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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

'Whispers in the Sand' by Barbara Erskine


Synopsis from author's website:
Recently divorced, Anna Coburn decides to cheer herself up by retracing a journey her great-grandmother, Louisa, a renowned artist, made in the mid-nineteenth century – a Nile cruise from Luxor to the Valley of the Kings. Anna carries with her two of Louisa's possessions – an ancient Egyptian scent bottle, and an illustrated diary of the original cruise that has lain unread for a hundred years.

As she follows in Louisa's footsteps, Anna discovers in the diary a wonderful love story from the Victorian past, and the chilling, more distant secret of the little glass bottle. Meanwhile, two men from the tour party are showing a disturbing interest in these mementos, and developing an unfriendly rivalry for Anna's attention. And, most frightening of all, Anna finds herself the victim of a haunting, a spectral presence that grows in strength and threat as the dramatic stories from three different eras intertwine in a terrifying climax...


First thought after finishing this book: "I so need to visit Egypt!!!"

My Thoughts: This was my first experience reading Barbara Erskine and it won't be my last. I really liked the way she wrote the story using a diary of Anna's great-grandmother as the focal point and in which she was able to link the past with the present. I know that some people do get tired of "the diary" being used in books but for me it never seems to grow old. I honestly felt like I would recognize these people and places if I were to visit them today because Erskine writes with a very descriptive flair. While at times I wanted to throttle Anna and tell her to get a backbone when it came to one of the overbearing and pushy male passengers, for the most part I enjoyed her character and couldn't wait to see what she would discover next. This was a great book to get lost in for an afternoon and made me want to Google the places that Anna and Louisa encountered on their Nile voyages.




Recommend? Yes, I would recommend this book to my friends. Especially those that love the use of a found diary as a means to bring the past and present together into a satisfying story!!

Rating: 8/10

Author: Barbara Erskine
Published: July 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Historical Fiction with a twist!
Source: Sourcebooks
ISNB: 9781402261756


Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

23 comments:

  1. Great! I will definitely be adding this one to my list as I really like Erskine's books -- I especially enjoyed Lady of Hay. You are right, though, about her modern heroines...they are often whimpy and let overbearing men control their lives, but I guess that's what keeps the conflict ongoing. The historical aspects of her books are wonderful.

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  2. This looks so good -- I'm dying to read it! Glad it was enjoyable -- I've heard such good things about Erskine's books -- I haven't read anything by her, either!

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  3. I haven't read too much about Egypt, so this book sounds good to me. And I really like the cover.

    P.S. Noticed in the sidebar that your Kindle is named Mr. Darcy. That's what I named my laptop! ;)

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  4. I do love the idea of using a found diary! This sounds good to me.

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  5. I love books that involve found diaries. Almost afraid to read this or I may want to visit Egypt, too!

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  6. Great review Staci :)
    I read a couple of Erskine books, back in the days, lol, not that long ago, but I did enjoy them

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  7. I wouldn't mind reading this. It sounds so good. I've found though that her books aren't available as eBooks to Canada usually which is disappointing. Glad you enjoyed this one!

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  8. I have always enjoyed a diary format as I feel closer to the character. This sounds like a very intriguing story I love the setting and the mystery has me very curious.

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  9. Half of me hates books that make me want to go places, but the other half loves them! Too bad they don't come with travel funds! LOL

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  10. Sounds pretty good! And I'll go to Egypt with you! When do we leave??

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  11. I so need to read this book after your recommendation.

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  12. I like the cover and the setting and the story sounds good too!

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  13. I saw this one at the library and did not pick it up. Hope it is there when I return.

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  14. I have never read this author, but she certainly sounds worthy of my attention based on this review and other comments --thanks Staci

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  15. This sounds AWESOME! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  16. I don't mind the use of diaries in books. This sounds interesting. My husband has always wanted to visit egypt...I'm a bit wary of the Middle East, myself.

    thanks for the review.

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  17. I never tire of books that incorporate a found diary into them. I haven't read too many books set in Egypt. I may have to read this one and escape there myself.

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  18. Yay! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to reading it myself. Great review!

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  19. Egypt is on the to do list.....one day. But as result I gobble up anything to do with Egypt. I will have to keep my eye out for this book. It sounds just a little bit different to the nomal historical fiction that is normally associated with Egypt.

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  20. I also love books involving diaries with a dual time setting. Plus I have Lady of Hay on my Kindle. I'll add this one to my TBR pile as well!

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  21. Oh I am so reading this one. I would also like to visit Egypt but not at the moment. Someday :) Great review as always and thanks for the recommendation.

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  22. Your reviews keep me adding to my wish list. I'm not sure whether I should be thanking you or not!

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