A Candle in Her Room

A Candle in Her Room follows three generations of women whose lives become entangled with a mysterious wooden doll named Dido, discovered in the attic of their Welsh seaside mansion. The story spans both World Wars, with the Old Court mansion in Pembrokeshire serving as the central setting where events unfold across decades. The narrative shifts between four distinct parts, each told by a different character as they encounter the doll's influence. Beginning with Melissa's discovery of Dido during World War I, the tale continues through her niece Dilys's experiences before World War II, and concludes with Dilys's daughter Nina's confrontation with the doll's power. At the core of the story is the wooden doll Dido, whose presence coincides with personality changes and unexplained events affecting those who possess her. The mansion itself, a former courthouse with its own history, becomes intertwined with the doll's influence on the family across generations. The novel explores themes of inheritance - both material and spiritual - while examining how objects can carry dark influences through time. The story raises questions about the nature of evil and the strength required to resist its pull, all within the framework of a family's legacy.

Readers describe this as an eerie, atmospheric ghost story that left a lasting impression on them as children, with many seeking it out again as adults. Multiple reviews note the book's ability to create tension and unease without graphic content. Readers praised: - The doll Dido as a memorable, menacing presence - The multi-generational storyline spanning decades - The Welsh coastal setting and historical details - The subtle build-up of supernatural elements Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in the middle section - Some found the ending unsatisfying - Religious themes too overt for some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (190 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (32 ratings) Several reviewers mentioned reading this book in the 1970s and being "haunted by it for years" or "never forgetting the creepy doll." Multiple readers commented that the book holds up well for adult readers despite being marketed to young adults.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James Through a governess's perspective, this story chronicles the influence of malevolent spirits on two children in an English country estate.

Green Glass Beads by Eleanor Perenyi Three generations of women inherit an Eastern European mansion and a collection of glass beads that hold power over their destinies.

The Ghost of Grey Fox Run by Aileen Fisher The inhabitants of an inherited New England farmhouse uncover connections between a colonial-era doll and unexplained events in their home.

The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy M. Boston A young boy discovers his ancestral home harbors the spirits of past children and objects that bridge time periods.

Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce The story unfolds in an old house where a grandfather clock enables passage between present and past, connecting inhabitants across different eras.

🔮 The novel's setting in Pembrokeshire features prominently in Welsh folklore, particularly stories of enchanted objects and supernatural occurrences dating back to Celtic mythology. 📚 Ruth M. Arthur wrote over 20 children's novels during her career, many featuring supernatural elements and historic British settings, though this 1972 work is considered her masterpiece. 🏰 The concept of possessed or haunted dolls has deep roots in British literature, with documented cases of "cursed" dolls appearing in writings as early as the Victorian era. 🎨 The book's original illustrations by Margery Gill became nearly as famous as the story itself, with their atmospheric pen-and-ink style perfectly capturing the gothic mood. ⏳ The novel's structure, moving through three generations, was innovative for 1970s young adult literature, which typically focused on single protagonists in linear timelines.