Sabine's Notebook: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Continues

Devotees of Bantock's enigmatic bestseller, Griffin & Sabine , won't be disappointed by this equally intriguing and perplexing--and equally gorgeous--sequel. London artist Griffin Moss and islander Sabine Strohem, who have never met face-to-face or spoken via phone, exchange hand-illustrated, handwritten letters and postcards--ostensibly reproduced here, tucked into envelopes and removable for reading. As this installment opens, Griffin, frightened by his psychic connection to his otherworldly correspondent, flees England on a night sea journey from Italy to Japan and Australia. He leaves a letter for Sabine, urging her to stay in his abandoned studio. Winter turns to summer and Griffin's courage overcomes his trepidation; still, Sabine warns him to ``be . . . cautious; the eye of the storm is a deceptive place.'' Griffin's initial distress and progressively optimistic outlook shine through his paintings. Sabine's cryptic visual messages seem tinged with mysticism and, possibly, malevolence. Perhaps because it has been established in the previous book, the couple's supernatural bond is less of a focus here, and at times, his art and hers are a touch too similar. Nevertheless, Bantock's distinctive premise continues to puzzle and delight, the wonderful stationery has an authentic look and, not surprisingly, the finale leaves room for another chapter. Author tour. (Oct.)