Wakefield Hall

By Francesca Stanfill

Book Overview

Summoned to the elegant Berkshire mansion known as Wakefield Hall to write the biography of recently deceased actress Joanna Eakins, reporter Elisabeth Rowan is unprepared for the passion,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679412980
• ISBN13: 9780679412984
• Release Date: May 1993
• Publisher: Villard
• Length: 401 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Gothic, Romantic Mystery

If I just summarize the plot--journalist investigates a famous woman's private life and uncovers long-lost secrets--_Wakefield Hall_ sounds like just another soap opera potboiler. But trust me, it is more than that. Francesca Stanfill sets her novel apart with lush and dreamy prose, and with the literature of Shakespeare, which underlies the entire plot.Elisabeth Rowan is a thirtyish writer, alone in the world except for her married lover, who is irresistible despite being nothing but trouble for Elisabeth. She receives an odd commission--to write the biography of stage actress Joanna Eakins, as requested by Joanna on her deathbed. Why did this famous woman choose Elisabeth? And what mysteries lurk within Joanna's glamorous life? The answer is to be found in Shakespeare's plays, and in a mysterious maze where Joanna placed statues of the Bard's heroines. Along the way, Elisabeth finds her backbone and a very different sort of love. Sort of Barbara Michaels-ish in a way, this is an addictive novel.

very enjoyable book with lots of surprises

I read this book a few wks ago while on holiday in Greece. It is very well written and quite interesting. I am recommending it to my friends.

One of my favourite books

I really enjoyed this book, and hope that the author is working on her new one. Romantic yet realistic, intelligent and literary, with a perfect ending. If FS reads this, can she let me know if the book that the architect buys for Elisabeth really exists?

The Best Book in the world

The smartest person wrote this book and happy Birthday to her from her son Peter