Pretty decent for a gothic romance, although the cardboard villain (I have no particular enthusiasm about the Anglican clergy, but the vicar was just bad and so evil that all he lacked was a twirly mustache to fit right into a Victorian melodrama) and the use of amnesia as a plot device were defects worthy of pulp fiction. At least the narrator's cruel mother benefitted from some character development. The narrator herself was a bit soggy and pretty much a nonentity, and the house itself (all gothic novels need a house with a sinister history) was left unexplained. Yes, things had happened there but why did all the neighbours loathe and fear it so? The event we learn about was far from common knowledge (unknown to any of the people who hint darkly at unspeakable deeds) and could not have been the reason for the universal aversion. It's a mystery. ( )

The White Hare provides a wonderful, spooky read that remains rewarding throughout. I have run up against so many books lately that begin with promise, but lose course, that I can't begin to say how grateful I am for a title that I never once considered abandoning.

The White Hare has plot elements that are familiar: outsiders come to a small community and are made less than welcome; there's a strange man who keeps showing up, but has no known address; the local priest is determined to stamp out paganism; other members of the community practice the old ways; the sea broods; past horrors are alluded to, but never explained.

Our outsiders in this case are a trio of women: grandmother and mother are both Polish immigrants who immigrated to the UK at the start of WWII; the daughter, Janey, not quite school-age, is UK-born. The two older women are both fleeing their own traumas, but Janey remains content with her rabbit-toy best friend and eager to explore the forests and beaches near her new home. But then Rabbit disappears—and reappears—and suddenly conversations between Janey and Rabbit become more mysterious and esoteric.

One of the joys of this title is the way it steadily builds a sense of menace, but also sustains a sense of hope. I kept waiting for the moment of horror that would ruin the book for me, but—despite plenty of unworldly events—that moment never came.

If you like "gothic" (not quite the right word here, but I'll go with it) fiction, but aren't interested in bloodbaths, you are going to *love* The White Hare. The balance of unease and comfort offered by the book lets readers walk a fine edge without a sudden fall to either side.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGallet; the opinions are my own. ( )

Thanks to Simon & Shuster and NetGalley for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

Mila thinks “We’re not living in a fairy tale,” but there are elements of folklore, legends, myths, and magical qualities that make this an engrossing 5-star read. Any book that is recommended to fans of Kate Morton and Alice Hoffman sets me up for an atmospheric story of family, old houses, secrets, and mysteries. This one has all that and more.

Mila, her young daughter Janey, and her mother Magda have invested all their money to purchase a remote and neglected old house in Cornwall above the beach, on the edge of a forest. They intend to renovate and restore it to its former glory, with Magda planning to throw glamorous parties while Mila just wants a place to rebuild her life and raise her daughter. The superstitious local villagers hint at the house’s dark reputation while imaginative Janey seems to have connected with a mystical white hare that offers protection, guidance, and perhaps even answers to the mysteries that are slowly revealed.

The novel is told from Mila’s point of view, with much of the focus on the broken relationship between Mila and her mother Magda. This drama plays out against some of the other characters’ narratives as we learn more about them and the history of the area. The lush, wild forest is almost a character itself, providing a timeless atmospheric backdrop to this story that takes place in 1954. It also includes secret stairways, an ancient cryptic symbol that keeps turning up, and the feeling of a presence. As Mila says, “It’s not threatening – not to us, anyway – but just a sense of being watched, or maybe watched over. A sort of awareness, much larger than we are.”

Themes of strong women, family, mothers and daughters, healing and forgiveness blend with the magical and mystical aspects of folklore, restorative herbal concoctions, and a bit of romance, too. I thoroughly enjoyed this rich, timeless story with a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend it. ( )

If you enjoy historical fiction steeped in a lovely gothic atmosphere, then you need to pick up Jane Johnson's new novel, The White Hare. It's a fabulous read!

1954, deep in a valley named The White Valley in the Cornwall District of England. We meet mother, daughter and grandchild, Magdalena, Mila and young Janeska as they arrive at a broken down house in the valley. It hasn't been lived in for many years and needs quite a bit of work done. Work also needs to be done on the relationships between the members of the family.

What other elements make this such a good read? All those gothic bits. First off is the house, of course. The atmosphere/setting was incredibly detailed and depicted. The forest, the shores of the sea, the darkness and the isolation. The rumors, beliefs, signs and inexplicable events and portents that envelope the valley. A mysterious handyman who guards his privacy. Women in distress. Surly villagers. A romance perhaps. Or maybe a death. And so much more...

Johnson does a wonderful job with her story. I was caught up in the opening pages and literally couldn't put it down. Best read on a rainy night, with a pot of tea and a dog by the fire. ( )

The White Hare by Jane Johnson is Historical Mystery Fiction with mysterious legends, secrets and apparitions in very unusual places. Her characters seem so real and easy to imagine while others are very odd creatures that are more difficult to fathom. Exciting inexplicable adventures as former live events are revealed and understanding comes.Jane Johnson is one of my favorite authors, who never disappoints with her exciting and unique stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars ( )