The Secret of Ravelston by Sergio Silveira – a Review
The Secret of Ravelston is Sergio Silveira‘s debut novel. The protagonist of the story is Jane Freemont, who is only 18 years old, and is being exiled to Ravelston where her Uncle Keifert is a respected Rector of the church. It seems her impetuous nature, too alarming and forward, has caused her older and only brother, the pastor of Wallingsford, to send her away, indefinitely, so that she may think upon her behavior and mature. Jane prays for a simple life; so that she may not be tempted again to seek trouble!
On the road to Ravelston, Jane sees a mysterious tower, but it “disappears” quickly and the staff at her uncle’s home do not seem to recall any such structure. Odd. Hoping to acquire a presentable state of demeanor in her new far from glamorous life, a permanent adjustment if her brother has his way, Jane writes home often; striving to return to his good graces by highlighting her demure and proper behavior. If only she could stop thinking about that tower!
One afternoon at the local farmer’s market accompanied by Mrs. P (the governess of her uncle’s estate), after dutifully attending to her prayers before setting out, **focus, Jane, focus**, Jane spots a richly ornate red building hiding in plain sight. That’s got to be a cover, right?! Like a moth to a flame, Jane approaches the edifice, unable to resist, but it is, for all intents and purposes, unoccupied and solitary. Again…odd. Desperate to discover the meaning for such an abandoned building, and larger section of town upon observation, Jane rejoins Mrs. P and raises questions. To her disappointment, Mrs. P scarcely recalls the areas; only stating that the town is in a state of redevelopment and Jane should pay no attention to it. Mollified by her answer, Jane’s attention is quickly captured by an impressive carriage squiring about an equally impressive woman: Her Ladyship of Ravelston. A brief altercation following Her Ladyship’s departure, **we never learn her first name?**, which was really a song sung by a young, village girl, whose lyrics went:
“ Why won’t you sing my merry Mary? Why won’t you walk about my Mary Hale? They locked me out the tower gate and buried…” prompted the child’s mother to slap her across the face! Ever more odd! Ever more intriguing to our impulsive Jane.
Soon thereafter, Jane’s keen interest overrides her better judgment and she seeks to discover who Mary Hale really was. Turns out the answer was closer than she ever expected – Mary was a servant girl in the employ of Jane’s uncle! Unfortunately, no one is eager to discuss Mary; she moved on to another employer and left behind her belongings. End of story. Plagued by her curiosity, that the mother struck her child at the mere mention of Mary Hale!, Jane stays the course to unearth what she believes is being deliberately buried. And lo and behold, who suddenly arrives to sweep Jane off to her estate (and away from the truth?): Her Ladyship of Ravelston! That unexpected delight to a life of extraordinary luxury introduces a myriad of new characters. Would Jane’s introduction to a distinguished culture, and a particular Lord Andrew, as the niece of the local Rector suppress those inquisitive thoughts??
As a debut novel, kudos to Silveira for an inventive plot with creative twists and turns. Descriptions are so lush and plentiful; you can perfectly envision the scenery. Silveira stumbles occasionally with superfluous writing and failure to tie up loose ends (Who was the man in the dark cloak? Was the Rector acting on behalf of someone’s orders?), but these are easily overlooked when you’re as fixated as Jane to “unravel” the mysteries. A nice first time effort!
LINKS TO ORDER: At the time of this posting, The Secret of Ravelson is only $1.50 from Amazon Kindle and B&N Nook
Reviewed by Carmen
Copy provided by Author
