glad I did. The second half of this book was fabulous, and I really couldn’t put it down.
I’m going to start things off a bit differently for
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this review. I have to mention this cover at the start. It is beautiful and perfectly captures the feeling of the story. I smiled each time I saw this book on my nightstand.Okay, anyone who had read even just a few of my blog posts knows that I LOVE dual time novels. LOVE. I know that some people can’t stand it, but I really enjoy following the two stories and trying to figure out how they will come together in the end. I always try to guess and I am rarely right, but I am always entertained.
I didn’t read any reviews for this book before I started so I was a little surprised at how slow going it was. For the first 100 pages or so, I was mildly interested in the characters and didn’t connect with one storyline over the other. There was a lot of description involved in both stories and neither seemed to be getting off the ground. I like Ms. Webb and knew this novel would be good, so I didn’t give up. Then by page 240 I was hooked.
Surprisingly, it was Zach and Hannah’s story line which hooked me. I really liked Zach. He was a good guy trying to do the right thing. I liked how committed he was to his daughter and how passionate he was about Charles Aubrey. Zach was the kind of person I would like to meet. On the other hand, I didn’t like Hannah that much. Zach obviously saw something amazing in her, but I never really felt it myself. She seemed too tough and hard. She didn’t seem to want or need anybody. I know she had reasons to be reserved, but I never warmed up to her, even in the end.
I felt so sorry for Mitzy (later Dimity) throughout this novel. Her life added a darker. sadder element to the story. Her mother was horrible. The whole way she had to live was horrible. It was no wonder she hung on to Charles and his family with everything she had. And although she was depressing, she was still very interesting and well written. Just not my favorite character.
Overall, I liked this book. I put it down for a few days and started another book. I knew I had to review it, so I picked up again, and I am glad I did. The second half of this book was fabulous, and I really couldn’t put it down.
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LibraryThing member TheLostEntwife
Finally! My faith in Katherine Webb has finally paid off. When I received an advance copy of A Half Forgotten Song I wondered if this would be the one, the book to finally push me past that "meh" feeling I always get at the end of Webb's novels and it pushed me... and then some.
I love a good, dark,
This book has haunted me these past few days. I've been unable to study, write, or even watch mindless television because each of those things were encroaching on the time spent in this book. I needed a book like that to get me reading again and now that my appetite has been awakened, I cannot wait to dive into the other stories on my shelves.
I just cannot explain how happy I am that my gut feeling about Katherine Webb, and my continued faith in her, has proven to be true. I cannot recommend this book enough.
I love a good, dark,
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gothic, love-lost story. The setting in A Half Forgotten Song immediately set the pace for the tale: a rotting cottage on a cliff in the windy, cloudy coastal area of England. The characters: a wrecked father and ex-husband about to lose it all, a somewhat crazy old lady, and an artist long dead. With a skillful touch, Webb weaves the story between the present and the past and slowly reveals bit by bit of the story that had me completely spellbound. And, even as the clues were revealed, I did not know for certain what the end result would be until I reached the end of the story - how I love it when that happens!This book has haunted me these past few days. I've been unable to study, write, or even watch mindless television because each of those things were encroaching on the time spent in this book. I needed a book like that to get me reading again and now that my appetite has been awakened, I cannot wait to dive into the other stories on my shelves.
I just cannot explain how happy I am that my gut feeling about Katherine Webb, and my continued faith in her, has proven to be true. I cannot recommend this book enough.
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LibraryThing member bytheseabchcmbr
The story told by Katherine Webb is amazing. I have enjoyed her way of describing the beauty of the Dorset coast making it possible to feel that you are there as the story is told. She also makes you feel that you were meeting the characters almost as a villager. By the time the story was over I
The story it self is about a young Mitzy Hatcher, who grows up without a father, and a mother who is unable to guide her. Charles Aubrey has come to stay for several summers with his two daughters Elodie and Dephine, and their mother Celeste. As an artist Charles has sketched Mitzy and that is where the story begins. As a child who has had no friends nor family she now has trouble understanding her part in their lives thus trying to find her way to hold unto what she has found.
The characters Zach and Hannah bring the story to present time as they try to put their lives back together after the loss of their spouses and find a way to begin again and at the same time they are there for Mitzy to finish her story.
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felt I could have lived there among them.The story it self is about a young Mitzy Hatcher, who grows up without a father, and a mother who is unable to guide her. Charles Aubrey has come to stay for several summers with his two daughters Elodie and Dephine, and their mother Celeste. As an artist Charles has sketched Mitzy and that is where the story begins. As a child who has had no friends nor family she now has trouble understanding her part in their lives thus trying to find her way to hold unto what she has found.
The characters Zach and Hannah bring the story to present time as they try to put their lives back together after the loss of their spouses and find a way to begin again and at the same time they are there for Mitzy to finish her story.
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LibraryThing member Shuffy2
In the summer of 1937, teenager Dimity Hatcher posed for the illustrious artist Charles Aubrey, who died at the height of his career during WWII. It may have been over 50 years ago but what secret does Dimity still hide about Charles Aubrey?
Zach Gilchrist, an Aubrey enthusiast looking to write a
Overall an interesting read! I wanted to learn about what happened between Mitzy and Charles, the story kept my attention as it jumped back and forth between the past and present. It is a story that slowly unfolds as the reader is drawn into the past.
Zach Gilchrist, an Aubrey enthusiast looking to write a
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biography on the artist, heads to the small Dorset village where Aubrey spent several summers all those years ago. Once there he is directed to Mitzy Hatcher, whom he befriends in hopes of gaining more background on the life and career of his fascination. What stories could this old women hold? His time and attention is eventually rewarded when he learns more than he bargained for and soon realizes that his life will never be the sameOverall an interesting read! I wanted to learn about what happened between Mitzy and Charles, the story kept my attention as it jumped back and forth between the past and present. It is a story that slowly unfolds as the reader is drawn into the past.
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LibraryThing member coho8
Zach, a young art gallery owner, travels to Dorset in hopes of discovering more about the life of the artist Charles Aubrey and the subjects of his paintings. In the small village of Blacknowle he finds a reclusive and secretive elderly woman, Dimity (Mitzy), who posed for Aubrey as a young woman.
I thought the book got off to a slow start but it picked up. Initially, I found it distracting and choppy to move in each chapter between characters (Zach and Dimity) and then, in the case of Dimity, alternating from past to present. Some of the descriptions, especially of Aubrey’s sketches and paintings, made me want to see them. At other times, the writing felt a bit overstated and wordy for me.
There was enough suspense in the several threads of the narrative to keep me reading and the stories unfold at a leisurely pace throughout the novel. The author is a good storyteller. This would be a good vacation read.
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Zach attempts to follow the history of Aubrey in hopes of discovering new information for a book he is writing but he quickly becomes obsessed with the subjects of Aubrey’s works.I thought the book got off to a slow start but it picked up. Initially, I found it distracting and choppy to move in each chapter between characters (Zach and Dimity) and then, in the case of Dimity, alternating from past to present. Some of the descriptions, especially of Aubrey’s sketches and paintings, made me want to see them. At other times, the writing felt a bit overstated and wordy for me.
There was enough suspense in the several threads of the narrative to keep me reading and the stories unfold at a leisurely pace throughout the novel. The author is a good storyteller. This would be a good vacation read.
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LibraryThing member susiesharp
Dimity/Mitzy is an unreliable narrator but I don’t think it is in a mean spirited way, I believe it is her story completely from her point of view, even though that view is skewed, compared to how other people remember it. She never knew any kindness in this world so of course she would fall in
The back and forth in time worked very well, as Zach tries to find out the truth about artist Charles Aubrey but what he finds in Mitzy is not what he expected to find and can she be believed? Mitzy’s story was so fascinating and made even more so as realize what an unreliable narrator she is but you can’t help but fall in love with her either, at least I couldn’t, I felt she was stuck in this time, I don’t believe she ever really matured past this point in her life and it made me sad for her and just want to hug her.
I really liked the way the author told this story with this air of mystery as you try to figure out just how much of Dimity’s story is the truth and how much is pure fantasy. Zach was an interesting character too as he tries to figure out not only what to do with his own life but to find out what his real connection is to the famous artist. Mitzy’s mother is a piece of work who I just wanted to slap, the way she treats Mitzy is just awful she is a very unlikable person, and maybe Mitzy wouldn’t have been so in need of love, attention and normalcy if she had been even a decent mother. There are hints of gothic fiction here but I wouldn’t categorize it as such all the characters are fully fleshed out and truly “alive”.
I have enjoyed Webb’s other two books and this one did not disappoint I highly recommend all of her books! I couldn’t put this book down I feel it is a must read but be prepared for some late nights and characters that will stay with you long after you are finished!
4 1/2 Stars
I received this book from 2 sources Librarything Early Reviewers program and Edelweiss for a fair and honest review.
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love with the first person that showed it to her.The back and forth in time worked very well, as Zach tries to find out the truth about artist Charles Aubrey but what he finds in Mitzy is not what he expected to find and can she be believed? Mitzy’s story was so fascinating and made even more so as realize what an unreliable narrator she is but you can’t help but fall in love with her either, at least I couldn’t, I felt she was stuck in this time, I don’t believe she ever really matured past this point in her life and it made me sad for her and just want to hug her.
I really liked the way the author told this story with this air of mystery as you try to figure out just how much of Dimity’s story is the truth and how much is pure fantasy. Zach was an interesting character too as he tries to figure out not only what to do with his own life but to find out what his real connection is to the famous artist. Mitzy’s mother is a piece of work who I just wanted to slap, the way she treats Mitzy is just awful she is a very unlikable person, and maybe Mitzy wouldn’t have been so in need of love, attention and normalcy if she had been even a decent mother. There are hints of gothic fiction here but I wouldn’t categorize it as such all the characters are fully fleshed out and truly “alive”.
I have enjoyed Webb’s other two books and this one did not disappoint I highly recommend all of her books! I couldn’t put this book down I feel it is a must read but be prepared for some late nights and characters that will stay with you long after you are finished!
4 1/2 Stars
I received this book from 2 sources Librarything Early Reviewers program and Edelweiss for a fair and honest review.
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LibraryThing member jmchshannon
Katherine Webb has made a name for herself with her charming, Gothic novels that have a very rustic, nostalgic feel to them. In A Half Forgotten Song, she tries to replicate this and ultimately ends up failing. The otherworldly, Gothic element is there but too easily and too quickly explained, and
Similarly, A Half Forgotten Song is supposed to be romantic but ends up falling into the creepy spectrum. Mitzy is obviously highly disturbed by her past, and as her story unfolds, one wonders if she wasn’t a bit addled before she ever met Charles. Her childhood was by no means an easy one, and that had to have impacted her ability to accept the gift of kindness, let alone compliments. It is easy to see why she is so quickly swept off her feet by Charles and his family, but her infatuation with him eventually borders on obsession and quickly becomes disturbing. There are certain plot points brought up as surprise twists which do nothing but confirm this sentiment.
Meanwhile, Zach’s story is nothing but a convenient plot device. His failed marriage is simply a method which is supposed to generate sympathy within in a reader, and his infatuation with Charles Aubrey the artist allows him to be the means by which Mitzy eventually shares her story. His subplot with Mitzy’s beautiful but mysterious neighbor is nonessential to the overall story and proves to be more of a filler or a distraction than anything that moves forward the narrative. There are other, smaller side plots that also go nowhere and serve no real purpose to the main plot. To this end, Ms. Webb’s manipulation of the reader and prolonged set-up of the main story is too overt to sit well with most readers. There really is no subtlety to the entire story, in a genre that thrives on subtle maneuverings.
Much of Mitzy’s story, as well as Zach’s, hinges on this idea that Charles Aubrey had an animal magnetism about him that not only made women swoon but also made men sit up and appreciate him. Unfortunately, this allure is not clearly explained or shown. Mitzy’s attraction to him could quite easily be explained by the lack of affection and love in her childhood and has nothing to do with the man himself. Similarly, Zach’s own preoccupation with the artist has nothing to do with his skill as an artist but rather his grandmother’s hints at their possible affair. The idea of being an illegitimate offspring of the artist is what initially draws his eye to Charles. The scenes in which Charles is prominent do nothing to help flesh out this supposedly larger-than-life character either, which means a reader is forced to take the word of a possibly senile old woman, a blindly adoring teenage girl, and a self-interested potential grandson to portray this crucial plot element. Make no mistake, they fail to present his charm in a convincing manner, leading a reader to wonder why all the fuss exists.
Ms. Webb’s debut novel was good, but it was with her second novel where she really came into her own and set a high bar for future stories. Unfortunately, A Half Forgotten Song just does not live up to those expectations. The story is decent, and the characters are somewhat intriguing. It is unfortunately missing that special something which was so impressive with her previous novels. Knowing that there were high expectations when opening the book does not mean that one can gloss over its deficiencies either. The mystical element wasn’t quite as spooky as it was meant to be, and the ending not only felt rushed but rather too convenient. At the end of the day, A Half Forgotten Song tries too hard to achieve a certain Gothic charm. The resulting story is a disappointment after readers have seen what Ms. Webb is capable of producing.
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therefore loses any impact almost from the very beginning. That pastoral and sentimental component is also forced, as it is not so much a hint but an actual setting. Half of the novel is told in flashbacks by a very old and wistful woman, and while they reveal the truth about Charles Aubrey, they also force-feed a reader with her yearning for what was and what could have been. The delicacy which was used to such great effect in both of her previous novels is completely missing this time.Similarly, A Half Forgotten Song is supposed to be romantic but ends up falling into the creepy spectrum. Mitzy is obviously highly disturbed by her past, and as her story unfolds, one wonders if she wasn’t a bit addled before she ever met Charles. Her childhood was by no means an easy one, and that had to have impacted her ability to accept the gift of kindness, let alone compliments. It is easy to see why she is so quickly swept off her feet by Charles and his family, but her infatuation with him eventually borders on obsession and quickly becomes disturbing. There are certain plot points brought up as surprise twists which do nothing but confirm this sentiment.
Meanwhile, Zach’s story is nothing but a convenient plot device. His failed marriage is simply a method which is supposed to generate sympathy within in a reader, and his infatuation with Charles Aubrey the artist allows him to be the means by which Mitzy eventually shares her story. His subplot with Mitzy’s beautiful but mysterious neighbor is nonessential to the overall story and proves to be more of a filler or a distraction than anything that moves forward the narrative. There are other, smaller side plots that also go nowhere and serve no real purpose to the main plot. To this end, Ms. Webb’s manipulation of the reader and prolonged set-up of the main story is too overt to sit well with most readers. There really is no subtlety to the entire story, in a genre that thrives on subtle maneuverings.
Much of Mitzy’s story, as well as Zach’s, hinges on this idea that Charles Aubrey had an animal magnetism about him that not only made women swoon but also made men sit up and appreciate him. Unfortunately, this allure is not clearly explained or shown. Mitzy’s attraction to him could quite easily be explained by the lack of affection and love in her childhood and has nothing to do with the man himself. Similarly, Zach’s own preoccupation with the artist has nothing to do with his skill as an artist but rather his grandmother’s hints at their possible affair. The idea of being an illegitimate offspring of the artist is what initially draws his eye to Charles. The scenes in which Charles is prominent do nothing to help flesh out this supposedly larger-than-life character either, which means a reader is forced to take the word of a possibly senile old woman, a blindly adoring teenage girl, and a self-interested potential grandson to portray this crucial plot element. Make no mistake, they fail to present his charm in a convincing manner, leading a reader to wonder why all the fuss exists.
Ms. Webb’s debut novel was good, but it was with her second novel where she really came into her own and set a high bar for future stories. Unfortunately, A Half Forgotten Song just does not live up to those expectations. The story is decent, and the characters are somewhat intriguing. It is unfortunately missing that special something which was so impressive with her previous novels. Knowing that there were high expectations when opening the book does not mean that one can gloss over its deficiencies either. The mystical element wasn’t quite as spooky as it was meant to be, and the ending not only felt rushed but rather too convenient. At the end of the day, A Half Forgotten Song tries too hard to achieve a certain Gothic charm. The resulting story is a disappointment after readers have seen what Ms. Webb is capable of producing.
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LibraryThing member nicx27
In 1937 teenager, Mitzy Hatcher, is living a sheltered but unhappy existence in Dorset. When celebrated artist, Charles Aubrey, and his family, including his two young daughters, come to stay in the summer, she becomes entranced by them, in particular Charles.
This is a dual-time narrative story,
I enjoyed this book, although it couldn't possibly beat my favourite Katherine Webb book, The Unseen. I always like stories set in two different times, when the person in the present day is finding out about mysteries in the past. I think this story was maybe a little on the long side but overall an absorbing tale.
This is a dual-time narrative story,
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and the modern day story is that of art gallery owner and would-be artist, Zach Gilchrist, who goes to Dorset to write a book about Charles Aubrey, and finds out more about the events of the three summers that the Aubreys spent there.I enjoyed this book, although it couldn't possibly beat my favourite Katherine Webb book, The Unseen. I always like stories set in two different times, when the person in the present day is finding out about mysteries in the past. I think this story was maybe a little on the long side but overall an absorbing tale.
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LibraryThing member Azacia
A beautifully written masterpiece of love, betrayal, loss and obsession. The story pulls you into the pages and Webb's use of language has a magical quality that makes the characters come to life. Her portrayal of life is both beautiful and tragic.
As a present day gallery owner searches into the
In the summer of 1937, a new family takes their summer holiday in Blacknowle and forever changes the lives of some of the must vulnerable residents. A young dissolute girl, only child of a cold distant mother in a small seaside town, is entranced by the new family which includes two young girls she can play with. They bring with them stories of far away lands and the first glimpse of friendship and love she has ever experienced. In them she finds a treasure so precious, she may do anything to prevent losing it. What entails is a story so powerful and moving it is impossible to put down.
Unpredictable, breathtaking, beautiful and haunting. A Half Forgotten Song is spellbinding.
As a present day gallery owner searches into the
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past of a charismatic artist whose paintings hold great mystery, he uncovers more truth than he could have ever thought possible.In the summer of 1937, a new family takes their summer holiday in Blacknowle and forever changes the lives of some of the must vulnerable residents. A young dissolute girl, only child of a cold distant mother in a small seaside town, is entranced by the new family which includes two young girls she can play with. They bring with them stories of far away lands and the first glimpse of friendship and love she has ever experienced. In them she finds a treasure so precious, she may do anything to prevent losing it. What entails is a story so powerful and moving it is impossible to put down.
Unpredictable, breathtaking, beautiful and haunting. A Half Forgotten Song is spellbinding.
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LibraryThing member lahochstetler
This is exactly the sort of book I like. It is dark, atmospheric, Gothic, with a deep and intricate plot. In the 1930s Mitzy Hatcher grows up abused and neglected, in dire poverty on the Dorset coast. When the artist Charles Aubrey arrives int eh village, he brings unknown joy and color to her sad
This book had twists and turns that surprised me. I hardly expected the conclusion. The author foreshadows throughout the book, but the ending is still shocking. This book sucked me in, it was riveting. I don't generally find myself shocked by novels, but I was completely overwhelmed by this. An excellent novel.
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and lonely life. But Mitzy becomes obsessed with Aubrey, and her obsession will have implications far beyond a childhood crush. Decades later a depressed Aubrey scholar starts unraveling the truth of what happened between Mitzy and Aubrey when he arrives to research some of Aubrey's paintings. This book had twists and turns that surprised me. I hardly expected the conclusion. The author foreshadows throughout the book, but the ending is still shocking. This book sucked me in, it was riveting. I don't generally find myself shocked by novels, but I was completely overwhelmed by this. An excellent novel.
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LibraryThing member jsprenger
This is the first book that I've read of Katherine Webb, and I was not disappointed. This author does a wonder job in weaving the past with the present. The characters are drawn together as a result of a WWII artist, Charles Aubrey. This book is filled with passion, joy, and sorrow, and will keep
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readers involved until the very end. I can't wait to read Ms. Webb's other novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member Gingersnap000
Half-Forgotten Song is written in the same vein as Ms. Webb's two previous books with secrets, obsession, historical fiction and sense of belonging. The novel centers on the Aubrey who arrived in the seaside village of Blacknowle. How alien the vacationing Aubrey family was to the villagers of
Mitzy was a mentally abused and neglected child of a Gypsy mother and an unknown father; an outcast in her village. Only one person in the village would befriend her, Wil Coulson until the Aubrey family moved in for the summer. Mitzy latched on to the family as her own and thus the saga begins.
Charles Aubrey was a well-known and respected artist who died in World War II and became a mystery to galley owner and artist Zach Gilchrist who believed that Aubrey may be his Grandfather. In fact, Zach had three of Aubrey paintings for sale in his galley. Unfortunately his galley is not a successful and so far either has his life. His ex-wife has taken their only child to America to begin a new life and he has a book nearing deadline about Aubrey for which he has received a deposit.
The book is due to publish in 6 months so he decides to travel to the small town where Aubrey painted some of his most memorial art..subjects being Zach's grandmother, Mitzy and his daughter Delphine with the ocean and cliffs as background. While Zach is doing research, he discovers that Mitzy is still alive and wishes to interview for his book; so the saga begins.
Ms. Webb description of the town, its landscape and the life in a small village is compelling and entirely engrossing. Take the book on your vacation and image you are on the Dorset coast of England. I highly recommend this book for Ms. Webb's fans and lover of historical fiction. This book and "Secret Keepers" have been my favor reads in 2013.
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Blackknowle and especially the outcast, Mitzy Hatcher when they arrived that first summer of 1936. Mitzy was a mentally abused and neglected child of a Gypsy mother and an unknown father; an outcast in her village. Only one person in the village would befriend her, Wil Coulson until the Aubrey family moved in for the summer. Mitzy latched on to the family as her own and thus the saga begins.
Charles Aubrey was a well-known and respected artist who died in World War II and became a mystery to galley owner and artist Zach Gilchrist who believed that Aubrey may be his Grandfather. In fact, Zach had three of Aubrey paintings for sale in his galley. Unfortunately his galley is not a successful and so far either has his life. His ex-wife has taken their only child to America to begin a new life and he has a book nearing deadline about Aubrey for which he has received a deposit.
The book is due to publish in 6 months so he decides to travel to the small town where Aubrey painted some of his most memorial art..subjects being Zach's grandmother, Mitzy and his daughter Delphine with the ocean and cliffs as background. While Zach is doing research, he discovers that Mitzy is still alive and wishes to interview for his book; so the saga begins.
Ms. Webb description of the town, its landscape and the life in a small village is compelling and entirely engrossing. Take the book on your vacation and image you are on the Dorset coast of England. I highly recommend this book for Ms. Webb's fans and lover of historical fiction. This book and "Secret Keepers" have been my favor reads in 2013.
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LibraryThing member LDVoorberg
An artist/gallery owner recently divorced who needs to find himself again recklessly heads out to the sleepy village where his favourite artist spent a few summers and may have had an affair with the protagonist's grandmother. He wants to know the deceased artist and find out more about his family.
Rather predictable and somewhat implausible but decent enough for the "beach read" category.
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Of course he finds answers, though the reader gets the full story through the reminiscings of an old woman who has spent her life obsessing about the artist and their alleged love affair. And what do you know! The protagonist finds love of his own along the way.Rather predictable and somewhat implausible but decent enough for the "beach read" category.
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
573 p.; 7.36 inches
ISBN
3453356802 / 9783453356801