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The Distant Hours summary
Brief summary
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton is a captivating historical fiction novel that delves into family secrets and the mysterious past of a crumbling castle. It weaves together the lives of three generations of women, connected by love, betrayal, and a long-buried story.
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The Distant Hours
Summary of key ideas
Tracing the Past through Milderhurst Castle
In The Distant Hours by Kate Morton, the tale begins with a letter that arrives 50 years late. Edie Burchill, the recipient, learns about her mother's stay at Milderhurst Castle during the Second World War. Intrigued, she decides to visit the castle, setting off a chain of events that will unravel the secrets and mysteries surrounding the Blythe family.
Upon her arrival, Edie is captivated by the castle's eerie charm and the three eccentric Blythe sisters, Percy, Saffy, and Juniper, who have lived there since their father, the famous author Raymond Blythe, abandoned them. Edie's curiosity about her mother's connection to the Blythes grows, and she is drawn into the sisters' unusual world.
The Haunting Past of the Blythe Sisters
As Edie delves deeper, she learns about the tumultuous lives of the Blythe sisters. Percy, the eldest, takes care of her twin sisters, Saffy, and Juniper, but harbors a dark secret that has haunted her for years. Saffy, once a promising writer, has resigned herself to the castle's seclusion, while Juniper, the youngest, is trapped in a world of her own, still waiting for her fiancé, who never returned from the war.
Edie discovers a manuscript written by Raymond Blythe, revealing a different version of the Blythe sisters' lives. In his story, the sisters' lives are filled with betrayal, forbidden love, and a terrible tragedy. As Edie uncovers the truth, she realizes that her mother, Meredith, played a significant role in the Blythe family's history, a past she had tried to keep hidden.
The Unraveling of the Family's Secrets
Edie's investigation leads her to the truth about her mother's connection to the Blythe sisters. As a young girl, Meredith had been sent to Milderhurst Castle during the war, where she formed a close bond with the Blythe sisters. However, a series of misunderstandings and betrayal led to a falling out, and Meredith's past with the Blythe sisters remained a secret.
Meanwhile, the present-day Blythe sisters are still grappling with their past. Percy's secret is revealed, Saffy's lost manuscript is discovered, and Juniper's long-lost fiancé makes a surprising return. The sisters' lives, once filled with sadness and regret, are finally set free from the chains of their past.
Reflections on Love, Loss, and Forgiveness
In the end, The Distant Hours is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the passage of time. The story of the Blythe sisters, intertwined with Edie's quest to uncover her mother's past, highlights the enduring power of family, the weight of secrets, and the importance of forgiveness.
As Edie leaves Milderhurst Castle, she carries with her a deeper understanding of her mother and the Blythe sisters. The secrets of the past have been unearthed, and the characters are finally able to come to terms with the events that have shaped their lives. The haunting tale of the Blythe sisters and their distant hours will linger in Edie's memory, forever changing her perspective on family, love, and the complexities of the human heart.
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What is The Distant Hours about?
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton is a captivating novel that delves into family secrets and the power of storytelling. Set in a crumbling castle in England, the book unravels the mysterious past of the Blythe sisters and the connection they have with a young writer. With beautifully intricate prose, Morton weaves a tale that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Distant Hours Review
The Distant Hours (2010) is a captivating tale of secrets, betrayal, and long-buried mysteries that will keep you turning the pages. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Its richly developed characters and intricate plot twists create a compelling and immersive reading experience.
- The atmospheric setting of a decaying castle adds an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to the storytelling.
- With its blend of past and present timelines, the book keeps you on your toes, ensuring that the story never becomes predictable or dull.
Who should read The Distant Hours?
Readers who enjoy atmospheric and immersive historical fiction
Those who appreciate intricate and interconnected family sagas
People who are drawn to mysteries and secrets hidden within old houses
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The Distant Hours FAQs
What is the main message of The Distant Hours?
The main message of The Distant Hours is the power of secrets in shaping lives.
How long does it take to read The Distant Hours?
Reading time for The Distant Hours varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is The Distant Hours a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Distant Hours offers a captivating tale of family secrets that will keep you hooked.
Who is the author of The Distant Hours?
The author of The Distant Hours is Kate Morton.
What to read after The Distant Hours?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Distant Hours, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
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- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher