The Walking Stick

The Walking Stick is a 1967 thriller that follows Deborah Dainton, a young woman in London who works as an art appraiser at a prestigious auction house. Born with polio, Deborah uses a walking stick and has developed a reserved, cautious approach to life. The narrative centers on Deborah's relationship with Leigh Hartley, a charming artist who gradually draws her out of her self-imposed isolation. Their growing connection forces Deborah to confront her assumptions about disability, independence, and trust. As their worlds become more intertwined, the story transforms from a character study into a taut psychological thriller. The seemingly straightforward romance evolves into a complex exploration of deception and moral choice. The Walking Stick examines the tension between vulnerability and strength, questioning how past trauma shapes our willingness to risk emotional and physical safety for the promise of connection.

Readers describe The Walking Stick as a psychological crime thriller with slower pacing than Graham's Poldark series. Many reviews note the character study of Deborah, with several readers praising the complex portrayal of her disability and emotional development. Readers appreciated: - The detailed character psychology - The 1960s London atmosphere - The gradual building of tension - The realistic depiction of relationships Common criticisms: - Too slow in the first half - Less engaging than Graham's other works - Some found the ending unsatisfying Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (182 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (31 ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "The way Graham writes Deborah's inner thoughts and motivations makes her feel completely real." An Amazon reviewer criticized: "Takes too long to get to the actual plot - felt like two different books." Multiple reviews mention this book falls between crime and literary fiction, with some readers expecting more suspense based on the cover description.

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🎨 Graham wrote this novel while taking a break from his famous Poldark series, showing his versatility beyond historical fiction. 🗝️ The novel was adapted into a 1970 film starring Samantha Eggar and David Hemmings, receiving praise for its atmospheric portrayal of 1960s London. 🎯 The author spent significant time researching London's art and antique trade to create an authentic backdrop for the story, consulting with dealers and gallery owners. 🌟 Many of the locations featured in the book, including specific antique shops and art galleries, were real establishments in 1960s London, some of which still exist today. 💫 The character of Deborah Dainton was partially inspired by Graham's observations of how society treated people with disabilities in the 1960s, challenging prevalent attitudes of the time.