Book Description
Winner of the Prix Goncourt, Laurent Gaudé's The House of Scorta follows five generations of the infamous Scorta family as they struggle to survive in a small southern Italian village. While their scandalous history confronts them at every turn, they are blessed with an imposing pride and a relentless faith in their own power. The lyrical narrative is punctuated by the confessions of the elderly Carmela, revealing her family's past of notorious crimes, forsaken loves, and long-buried secrets.
Customer Reviews:
A Vivid Account of Southern Italian Life.......2006-08-31
There's nothing like falling in love with a book and this summer I fell in love with "The House of Scorta." I devoured it over a long hot weekend, which seemed fitting given the novel's setting in the dry, hot region of Puglia in the southeast of Italy as described in the first paragraph of the book:
"The heat of the sun seemed to split the earth open. Not a breath of wind rustled the olive trees. Nothing moved. The scent of the hills had vanished. The rocks crackled with heat. August weighed down on the Gargano massif with the self-assurance of an overlord. It was impossible to believe that rain had ever fallen on these lands, that water had once irrigated the fields and quenched the olive groves. Impossible to believe that any animal or plant could have ever found sustenance under this arid sky. It was two o'clock in the afternoon and the earth was condemned to burn."
Opening in 1870, The House of Scorta chronicles five generations of the rough Mascalzone family, doomed to live under the weight of a scandulous reputation in the town that bred them yet struggle to accept them. Laurent Gaude, the book's French author whose wife is of Italian descent, paints an incredibly detailed picture of the complex social rules and interactions in southern Italian culture. Gaude captures the dark shadows, age-old rhythms and brutal realities of southern Italian life in a way I have rarely experienced in prose, except maybe for the classic "Christ Stopped at Eboli."
Throughout the twists and turns of the narrative, the themes of family, community, belonging, sacrifice, judgment and redemption are weaved together. Readers will gain an appreciation of the history of Italy, which was just a new country as the novel opens, and the prejudice that has long plagued the South.
Originally published in French as La Soleil des Scorta, the book has won France's highest literary prize and sold over 400,000 copies in that country. While it is a shame the novel hasn't sold better in the United States -- consider yourself in on a wonderful secret.
good reading, but the writing is rather ordinary.......2006-07-16
"The House of Scorta" is a multi-generational story of a Sicilian family living in a small village. While the reader observes changes in the village over time, paraticularly at the end when the village becomes a tourist destination, social history is not emphasized. Instead, there is an epic quality to the family's history. Some of this is due to the writing, but I was far less impressed by the writing than most of the other reviewers: at least in translation Gaude just does not have a great gift for the word or analogy or detail which startles and delights, it is rather ordinary stuff. The epic cast to the novel mainly arises from the loves, friendships, hatreds and determination of the family, and their penchant for the dramatic. Would I have awarded this book a prize? No. Still, it is good reading.
Reads like a dark, tragic fairy tale.......2006-04-22
"The House of Scorta" by Laurent Gaud? feels like an old book and reads like a dark, tragic fairy tale. Some of that feeling may come from the fact that it's translated from French. The book was the winner of the 2004 Prix Goncourt, the most prestigious literary award in France, where it is still a bestseller.
The multi-generational story takes place in a small village in southern Italy between 1875 and 1980. It begins as a man returns to his town after being in prison for 15 years. His act of revenge, taken on a woman who isn't who he thinks she is, "at an hour when lizards dream they are fish, and the stones have nothing to say about it," results in a child named Rocco. Rocco grows up to be a real criminal, "a genuine brigand," who becomes rich and produces a legacy of tragedy. There are family secrets, nefarious bargains with priests, and descendants who cannot escape their heritage.
The story has elements of high drama: murder, rape, theft, arson. Even in translation, the book is filled with lovely language: "He needed the whole sky, full of wet stars, to vent his melancholy."
A poetic narrative of an Italian family struggle over the generations.......2006-04-06
The House Of Scorta by Laurent Gaude is deftly narrated by the team of Daniel Oreskes and Barbara Caruso in this High Bridge audiobook presentation. The House Of Scorta is a poetic narrative of an Italian family struggle over the generations, and the story of their becoming, their faith, and their eternal pursuit of life. The 6 hour, 5 disc audiobook is very strongly recommended to all general fiction fans for the unique style in which it has been presented. Indeed, this complete and unabridged CD audiobook would prove a popular addition to any community library collection.
A poetic narrative of an Italian family struggle over the generations.......2006-04-06
The House Of Scorta by Laurent Gaude is deftly narrated by the team of Daniel Oreskes and Barbara Caruso in this High Bridge audiobook presentation. The House Of Scorta is a poetic narrative of an Italian family struggle over the generations, and the story of their becoming, their faith, and their eternal pursuit of life. The 6 hour, 5 disc audiobook is very strongly recommended to all general fiction fans for the unique style in which it has been presented. Indeed, this complete and unabridged CD audiobook would prove a popular addition to any community library collection.
Book Description
Bridget
She lost her husband to the Civil War; now, starting a new life out West, she never dreamed his best friend, Trace Qualtrough, could spark a forbidden passion.
Christy
All she wanted was a secure, steady home life in Primrose Creek. Lawman Zachary Shaw was hardly husband material -- but he surely sent her heart pounding wildlyŠ.
Skye
Lumber baron Jake Vigil took a chance on Skye's sweet and healing love. Now, their delicate bond faces the ultimate test when a business deal threatens to tear them apart.
Megan
A shocking revelation greets Megan when she returns to Primrose Creek. Will placing her trust in landowner Webb Stratton bring hope -- or more heartache?
Customer Reviews:
Not just inconsistencies, it's just AWFUL.......2004-06-03
Could the dialogue get any cheesier? I understand this is a romance novel, and have come to expect a certain amount of campiness, but Miller's attempts at dialect made me cringe at least 3 times a page.
Four Tangled Tales.......2003-12-16
Not very many have found this book or at least not bothered to review it. I found the inconsistencies a fault too, plus Malcome's first wife was called Polly in one part of the book and he talked about her as Becky in the last one. I found the plot just too unbelievable. What kind of grandpappy was he anyway? He sure didn't parcel out those babies with any concern to their futures or their pasts. When two of the four were actually full sisters and the other two actually twins, why did he split them up by giving them to two different son's of his to raise? I found it all a bit much and then to have two of the girl's mom be right there under their noses was the crowning touch. You have to wonder how an author arrives at such twisted tales.
Totally agree with the above reviewer........2003-10-21
The stories were "cute", as when I was 15 reading the little 1" thick harlequin romances. The characters themselves were likeable. (Trace w/Bridget was a really nice, sexy guy) but the stories fell short in many ways. There was no depth of either the story or the characters and that was a real shame. So much potential gone to waste. I also picked up inconsistencies as did the other reviewer but they didn't disturb me as much as the superficiality (hope that's a word) of the work itself.
Okay but could have been better!.......2002-04-09
The Women of Primrose Creek by Linda Lael Miller was not a bad book, but I found alot of things about these stories bothered me. Firstly the cover picture does not reflect the time or the women of the book (women didn't wear sleevless dress in 1860). Usually if an author makes a mistake with time, events, inventions (like having button on dresses in 13th C in historical romances) these don't bother me. However when an author can't even keep track of time in her own writing that's annoying. The Christy novel is set in 1868 and then the Sky novel starts in the fall of 1868 and the character Jake says has it really been a year since Christy left him at the alter and is about to give birth to Zachary's baby. Christy couldn't be ready to give birth in a few months! Also in Bridget's novel it says that Trace buried this friend Mitch (wrapped in a blanket) himself where he drowned and then in Megan's story it says that he was carried home in a pine box. Also the whole suspense of what it says in the family bible is thrown all over the place and only in Megan's novel does it actually tell you what it says. Does the author or her editor not catch these things! I found it aggravating that there were so many items of information not flowing smoothly.
I also found the novels could have been longer and the characters more well developed; it seems to me that Linda Lael Miller tries to push out as many novels as she can. If she concentrated more on quality than quantity, she would have more of a following. Overall I only rated this book a 3 as it could have been more developed.
Product Description
A heartwarming series-Bridget, Christy, Skye and Megan--each of the McQuarry women make their way to Primrose Creek, Nevada--and the love for which she was destined. All 4 stories of the series in 1 large book.
Book Description
They are the women of Primrose Creek, and their strength and passion is a match for the Nevada frontier they call home. Linda Lael Miller masterfully captures the hardships and dangers of a country swept by the winds of war -- and the daring and determination, the hopes and dreams of four unforgettable women -- in a thrilling new series.
When Bridget McQuarry comes to settle in Primrose Creek, she has nothing to lose; her husband, Mitch, was killed in the Civil War, and she has lost her family farm to ruinous Reconstruction taxes. With her baby son and a sister to care for, Bridget vows to make a new start out West. But when Mitch's best friend reappears in her life, he sparks a forbidden passion she thought was forever buried.
Trace Qualtrough grew up with Bridget and Mitch -- three happy childhood friends. But the attraction that fluttered between him and Bridget was silenced when she married Mitch. Now, Trace has come to fulfill Mitch's final wish -- to watch over the lovely, spirited Bridget. And now, Bridget and Trace must discover if their restless desire is a shattering betrayal -- or something sweeter the second time around.
Download Description
The Women of Primrose Creek They are the women of Primrose Creek, and their strength and passion is a match for the Nevada frontier they call home. Linda Lael Miller masterfully captures the hardships and dangers of a country swept by the winds of war -- and the daring and determination, the hopes and dreams of four unforgettable women -- in a thrilling new series. When Bridget McQuarry comes to settle in Primrose Creek, she has nothing to lose: her husband, Mitch, was killed in the Civil War, and she has lost her family farm to ruinous Reconstruction taxes. With her baby son and a sister to care for, Bridget vows to make a new start out West. But when Mitch's best friend reappears in her life, he sparks a forbidden passion she thought was forever buried. Trace Qualtrough grew up with Bridget and Mitch -- three happy childhood friends. But the attraction that fluttered between him and Bridget was silenced when she married Mitch. Now, Trace has come to fulfill Mitch's final wish -- to watch over the lovely, spirited Bridget. And now, Bridget and Trace must discover if their restless desire is a shattering betrayal -- or something sweeter the second time around.
Customer Reviews:
Another great Novel from Linda Lael Miller.......2002-07-11
I have recently become addicted to Linda Lael Miller's books. She has a style all her own. I read The Last Chance Cafe and they constantly reference the past ancestors who settled PrimRose Creek, so I decided this book would be a good book to read. Bridget's story is very romantic and it is an easy heartwarming read. It only took a day I was so wrapped up in her story. I plan on reading "Christy" next and will also leave a review for that Novel. Since I had read The Last Chance Cafe what happened w/ Bridget's story was no shock to me because they constantly refer back to it in The Last Chance, however, it was still a very nice read.
A Good Beginning.......2000-08-08
"Bridget" is the beginning of another frontier series by Linda Lael Miller. I enjoyed the previous frontier series "Springwater."
Bridget McQuarry is a young widow, who has lost her husband, Mitch, during the Civil War. Bridget, her son, Noah, and her sister, Skye, have moved to Primrose Creek to begin their new life. Bridget owns one fourth of the land they now live on. The other portions belong to Skye, and their cousins, Christy and Megan, who are living in England with their mother.
Trace Qualtrough, a friend of the McQuarry family and who was with Mitch McQuarry when Mitch died, comes to Primrose Creek in search of Bridget. Trace has always been attracted to Bridget and he lets Bridget know that his feelings are still alive and he plans to marry her.
Bridget, feeling guilty because Mitch has died and because of the feelings she had for Trace before she married Mitch, tries to deny her feelings for Trace. At first, Bridget refuses to marry Trace, but both realize that the West is not suitable for a woman alone, especially in a town with a lack of women.
Ms. Miller has not only touched on frontier life and its dangers, but she also showed the strength of pioneer women, who had the stamina to be strong and overcome the hardships of frontier life. Bridget McQuarry is one of those women.
"Bridget" is a compelling and romantic novel.
Another exciting series from a world-class author........2000-05-20
Once again, beloved romance author Linda Lael Miller brings to life an exciting series of stories about a group of women who overcome incredible odds to find lives filled with happiness and love.
Readers who loved Miller's Springwater series should also enjoy this new line of tales featuring The Women of Primrose Creek. Set in the Frontier West, the four women all share strengths and passion that will make these characters unforgettable.
This first novel, which features Bridget McQuarry, sets the stage for the upcoming stories due to be released this summer. Miller defines the characters and situations, and all the reader has to do is just sit back and enjoy.
Sharon Galligar Chance
Too Abreviated!.......2000-05-16
I just completed BRIDGET and disappointed the book was so "abreviated." There is no "time" to really get acquainted with the characters, setting, etc. Of course, I will read the following books in the series but hope Ms. Miller will write more in depth and not try to cover so much "territory".
Potential for so much more.......2000-05-12
I just finished this book and liked it, but agree with the other reviewer that it's hard to establish a series story with one book. I'm anxious to read the other books in the series.
I read the "Springwater" series and loved it. I wish the author would have remained with this series instead of starting "Primrose Creek".
Book Description
They are the women of Primrose Creek, and their strength and passion is a match for the Nevada frontier they call home. Linda Lael Miller masterfully captures the hardships and dangers of a country swept by the winds of war -- and the daring and determination, the hopes and dreams of four unforgettable women -- in a thrilling new series.
Skye McQuarry's heart belongs to one man -- Primrose Creek's lumber baron, Jake Vigil. After a shattering heartbreak in his past, Jake vowed to never again take a chance on love -- until he came to know beautiful Skye. But their delicate bond faces the ultimate test when a business deal threatens to tear them apart -- and battle lines are drawn between two passionate hearts.
Skye is determined to stand her ground. Then a surprise from Jake's past unexpectedly comes to her -- a discovery that may be just the key to unlocking the true, deep, and trusting love that she knows lives deep within Jake Vigil.
Be sure to read all of Linda Lael Miller's splendid Primrose Creek novels!
Download Description
The Women of Primrose Creek They are the women of Primrose Creek, and their strength and passion is a match for the Nevada frontier they call home. Linda Lael Miller masterfully captures the hardships and dangers of a country swept by the winds of war -- and the daring and determination, the hopes and dreams of four unforgettable women -- in a thrilling new series. Skye McQuarry's heart belongs to one man -- Primrose Creek's lumber baron, Jake Vigil. After a shattering heartbreak in his past, Jake vowed to never again take a chance on love -- until he came to know beautiful Skye. But their delicate bond faces the ultimate test when a business deal threatens to tear them apart -- and battle lines are drawn between two passionate hearts. Skye is determined to stand her ground. Then a surprise from Jake's past unexpectedly comes to her -- a discovery that may be just the key to unlocking the true, deep, and trusting love that she knows lives deep within Jake Vigil.
Customer Reviews:
Fun Read.......2003-10-21
I really enjoyed reading this book. I think it took me like 3 hours to finish it. The characters are so warm and freindly, that you get so involved with their stuggles. The best part was that i finally got a chance to sit down and enjoy a book that didnt have a God D*** in it. Which i am sure you all know what i am talking about.
Skye.......2000-07-17
I feel that the character of Skye was not as well developed as the previous characters in this series. It was a light, easy read, and amusing, but I was a bit disappointed. I am a great fan of Linda Lael Miller and was very pleased with the previous 2 books in this series, and am looking forward to the next.
Skye.......2000-07-17
I feel that the character of Skye was not as well developed as the previous characters in this series. It was a light, easy read, and amusing, but I was a bit disappointed. I am a great fan of Linda Lael Miller and was very pleased with the previous 2 books in this series, and am looking forward to the next.
Skye is definitely the limit........2000-07-14
This is the second set of frontier series I have read written by Linda Lael Miller. "The Women of Primrose Creek" are truly courageous, bold, and intelligent. I am eagerly awaiting the fourth book to this series.
The main character, Skye, also the name of the book, was a feisty woman, but stubborn. Skye refused to admit her feelings for the man she loved and just waited so long to express her feelings to Jake Vigil. Everyone in the town could see that Skye and Jake were in love, except the two people it mattered the most to -- Skye and Jake.
Jake had been bitten by what he assumed was love on two other occasions, one time with Skye's cousin, Christy McQuarry, who later married the town's marshall, Zachary Shaw. Jake was a little shy at admitting his feelings now. Maybe not shy, but a little reluctant to fall into the trap again. Although in the end, he and Skye, could not deny their love. They marry; Skye becomes a mother to Jake's son, whose mother abandoned him and sent him to live with Jake. Later, Skye becomes an expectant mother, and Jake is to become a father a second time.
Each book in the series gets better than the one before. It is like a new chapter unfolding in the lives of the McQuarry women. "Skye" is about a woman who is determined, yet independent. Skye does not discuss her feelings with Jake, which sometimes causes confusion, as in the scene where Skye contacts the railroad company without telling Jake. He in turn thinks of this as an act of betrayal on Skye's part. Then the fire nearly destroys the town, but the people of Primrose Creek are determined to rebuild. All in all, love and determination win afterall.
I think it is wonderful the way Ms. Miller enfolds the lives of all the McQuarry women in each book of this series. The reader gets a view of what is happening to the others and how their lives are shaping up. The McQuarry women may be apart, but they are still one family. I am looking forward to the fourth book in this series.
skye.......2000-06-27
Definately worth the wait. Devoured the book in one afternoon! Can't wait for the fourth to come out.
Book Description
They are the women of Primrose Creek, and their strength and passion is a match for the Nevada frontier they call home. Linda Lael Miller masterfully captures the hardships and dangers of a country swept by the winds of war -- and the daring and determination, the hopes and dreams of four unforgettable women -- in a thrilling new series.
Christy
An elegant jewel from an English finishing school, Christy McQuarry was bound to turn heads when she and her younger sister, Megan, came to settle in Primrose Creek. Town marshall Zachary Shaw knows that Christy sees what few men in the rugged pioneer town can provide: a secure future and a comfortable home. But he is not immune to Christy's charms....
A wild attraction sparks between the lady and the marshal, but Christy -- left penniless after her mother's death -- cannot afford the distraction of such an unpredictable and reckless passion. Promising her hand to the local lumber baron, lovely Christy stubbornly tries to ignore the lawman who makes her heart pound wildly at every glance. But Zachary Shaw is just as determined -- to win her love for a lifetime.
Download Description
The Women of Primrose Creek This second book in a series about four women who inherit a plot of land in the Nevada Territory after the Civil War finds new marshal Zachary Shaw attracted to Christy the moment she and her sister arrive in Primrose Creek. But Christy is determined to ignore her heart, and Zachary needs to convince her that they belong together.
Customer Reviews:
True Love Unveiled.......2000-08-08
Linda Lael Miller has written another winner. "Christy," the second book in the series "The Women of Primose Creek" is a good book.
Christy, another of the strong willed McQuarry women, comes to Primrose Creek with her sister, Megan, upon returning from England after the death of their mother. Christy is as stubborn as her "cousin," Bridgette. Their parting was on bad terms. Now Christy has her share of the land bequeathed to her from their grandfather which is across the creek from Bridgette's and Skye's. Christy wants to sell her share and marry a rich man to provide for her and Megan. However, love does not always come with money. For Christy, love is in the form of the town's marshall, Zachary Shaw.
Zachary Shaw, tough and handsome, is attracted to the lovely Christy. Zachary realizes his feelings for Christy, who tries to deny her feelings for him. Also, Zachary realizes that Christy has agreed to marry someone else because of money. Zachary is hurt and sets out to once again take up bounty hunting to gain money. However, Christy insists to everyone that she will marry Jake Vigil, who owns the lumber mill. Will Christy succumb to her need to be rich or will she let her feelings of love dictate her actions?
"Christy" is indeed a winner. Keep up the good work, Ms. Miller!
fun historocal novella.......2000-05-31
In 1868, Christy McQuarry, her younger sister Megan, and their servant Caney reach Fort Grant, Nevada where they meet Marshal Zachary Shaw. The law enforcement official escorts the young ladies to the land they inherited from their deceased grandfather in Primrose Creek. Christy finds herself attracted to the dirt poor Zachary, but vows to only marry for money. At first glance that may seem mercenary, but Christy worries what will happen to Megan and Caney as she understands insecurities ever since they were thrown out of their father's English home upon the death of their mother.
Zachary enjoys his squabbles with the snob. However, he is unable to open her eyes to his love as Christy becomes engaged to the wealthy lumber baron, Jake Vigil. As the wedding gets closer, Christy realizes she loves Zachary, making her wonder if she should marry for love or money?
THE WOMEN OF PRIMROSE CREEK: CHRISTY is an entertaining western romance that sub-genre fans will enjoy due to the battle of the sexes. The story line is fun as the lead characters take center stage. Christy may seem spoiled but inside she wants to insure Megan's future even if it costs her own happiness. Zachary is simply a passionate hero. In the second Primrose tale (see BRIDGET), Linda Lael Miller provides her audience with an enjoyable lighthearted romp.
Harriet Klausner
Product Description
multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
Books:
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- The Last King of Scotland
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- The Talented Mr. Ripley, Ripley Under Ground, Ripley's Game (Everyman's Library)
- The Turning: New Stories
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Books Index
Books Home
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Literary
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The Smell of the Night (An Inspector Montalbano Mystery)
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La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
Arthur and George
