Susan Hill (1) (1942–)
Auteur de La dame en noir
Pour les autres auteurs qui s'appellent Susan Hill, voyez la page de désambigüisation.
A propos de l'auteur
Susan Hill was born in Scarborough, United Kingdom on February 5, 1942. She received a degree in English from King's College in London in 1963. Her first book, The Enclosure, was published during her first year at university. She worked as a freelance journalist between 1963 and 1968 and has been a afficher plus monthly columnist for the Daily Telegraph since 1977. She founded her own publishing company, Long Barn Books, in 1996 and publishes a literary magazine called Books and Company. She has written works of fiction and non-fiction as well as children's books. She also edits short story compilations. Her works include Gentleman and Ladies, A Change for the Better, The Woman in Black, The Mist in the Mirror, and the Simon Serrailler Crime Novel series. She has won numerous awards including a Somerset Maugham Award for I'm the King of the Castle, the Whitbread Novel Award for The Bird of Night, the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize for The Albatross, and the Smarties Prize for Can It Be True? (Bowker Author Biography) afficher moins
Séries
Œuvres de Susan Hill
The Woman in Black and Other Ghost Stories: The Collected Ghost Stories of Susan Hill (2015) 69 exemplaires, 3 critiques
The Penguin Book of Contemporary Women's Short Stories (1995) — Directeur de publication — 38 exemplaires
The Second Penguin Book of Modern Women's Short Stories (1997) — Directeur de publication — 28 exemplaires, 1 critique
Books and Company, Issue 2 2 exemplaires
Phantomschmerzen 2 exemplaires
The enclosure 2 exemplaires
The custodian 1 exemplaire
Susan Hill’s A Ghost Story, The Small Hand (from the author of The Women in Black) [DVD] [2020] 1 exemplaire
On the Face Of It 1 exemplaire
Books and Company Issue 4 — Directeur de publication — 1 exemplaire
Do me a favour 1 exemplaire
Books and Company Issue 13 1 exemplaire
In the Conservatory (in Penguin Modern Stories 7) 1 exemplaire
How Soon Can I Leave? (in Penguin Modern Stories 7) 1 exemplaire
Books and Company Issue 3 — Directeur de publication — 1 exemplaire
Books & Company - Issue 5 1 exemplaire
Books and Company Issue 1 — Directeur de publication — 1 exemplaire
A mulher de preto - vol. 1 (Portuguese Edition) 1 exemplaire
Oeuvres associées
Reader, I Married Him: Stories Inspired by Jane Eyre (2016) — Contributeur — 306 exemplaires, 22 critiques
Counting My Chickens . . .: And Other Home Thoughts (2001) — Directeur de publication — 157 exemplaires, 2 critiques
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: The Last Juror • The Various Haunts of Men • The Codex • Life and Limb (2004) 15 exemplaires
Reader's Digest Select Editions: The Ghost • Sacrifice • The Man in the Picture • Power Play (2008) 13 exemplaires, 1 critique
Reader's Digest Select Editions: The Last Juror | The Various Haunts of Men | The Codex | The Curious Incident of the… (2004) — Auteur — 5 exemplaires
Reader's Digest Select Editions: Crossfire | Heaven's Keep | The Shadows in the Street | Stillwater Creek — Contributeur — 4 exemplaires
Reader's Digest: De getuige; Lieve John; Het Venetiaanse masker; Roerloos — Auteur — 3 exemplaires, 1 critique
The Amateur: and Other Modern Stories (English Language Learning: Reading Scheme) (1979) — Contributeur — 1 exemplaire
Étiqueté
Partage des connaissances
- Nom canonique
- Hill, Susan
- Nom légal
- Hill, Susan Elizabeth
- Date de naissance
- 1942-02-05
- Sexe
- female
- Nationalité
- UK
- Pays (pour la carte)
- England, UK
- Lieu de naissance
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, UK
- Lieux de résidence
- Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, UK
Gloucestershire, England, UK
Coventry, Warwickshire, England, UK - Études
- King's College, London
Scarborough Convent School
Barr's Hill Grammar School, Coventry - Professions
- fiction writer
editor - Relations
- Wells, Stanley (husband)
Gove, Michael (friend) - Prix et distinctions
- Order of the British Empire (Commander, 2012)
Membres
Discussions
BRITISH AUTHOR CHALLENGE JANUARY - HILL AND UNSWORTH à 75 Books Challenge for 2016 (Février 2016)
Critiques
Susan Hill's Simon Serrailler series continues with "The Comforts of Home." After Detective Chief Superintendent Serrailler was seriously injured in the line of duty, his doctors try to save his mangled left arm. Subsequently, Simon takes sick leave and visits Taransay--a remote island in Scotland--where he hopes to clear his head, draw (he is an accomplished artist), and enjoy this invigorating and sparsely populated place. "He loved the solitude, the wildness, the constant shifting of clouds and sea and coarse grass…." Simon, who faces physical challenges he never anticipated, is uncertain that he will continue to work for the Lafferton police force.
Meanwhile, Simon's sister, Dr. Cat Deerborn, is considering a job offer that she finds tempting, but she has reservations that prevent her from accepting at once. Another subplot involves Sam, Cat's older son, who is uncertain about his plans for his future. In addition, both Cat and Simon continue to have a strained relationship with their irascible and self-centered father. The author's emphasis is less on crime solving than on how her characters handle hardships and disappointment. Even though Serrailler is not officially on duty, he investigates two cases: One is in Taransay and the other concerns an unexplained disappearance in Lafferton.
Cat’s husband, Chief Constable Kieron Bright, gives Simon the report concerning the latter inquiry, and asks him to read it thoroughly. Serrailler learns that twenty-five-year-old Kimberley Still vanished five years earlier and was never seen or heard from again. Some believe that Lee Russon, who is already serving life in prison, killed Kimberley, but the convict denies it. Marion Still, Kimberley's heartbroken mother, insists that the detectives should not let her daughter's fate remain unresolved. Susan Hill's story shows how messy and distressing life can be. Grown children often ignore their parents' advice; even the best marriages have rough patches; and while good people suffer, villains do not always pay for their crimes. This book is atmospheric, the dialogue and plot are intense and involving, and the author avoids pat resolutions. This is a realistic, heartbreaking, and involving novel that focuses on how troubled men and women deal with loss, uncertainty, conflict, and guilt.… (plus d'informations)
Meanwhile, Simon's sister, Dr. Cat Deerborn, is considering a job offer that she finds tempting, but she has reservations that prevent her from accepting at once. Another subplot involves Sam, Cat's older son, who is uncertain about his plans for his future. In addition, both Cat and Simon continue to have a strained relationship with their irascible and self-centered father. The author's emphasis is less on crime solving than on how her characters handle hardships and disappointment. Even though Serrailler is not officially on duty, he investigates two cases: One is in Taransay and the other concerns an unexplained disappearance in Lafferton.
Cat’s husband, Chief Constable Kieron Bright, gives Simon the report concerning the latter inquiry, and asks him to read it thoroughly. Serrailler learns that twenty-five-year-old Kimberley Still vanished five years earlier and was never seen or heard from again. Some believe that Lee Russon, who is already serving life in prison, killed Kimberley, but the convict denies it. Marion Still, Kimberley's heartbroken mother, insists that the detectives should not let her daughter's fate remain unresolved. Susan Hill's story shows how messy and distressing life can be. Grown children often ignore their parents' advice; even the best marriages have rough patches; and while good people suffer, villains do not always pay for their crimes. This book is atmospheric, the dialogue and plot are intense and involving, and the author avoids pat resolutions. This is a realistic, heartbreaking, and involving novel that focuses on how troubled men and women deal with loss, uncertainty, conflict, and guilt.… (plus d'informations)
It is advisable to read Susan Hill's Simon Serrailler series in order, since each of the recurring characters has a complicated backstory. The latest novel, "The Benefit of Hindsight," is a haunting work of fiction in which Simon and his sister, Dr. Cat Deerbon, a partner in a private practice, make decisions that could have tragic consequences. DCS Serrailler, of Lafferton CID in England, orders a news blackout after professional thieves break into an unoccupied home and steal the residents' valuables. Subsequent events suggest that Simon's order to conceal information about this crime from the media had negative consequences that he did not foresee. Meanwhile, Simon is struggling with panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. He has refused to consult a therapist to obtain the psychological help that he needs. In addition, Dr. Cat Deerbon's pregnant patient, Carrie Pegwell, admits that she dreads motherhood. Carrie believes, without any evidence, that there is something seriously wrong with her unborn baby. Making matters worse, her aloof husband, Colin, provides his wife with very little comfort and support. What should Cat do, if anything, to help this troubled couple?
Hill adeptly juggles a variety of intriguing subplots. Among them: a naïve waitress, Shenda Neill, allows her devious boyfriend to involve her in criminal activities; Cat and Simon continue to hold a grudge against their egotistical and selfish father; Simon derives solace from his passion for drawing (he is an accomplished artist); and Cat's son, Sam, now a hospital porter, is in the process of deciding what profession he would like to pursue. The author shows how Simon and Cat have been affected by the tragedies that they have endured in the past. Although the siblings frequently argue, Simon and Cat remain devoted to one another.
"The Benefit of Hindsight" moves along briskly, its dialogue is involving, and Hill explores the ways in which Simon's personal flaws have affected his ability to form and maintain healthful relationships. Hill offers no pat resolutions to the issues that she raises. On the contrary, she shows that life can be messy, unpredictable, and unbearably painful. What gets us through tough times are such qualities as strength of character, the kindness of our loved ones, and our willingness to learn from our mistakes.
… (plus d'informations)
Hill adeptly juggles a variety of intriguing subplots. Among them: a naïve waitress, Shenda Neill, allows her devious boyfriend to involve her in criminal activities; Cat and Simon continue to hold a grudge against their egotistical and selfish father; Simon derives solace from his passion for drawing (he is an accomplished artist); and Cat's son, Sam, now a hospital porter, is in the process of deciding what profession he would like to pursue. The author shows how Simon and Cat have been affected by the tragedies that they have endured in the past. Although the siblings frequently argue, Simon and Cat remain devoted to one another.
"The Benefit of Hindsight" moves along briskly, its dialogue is involving, and Hill explores the ways in which Simon's personal flaws have affected his ability to form and maintain healthful relationships. Hill offers no pat resolutions to the issues that she raises. On the contrary, she shows that life can be messy, unpredictable, and unbearably painful. What gets us through tough times are such qualities as strength of character, the kindness of our loved ones, and our willingness to learn from our mistakes.
… (plus d'informations)
Despite the inevitability of their being sad and depressing, I will persist in reading novels about the First World War. Maybe I’d stop if there wasn’t so much well-written fiction about the war, and indeed wars in general. In this case, 'Strange Meeting' is an account of the relationship between two officers over a relatively short period in training camps and trenches. Said relationship is ambiguously homoerotic, but I read it as an intense romantic friendship. It was very moving to see the two young men find comfort in each other’s company in appalling conditions. Their conversations about how to bear the pointless and cruel loss of life all around them were very powerful. Perhaps the most notable aspect of their relationship is that they are totally honest with each other - for Hillard, the older officer, this is something he has never experienced with another person. The two can admit to weakness in each other’s company in a way that they cannot to others. It is repeatedly noted in the text that there is particular pressure on officers, as they generally lack the supportive bonds of brotherhood that enlisted men have. Moreover, they have to enforce orders that they know are stupid, wrong, and will lead to more pointless deaths.
This monologue from Barton to Hilliard will stay with me:
Of course, the especial pain of reading WWI novels is that they never end happily and this one is no exception. It’s elegantly written and very moving, though. I also appreciated the author’s afterword. Hill comments very straightforwardly that the thing she is most often asked about it is whether the two main characters have a sexual relationship. She says she didn’t write them with that intention, but if they did it would not change anything about the narrative. Moreover, she doesn’t see either of them as entirely straight or gay. This refreshing response allows the reader to interpret as they prefer. As she says, though, it doesn’t really matter, as the point is that the two love each other and that helps them cope with the horrors of the trenches. Their sense of alienation from normal life clearly intensifies their relationship and it is this sense of estrangement from normality that is captured brilliantly by the narrative. 'Strange Meeting' is a miniature masterpiece.… (plus d'informations)
This monologue from Barton to Hilliard will stay with me:
"That Private who was snipered - looking at him I could have wept and wept, he seemed to be all the men who had ever been killed, John. I remember everything about him, his face, his hair, his hands. I remember how pale his eyelashes were and I thought of how alive he’d been, how much there had been going on inside him - blood pumping round, muscles working, brain saying do this, do that, his eyes looking at me. I thought of it all, how he’d been born and had a family, I thought of everything that had gone into making him - and it wasn’t that I was afraid and putting myself in his place down there on the ground. I just wanted him alive again, it seemed the only important thing. I just wanted to stay there and look at him, I couldn’t take it in, that he’d been so alive, and then he just lay, spouting out blood and that was that, he was dead, nothing."
Of course, the especial pain of reading WWI novels is that they never end happily and this one is no exception. It’s elegantly written and very moving, though. I also appreciated the author’s afterword. Hill comments very straightforwardly that the thing she is most often asked about it is whether the two main characters have a sexual relationship. She says she didn’t write them with that intention, but if they did it would not change anything about the narrative. Moreover, she doesn’t see either of them as entirely straight or gay. This refreshing response allows the reader to interpret as they prefer. As she says, though, it doesn’t really matter, as the point is that the two love each other and that helps them cope with the horrors of the trenches. Their sense of alienation from normal life clearly intensifies their relationship and it is this sense of estrangement from normality that is captured brilliantly by the narrative. 'Strange Meeting' is a miniature masterpiece.… (plus d'informations)
Listes
Overdue Podcast (1)
THE WAR ROOM (1)
Winter Books (1)
2010s (1)
Bedbooks (1)
Ghosts (3)
100 Hemskaste (2)
A Novel Cure (2)
Bibliomemoirs (2)
Booker Prize (1)
British Mystery (1)
Prix et récompenses
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Auteurs associés
Statistiques
- Œuvres
- 107
- Aussi par
- 19
- Membres
- 17,092
- Popularité
- #1,300
- Évaluation
- 3.7
- Critiques
- 921
- ISBN
- 968
- Langues
- 21
- Favoris
- 39
Susan Hill delves into the personal stories of her characters in her police procedurals, and "A Change of Circumstance" is no exception. Although Simon has always been self-sufficient, he has regrets when he thinks about the woman who got away—Rachel Wyatt—whom he still loves. Simon is close to his sister, the compassionate and wise Dr. Cat Dearbon. Cat provides her brother with meals, comfort, and sound advice that he generally ignores. As he approaches middle age, Simon wonders what lies ahead for him.
This novel is a bit too plot-driven to be completely satisfying. There are scenes of hard-hitting violence that are realistic but disturbing. Hill repeatedly makes the point that drug distributors are everywhere—in large cities and tiny hamlets. Although fans of Simon and Cat always enjoy spending time with them, Hill jumps around from one topic to another too often. In addition, the rushed conclusion is not only abrupt but unrealistic . As a result, the novel does not have the depth and impact of Hill's best work. What a shame, since devotees of Serrallier have derived a great deal of pleasure from reading about this angst-ridden man's adventures and romantic entanglements over the years.
… (plus d'informations)