I am never sure abut Barbara VineClearly aimed at being more literary than the Ruth Rendell brand (especially Wexford), but never quite satisfying.The premise of this with how a secret is kept, and the difference in people's attitudes. I didn't like jump to two narrative points of view, and a didn't really warm to either. I think it was god set up, but ending had been foretold and was a bit " let's stop now"Many main complaint was with the cover. The garish cover of mine had slightly dirty fit/ lower legs with feet in red shoes tied with rope. A bit too lurid and inaccurate to subject matter. The amps fetish is the launch for one relationship but no part of the next! And gave the wrong impression about content (it's not a novel about sex and s&m and bondage, but it tries to give problem. A problem when reading in public.The second issues is factual re the book. There is a lot of discussion re the fact that at the Birthday Present she is wearing high heeled black boots (when feet bound) and there is no mention of red shoes. So the paperback cover has nothing to do with the content of the book, which was really really annoying If you want to understand the concept of foreshadowing in a novel read this book. The story of an S&M "birthday present" gone wrong, this story is told from the viewpoint of 2 interested bystanders. It's a little confusing because there's no indication when the narrator switches. I think the bystander narration takes away from the potential power of the story and gives it an "as told to" style that doesn't involve the reader. But it's an interesting look at how the tiny decisions we make can have huge impacts on our lives
What do You think about The Birthday Present (2008)?
Comparing this to Pinter's The Birthday Party is quite the stretch.
—oneandonlysds
I very much like Barbara Vine and this is precisely why.
—James
Great psychological thriller. Very enjoyable read.
—Hamburglar
