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Inspired by a series of photographs taken by Julia Margaret Cameron of her maid, Mary Hillier, Afterimage offers a glimpse of the tensions of the Victorian era, when superstition and rigid convention lived alongside radical scientific and social developments. Humphrey's mesmerizing prose pulls the reader unconditionally into the narrative, and scenes from the novel, like the persistent visions described by its title, linger long after it ends, particularly one in which a boy model dressed as an angel leaps from a window in the house, his wings on fire, and glides to the ground. Never captured on film, the fleeting image suits this novel about ambition, longing, and unfulfilled dreams. --Leah Eichler
From Publishers Weekly
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Most helpful customer reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not what I expected--a disappointment,
By labellepersonne (Midwest USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Afterimage: A Novel (Hardcover)
The author's command of language, and her writing skills are excellent, but the story was far from what I expected. It does give a good description of English life in the countryside in the 1800's. The characters are well drawn and seem very real, as does the atmosphere surrounding them. The problem is--nothing much happens in the way of plot. I had thought the book was going to be about this maid, Annie Phelan, and her employers, Eldon and Isabelle Dashell (a husband & wife)both becoming romantically interested in her to the point where her position in the household changes and she gains power over both of them. But this situation never fully develops. One kiss is exchanged between Isabelle and Annie and that is the extent of any romantic relationship between them. The book bogs down with dwelling on Isabelle's interest in photography and Eldon's interest in expeditions and map making.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful,
By
This review is from: Afterimage: A Novel (Hardcover)
Helen Humphreys' Afterimage is a beautiful, lyrical novel that tells the story of Annie Phelan a young Irish woman who takes a job as a maid in 1865 for an eccentric pair in England. Isabelle is a photographer who desperately desires to be taken seriously as an artist and her husband Eldon is a cartographer who faces similar dilemmas. Annie's intelligence and beauty endear her to the couple, for varying reasons. She ultimately becomes a subject for Isabelle's photos and almost a friend to Isabelle. The conflict between what role Annie plays in the household and with her employers is a source of confusion for young Annie. The story is interesting, mesmerizing and well written. Enjoy.
1.0 out of 5 stars
BORING excuse for narrative,
By A Customer
This review is from: Afterimage: A Novel (Hardcover)
Here's a story that you can see coming a million miles away. The tale: Poor girl becomes Victorian maid to rich, troubled couple. Girl become muse and love-interest for both. House burns down. She leaves. It's the classic western told in Victorian feminist terms: Stranger rides into town, mixes things up, town burns down, stranger rides out. If you want to bore yourself to sleep, buy this book. Otherwise, consign it to the dustbin.
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