The Windmill by K.Lewis Adair

Connections abound in this beautifully written book of different time periods, depicting different lives interconnected by so many links. Ginny inherits a house, and as she does the book returns the reader to the past, of complicated motives, double edged actions and the beauty of a painting that depicts a windmill and symbolises much more. Characters whose fates have an effect over years appear in different circumstances, with hints and clues left for others. Mysteries and more are central to this novel, as Ginny tries to discover who left her a house undisturbed for decades.This book manages to introduce many characters during its chapters, including several generations and wartime intrigues. It has a certain lyrical beauty as it describes places, people and events in detail: from a speck of fluff to a night time pursuit. This is a story which is an easy read and an intriguing concept, that somehow manages to bring in so many elements. Part historical fiction, part near contemporary story, this is an interestingly constructed novel. I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book.

A life or death situation opens the book, an idea which is left in the background as a young woman receives a letter which changes her life. It seems she has been bequeathed a house, strangely named “Redivius”, by Florence van Hassel. Working out a link with her late grandmother, she sets off for her mother’s house. Her mother’s story is linked to an ex boyfriend, Jack. His story goes back in time to 1975, and there is a complicated and moving story attached to him which demonstrates among other things the power of friendship. Another section reverts to wartime, and a shock for a young woman called Florence. A story of intrigue emerges which takes in journeys to Amsterdam during the Second World War. This is a read which is memorable for its multi layered approach and more. It is a gripping section which has so many implications for the rest of the novel. It is about disappearances and realisations, images that linger in the mind. It is moving and significant so many ways, as Florence discovers so much about her life and more. 

This book manages to combine tension and significant discoveries with very real tragedy. The interconnectedness is carefully constructed, conveyed both by major plot developments and tiny hints, small details that are discovered by various characters, little pieces of evidence to be found by others much later. The possibilities of memories, deja vu and feelings of familiarity link characters who would otherwise remain in the dark. This is a novel which tackles head on the concept of  love and more surviving even death, as well as the sacrifices that people are willing to make for others, a concept introduced in the very first section. Secrets and lies, danger and attraction make this a novel which lingers in the memory. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a complex novel which manages to convey the power of love over several generations.