Based on the Gothic mental institution located north of Boston, in Danvers, Massachusetts. Two loves--past and present--that transcend even time.
Within moments of meeting, Dana Etheridge and Nick DeSantis are drawn to each other. With the help of a journal written by a former patient who was placed there in 1919, they discover their own destiny and the powerful effect of love.
The pages of Emily Patterson's journal capture the anger, confusion, and despair of the horrors and injustices within the institution's walls.
Excerpt
Even with the passage of ten years, seeing the foreboding and grotesque building caused an illogical fear within Dana. The warm August day didn't prevent the chill that swept over her. Turning onto the wide sweeping driveway leading to the structure, she drove without shifting her gaze from the hill. Putting her foot on the brake and taking a deep breath, she leaned forward over the steering wheel to get a better view of the buildings. They were the same as they had always been. The fear diminished somewhat and was replaced with a magnetic pull toward the brick edifice.
Professional Reviews
Splendid, and often unsettling debut novel...
John Dufresne, Author-- Deep in the Shade of Paradise--Terri DuLong has written an absorbing tale about the past which haunts us and love which redeems us.,,,,,,
Superb read....
The finished project is a superb read, easy to follow, full of charm and wit.....Kathleen Hand, Citizen Correspondent, Chiefland Citizen
A Love Story Beyond Forever...
Two couples lost in passion, their lives entwined by a love that knows no boundaries. One horrible secret, locked away for years behind the dark walls of the Danvers State Mental Hospital, will touch both couples' lives. One love will survive. One love will be lost. All of their lives will be irrevocably changed by a simple moment of indecision.
DuLong draws the reader ever deeper into her characters' lives, with probing questions that beg to be answered. She tells their stories with warmth, compassion, and a deep understanding of human emotions. Her words will touch your heart, and leave it aching for just such a love, one that transcends even time.
Maureen Landress, Correspondent---Cedar Key News
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Reviews for "Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle"
Reviewed by Pat Hansen
1/21/2003
When I started to read the book, I could hardly put it down. I was absorbed in the issues of Mental Health that were hidden from the public eye at that particular time.
I enjoyed how Terri combined the characters and there feelings towards one another in a wonderful love story.
Terri captures your attention in her writing I wish her the best in the future and look forward to reading her next novel.
Reviewed by Deb Comings
12/20/2002
I could not put this book down! I was immediately drawn into the lives and emotions of the characters, intensly identifying with them and "their" story. I believe their story is "our" story. Terri strikes a cord deep within the heart, tinged with magic and mysticism that carries you on an anticipatory high, anxious to learn what will happen next. You find yourself reflecting and evaluating your own life experiences as you share those of Nick and Dana....sometimes laughing...sometimes shedding a tear. This was one of the most entertaining and riveting books I have ever read and I cannot wait for another adventure from Terri DuLong. As a new author, she delivers the quality, depth and style of a well-seasoned and extremely talented professional.
Reviewed by Jean
12/20/2002
What I've always dreamed of--a love story for a mature audience. Love, mystery, aura, what more could you ask for in this page-turning novel. Congratulations to a new author who has found her gift to mankind!
Reviewed by Lisa
12/18/2002
What a wonderful and tragic story, entwining two couples together on a path unbenownst to them both.
A beautiful story told by a great storyteller. It's hard to believe this could be Terri's first novel. It was well-crafted and just flowed right along that it enraptures you with wonderful wording.
I am absolutely looking forward to reading more of Terri's work in the future!
Reviewed by rose white
12/17/2002
A truly great first novel written with a lot of feeling. You come to know and love the characters. This is just the beginning of a very successful career for Terri. Good Luck
Reviewed by Bill Bonner
12/15/2002
This Author will Capture Your Loyalty.
Terri DuLong promises an intellectual treat in the first chapter and never lets you down. Two stories, diverse in time, are drawn together in a seamless tale written in flowing words that make me, as an author, feel humbled. She captures the subtle differences in the language of the 1920s and brings it to bear on the modern life of Nick and Dana. Never does the author attempt to make you believe that the four characters are connected, instead she lures you into becoming a believer and hoping the characters in today's world don't make the same mistakes. These are characters you will love, hate, and admire in a story you will remember whether you think we will have another chance at life or not. Readers will be loyal to Terri DuLong because she is one of the finest lyrical writers in the business. The issues of the Mental Health System are just other reasons to read this book. Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle is an excellent book that you will enjoy in two sittings.
Bill Bonner, author of Goodbye Maple Street, due out in 2003.
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