Summary
“The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan is a novel set on the seaside cliffs of Maine, revolving around a Victorian house filled with secrets. The story follows Jane Flanagan, who discovers the abandoned house as a teenager and uses it as a refuge from her troubled home life. Twenty years later, Jane, now a Harvard archivist, returns to Maine after a career-threatening mistake. She finds the house transformed by its new owner, Genevieve, who believes it is haunted.
Main Character
The main character in “The Cliffs” is Jane Flanagan. As a teenager, she discovers an abandoned Victorian house on the cliffs of Maine and uses it as a refuge from her troubled home life. Twenty years later, Jane, now a Harvard archivist, returns to Maine after a career-threatening mistake. Her journey involves uncovering the house’s history and dealing with its new owner, Genevieve, who believes the house is haunted.
Central Conflict
The central conflict in “The Cliffs” revolves around Jane Flanagan’s struggle to uncover the secrets of the Victorian house on the cliffs of Maine. This journey is intertwined with her personal challenges, including dealing with a career-threatening mistake and confronting her past.
Key Events
Here are some key events in “The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan:
- Jane’s Discovery: As a teenager, Jane Flanagan discovers the abandoned Victorian house on the cliffs of Maine and uses it as a refuge from her troubled home life.
- Career Crisis: Twenty years later, Jane, now a Harvard archivist, faces a career-threatening mistake that forces her to return to Maine.:
- Uncovering Secrets: Jane delves into the house’s past, revealing stories of lost lovers, artistic awakenings, and the impact of colonialism.
- Personal Growth: Throughout her investigation, Jane confronts her own past and finds a path to personal redemption.
Themes
“The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan explores several themes:
- Secrets and Mysteries: The Victorian house on the cliffs holds many secrets, and Jane’s journey to uncover them is central to the story.
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- Historical Legacy: The book touches on the long shadow of colonialism and how history impacts the present.
- Haunting and the Supernatural: The belief that the house is haunted adds a layer of supernatural intrigue and explores how past events can linger in the present.
Narrative Style
“The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan employs a dual narrative style that intertwines the past and present This approach allows the reader to explore the house’s secrets and the personal growth of the characters simultaneously12.
Author Point Of View
J. Courtney Sullivan, the author of “The Cliffs,” employs a dual narrative point of view in the novel. This means the story is told from multiple perspectives, primarily focusing on Jane Flanagan in the present and the historical figures she uncovers during her research.
