This is the story of Stella Raphael who goes to live with her husband, a psychiatrist, at a maximum security asylum. Her husband is a straight-laced bore and Stella soon finds one of his patients, a man accused of killing his wife, intriguing. Edgar Stark is brilliant and Stella falls under his spell at first sight. She is fascinated by the fact that he is a sculptor by profession, but even more than that, Stella is attracted to Edgar with ever nerve in her body and even knowing he's a killer doesn't stop what ensues. A body shattering love affair that consumes Stella and those she loves most. Stella goes through a full evolution of emotions and in the end she is left to consider if it was all worth it.
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Best part of story, including ending:
I loved this story because it was so dark and intense. The love scenes are written with so much passion and rawness. It is odd reading scenes that are irrational and illogical but make so much sense to the visceral experience.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene is when Stella and Edgar first begin their affair and she is in the garden, planting in a sundress. Their attraction for one another leaps off the page and captivates the reader. The scene is also unsettling because it shows how so much beauty of surrounding can be permeated by so much gore.
Opinion about the main character:
I disliked how dumb she was. I disliked how selfish Stella was. I disliked her risking everything for this handsome psycho of a man. I disliked that I loved her through it all. I am telling you, this book won't make sense to your brain but your body will beg for more even after the last page is turned.
