The architecture resembled a fairy tale model. That in this case lamentably, was more like something found in a horror story. Grim and inhospitable, the imposing structure, defended by an overgrown garden, spoke of long neglect.
Situated amongst strangulating weeds, mossy statues of curvaceous goddesses whispered secrets of time past. Whilst centrally, an arid birdbath stained turquoise from the decay of time, stood lonely and forgotten. On the whole, one could only deduce human absence by the squalid state of things.
Large ageless trees posed as guardians, while their silhouetted branches danced upon the cracked, time worn walls, moving to the wind’s song rustling through leaves.
Above, a turret rose defiantly out of the roof of the two storey house, embellished by carvings of strange beasts. This cluster of gargoyles and winged beings cast their mischievous eyes upon the world, sending a shiver through the visitor. Who could not help but fear that housed within the decrepit walls of this unwelcoming abode, a dark scene from Grimm brothers, wicked witch and all awaited, ready to pounce.
Venturing forward towards the entrance nevertheless, she pushed against the rusted lacework gate before her. It grunted as it opened reluctantly, the hinge barely able to submit through lack of use. As she entered into the garden, sounds, almost inaudible at first, seemed to emanate from somewhere within the house. Assuming the trees to be the perpetrators, she stood still so as to listen. Strangely, the birds complied by desisting from chatter, as did the forest, whose breathing had stilled.
Now a piano was vaguely audible. This compelled her to knock on the door that, much to her surprise, opened on its own.
Calling out she crept into a vestibule filled with an array of paintings and other exquisite objects. Oddly, the brightness of the foyer defied the impending gloom of night’s approach.
Growing ever louder, the music had a magnetic affect on the young visitor, who, in a state of increasing curiosity, entered into a great hallway that seemed never-ending in grandeur. Somewhat surprising was the lack of dust and decay, which contrasted sharply with the derelict appearance of the house’s exterior.
The House is an adult fairy tale rich in mystery and intrigue.
Here is a tale of a woman so absorbed with historical novels that her own reality ceases to offer any hope of romance and beauty.
Until one day this dreamy idealist finds herself in a mysterious forest. How she arrived there is unknown. Soon she encounters a dilapidated house, within whose ancient walls magical rooms that transport to parallel worlds lie in wait. There she is transmigrated to 18th century England, where our heroine interacts with an odd mix of characters whose dysfunctional lives become immediately apparent.
Her first tribulation involves a nefarious lord, an archetype of the monstrous characters one encounters in fairy tales. The ramification from this confrontation sets the tone for the narrative.
A magic portal finally enables escape from the austere Georgian dwelling. She is then spirited back to the enigmatic house, and a journey to Regency London follows, where a large cast of eccentric identities present themselves.
Late one night, following a long stay in Florence, a young, heart-broken poet arrives. His introduction to the beautiful time traveller offers promise of restoration and love. But there are several more obstacles ahead before her destiny in this curious adventure is made apparent.
In the end an unexpected twist is revealed. But like all good fairy tales, this surprising conclusion is pleasing, even though the means of getting there are dark, and at times sinister.
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Genre - Historical, Fantasy, Romance
Rating - PG-16
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