Book Description
When we first met him in Rabbit, Run (1960), the book that established John Updike as a major novelist, Harry (Rabbit) Angstrom is playing basketball with some boys in an alley in Pennsylvania during the tail end of the Eisenhower era, reliving for a moment his past as a star high school athlete. Athleticism of a different sort is on display throughout these four magnificent novels—the athleticism of an imagination possessed of the ability to lay bare, with a seemingly effortless animal grace, the enchantments and disenchantments of life.
Updike revisited his hero toward the end of each of the following decades in the second half of this American century; and in each of the subsequent novels, as Rabbit, his wife, Janice, his son, Nelson, and the people around them grow, these characters take on the lineaments of our common existence. In prose that is one of the glories of contemporary literature, Updike has chronicled the frustrations and ambiguous triumphs, the longuers, the loves and frenzies, the betrayals and reconciliations of our era. He has given us our representative American story.
Customer Reviews:
"Reduxing Rabbit".......2007-07-31
Like other readers I read the Rabbit novels as they were first published. I won't dwell on the story lines and spoil your reading. They are poignant, crisply written stories well worth reading and rereading, with Updike's poetic touch on the narrative and excellent dialogue. I first read the books as sheer entertainment, and indeed these books will entertain you, even as they jog your senses with the saga of their tragic anti-hero. On rereading the novels the entertainment was still there, but I focused on deeper meaning. The Rabbit novels inimitably get you thinking about yourself and whether you learned from mistakes, yours or others. The delight about any novel and these in particular is that you can pause, ponder, rewind, or fast forward if you are bored. I was never bored with these books. And whatever your age, neither will you.
When a novel becomes a friend.......2007-04-23
There is always that sad feeling at the end of a great character-based novel. It's as if you just got to know and love someone and they vanish. This series is spectacular for so many reasons, but I particularly love how well I know Rabbit by now (I'm in the 3rd book), as if he were a friend of many years. Updike does an impressive job of weaving details throughout the entire series that makes the reader understand, and believe.
a labor of love..........2006-08-31
as a primarily non-fiction reader, i was drawn to the rabbit series by the NYT list of top fiction novels of all time.. I decided to give Mr. Updike a try, and lugged around this behemoth of a series!
updike's novels are interesting especially when you consider the historical context of the times in which they were written. for example, his references to sex and overt sexual language were highly controversil at the time of his writing.
Reading the series allows you a seat of the passenger train of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, each which their overriding "isms". An enjoyable read.
I did it!.......2006-01-02
I have to admit it: finishing this 1500 page tome, which consist of the four Harry (Rabbit) Angstrom novels, each longer than the one before it ("Rabbit Run," "Rabbit Redux," "Rabbit is Rich," and "Rabbit at Rest"), gave me a sense of accomplishment. Updike is a truly great writer, but his prose can be ponderous at times, particularly in "Rabbit Run." Some of these characters, including Rabbit himself, can be quite frustrating, especially over the course of four books.
Updike's placement as one of the greatest American writers of the last half of the twentieth century, stems from, I believe, his descriptive abilities, whether it be describing the flora in a garden, typical patter on a golf course, sexual scenes, or an angioplasty procedure. The books are spaced ten years apart in time, and Updike does a nice job setting each in the context of its time, although I'm not so sure these novels work as a "time capsule" in that the characters are only peripherally involved in, or concerned with, the seminal events of those eras. Most of the characters don't really change all that much, with the notable exception of Janice, Rabbit's wife, whose character blossoms with each consecutive book. Rabbit, himself, always remains sex and death obsessed, understandably more of the latter as he grows older. He does grow on the reader, though, even after making one poor choice after another. In "Rabbit at Rest," we finally see Rabbit have a relationship based on pure love: that with his grand-daughter Judy.
If you're interested, I reviewed each book separately on this web-site, giving "Rabbit Run" three stars, and the other three books four stars. I believe that consolidating all four into a single volume was worthwhile, since there are so many references to past incidents of which which the reader would not be aware, unless s/he has read the prior Rabbit novel(s). Based on the events that are recalled, sometimes it seemed as if Rabbit has spent his life in a cave, only to emerge every ten years for a few months to experience some traumatic event chronicled in the four books that comprise this series.
Updike's introduction is very interesting, in that he's surprisingly revealing about his sources and inspiration. He even provides self-critique and analysis, which is quite rare amongst authors of this caliber.
Writing that constantly amazes.......2005-07-08
I am new to Updike, just finished the 4 Rabbit novels. I was astonished at the writing in these books. The ability to describe common scenes of ordinary life, the continual observations that ring true and make you nod your head while reading put John Updike above any other author I've read.
In my opinion, the best of the Rabbit novels are the first and last. Rabbit Redux was a letdown and the story was not very believable. A couple of things worth mentioning - these novels have a lot of profanity and a lot of explicit, even kinky sex scenes - adultery, swinging, it's all there. Some folks may be offended, despite the great writing.
One thing that took some getting used to - the author often makes very interesting, profound, humorous comments where it's not easily identifiable as coming from the author/narrator or the character. These observations/asides are what really makes the books so terrific. Rabbit himself is a pretty dull guy and it's Updike's genius that makes his story so compelling. There's a line toward the end of the last book that seems to sum up Rabbit as a man. This comment is obviously from the narrator: The smell of good advice always makes Rabbit want to run the other way.
Average customer rating:
- the american consumer
- Flush times for Harry Angstrom
- Is Rabbit content?
- Where "Wife Swap" isn't just a T.V. show.
- Everything hits at once
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Rabbit Is Rich
John Updike
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
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Binding: Paperback
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Rabbit at Rest
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Rabbit Redux
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Rabbit, Run
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Licks of Love: Short Stories and a Sequel, "Rabbit Remembered"
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Humboldt's Gift (Penguin Classics)
ASIN: 0449911829
Release Date: 1996-08-27 |
Book Description
Winner of the 1982 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Ten years after RABBIT REDUX, Harry Angstrom has come to enjoy prosperity as the Chief Sales Representative of Springer Motors. The rest of the world may be falling to pieces, but Harrry's doing all right. That is, until his son returns from the West, and the image of an old love pays a visit to his lot....
From the Paperback edition.
Download Description
Rabbit is Rich is the third of five John Updike Rabbit novels, all of which focus on their central character Harry Angstrom. In Rabbit is Rich, Harry Angstrom has come to enjoy considerable prosperity as Chief Sales Representative of a Toyota agency in Pennsylvania. The time is 1979: Skylab is falling, gas lines are lengthening, the President collapses while running in a marathon, and double-digit inflation coincides with a deflation of national confidence. Nevertheless, Harry Angstrom feels in good shape, ready to enjoy life at last until his son, Nelson, returns from the West, and the image of an old love pays a visit to his lot. New characters and old populate these scenes from Rabbit's middle age, as he continues, in his erratic fashion, to pursue happiness.
Customer Reviews:
the american consumer.......2007-09-12
Rabbit is Rich is a vast compendium of detail and more detail about American life in the 1979 and 1980. Updike clutters the novel with overviews of Consumer Report articles, magazine ads, TV shows, the every present demand of things to be bought and sold, money to be exchanged for goods and services. And of course, this is the point. Rabbit is rich, and these riches bring with them a measure of both security and insecurity. He can make love to Janice of a bed of South African Krugerrand, but not stop his son as accepting a snow mobile as a trade in for a car on the family Toyota lot. He can hold his first granddaughter in his lap and realize that she is the last nail in his coffin while he yearns to find the grown daughter he may or may not have fathered. Rabbit is Rich presents a nuanced portrait of all its characters, and we get to see all their beauty and ugliness without a shred of sentimentality or bias. This makes for difficult reading at times, but this is mitigated by Updike's upfront narrative style, the ease and proficiency of his prose; the reader feels secure in the hands of this narration. We are being taken on a journey, for good or ill, and we will get there in good shape or bad.
Flush times for Harry Angstrom.......2007-04-25
This is the third of the four Rabbit novels. Ten more years have elapsed since the end of the second novel (RABBIT REDUX), and by now things are looking up for Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom. He's been working in his father-in-law's Toyota dealership these ten years, becoming the head of it after Fred Springer dies (though crafty Fred has left 51% of the ownership to his daughter Janice and wife Bessie), and these are flush times. But not everything is perfect: Harry still has troubles with his son Nelson, who works with him at the dealership and is heavy into drugs. In tone, this is the lightest and most comical of the Rabbit books, achieved mainly by Updike by giving all the women in the book the upper hand. There are also many individual comic scenes, most dealing with Harry's new-found wealth and materialism, and also sexual situations. (The mate swapping scene, which goes from disappointment to delight for Harry, and eventually leads to a long-term affair for Harry and Thelma, is wonderfully developed.) Winner of the Pulitzer and National and American Book Awards, this is definitely John Updike at the peak of his form.
Is Rabbit content?.......2006-07-06
When we join (or rejoin) Rabbit in 1979, he has been the general manager of old Fred Springer's (his wife Janice's deceased dad) Toyota dealership for several years with prospects looking good in the midst of a gasoline crunch. Rabbit, that is Harry Angstrom, is hardly rich but he is content and overweight, his life revolving mostly around country club life for those with varying amounts of new money.
But the rockiness of Rabbit's past bubbles just below the surface. When a young girl comes with a boyfriend to look at Toyota's, Rabbit immediately suspects she is his daughter from a fling some twenty years prior. And his son Nelson has returned home with a girl in tow completely undecided about his future which rekindles past father-son antagonisms.
Harry is not a particularly remarkable character; he is not very reflective, though he keeps abreast of current affairs. He is reasonably content to take life day by day with a sometimes obsession for women. The book is basically a slice-of-life book. Using remarkable powers of observation, description, and insight, the author looks at middle-age, middle-class issues of marriage, aging, boredom, children, parents, infidelity, work, worries, etc. At times the various descriptions of every nook and cranny of the small PA towns where Rabbit was raised and still lives become somewhat tedious.
There is no plot to speak of. The book follows the life of an aging Rabbit for about six months and that is sufficient time for the author to let us all know what life is like for him or those similarly situated.
Where "Wife Swap" isn't just a T.V. show........2005-12-05
(I made a mistake with the stars, it should be four). As stated in my recent reviews of "Rabbit Run" and "Rabbit Redux," I purchased the Rabbit tetralogy in its single volume form, and am attempting to read it straight through. I'll admit it, during some parts of "Rabbit Run," with Upike's occasionally ponderous prose, and Rabbit's amoral ways, I had my doubts about finishing. But, perhaps because I've simply grown accustomed to Updike's style, and Rabbit's sense of morality (or lack thereof), I enjoyed "Rabbit Redux," and "Rabbit is Rich," alot.
As with the two previous Rabbit novels, in "Rabbit is Rich" we continue to learn about Updike's/Rabbit's fear/obsession with: aging, death, children, suburbia, race, sexual preferences, breasts, genitalia and sex, sex, sex. We also get to learn something about golf and sailing techniques, and how to swap spouses on a vacation without, apparently, any guilt or consequences. Lest I sound sarcastic, I want to make one thing clear: "Rabbit is Rich" is well-written and compelling, and I can certainly understand why Updike is considered one of America's best contemporary novelists.
In "Rabbit is Rich," with the backdrop of the end of the Carter presidency (e.g. high inflation, gas shortages, and Americans held hostage in Iran), Harry Angstrom has taken over his late father-in-law's car dealership, specializing in Toyota's, and has proudly joined the ranks of the upper-middle class. He's fortunate to have a dependable right hand man, Charlie Stavros, also his closest friend, and his wife Janice's former lover (although that, surprisingly, doesn't stand in the way of their friendship). Rabbit's chief nemesis is his son, Nelson, who has returned home before completing college with a female friend, obviously running away from something. Nelson wants to join his parent's auto dealership to sell used convertibles, and Rabbit correctly deduces that Nelson is making the same mistakes in life as he did. Their love-hate relationship consumes much of the book.
Another problem that disturbs Rabbit's relative bliss has to do with his meeting a young woman at the dealership who he believes might be his illegitimate daughter, because she looks so much like Ruth, the prostitute he had an affair with 20 years earlier. Less significant is Rabbit's frequent fantasizing about getting rid of Janice, and hooking up with the younger wife of one of his golf buddies. Rabbit has obvious personality shortfalls, but some people seem to like him a great deal (especially the wife of yet another golf buddy, who is stricken with Lupus).
Anyway, I thought I would quote two good samples of sentences which demonstrate Updike's extraordinary descriptive writing:
Example one: "She breathed that air he'd forgotten, of high-school loveliness, come uninvited to bloom in the shadow of railroad overpasses, alongside telephone poles, within earshot of highways with battered aluminum center strips, out of mothers gone to lard and fathers ground down by gray days of work and more work, in an America littered with bottlecaps, and pull-tabs and pieces of broken muffler."
Example two: "The town he runs through is dark, full of slanty alleyways and sidewalks cracked and tipped from underneath, whole cement slabs lifted up by roots like crypt lids in a horror movie, the dead reach up, they catch at his heels."
Is it any wonder that critics rave about Updike's descriptive powers? Although Updike's Rabbit series isn't for everyone, I have come to appreciate more and more, with each successive Rabbit book, what an extraordinary writer he is.
Everything hits at once.......2005-06-12
Having not been born until the decade was nearly over, the legendary hedonism of the seventies was something I could never experience, so this book is probably the closest I'll ever come. The third book in Updike's Rabbit series, it continues to follow the life of Harry Angstrom, who seems to plow through life mostly be reacting, as opposed to taking a firm hand in events. The books don't need to be read in order, but there are certain slim plot threads that are carried over and some scenes have extra resonance as they echo earlier events. But isn't that the same with any life, some things just have more meaning if you know the story behind it. In this third novel Harry is settling down, living at his mother-in-law's house with his wife (they're back together now, and Harry even works cordially with the man she cheated on him with) while he works at the used car lot. Somehow he's achieved some state of stability, while not filthy rich, he's well off and he and his wife go out often with other well off couples from the area, playing tennis and hanging out by the pool. Overall, life's pretty good. Except it's not. Harry keeps thinking that the yoing girl he's seen around town a few times might be his daughter by way of his lover Ruth almost twenty years ago. And his son Nelson comes back to make trouble, escaping college, torn between two women and just complicating life in general. The best thing about the Rabbit novels is that they don't have a "plot" per se as much as direction, they function as a snapshot of a certain period of time and Updike manages to orchestrate events so that they have a natural rising action and climax that good fiction demands, while at the same time making it feel perfectly natural, following the rhythms of life. With his keen eye he depicts people caught in the decadence of the seventies even as everything was about to slide apart around them, it's the story of people shaped not only by the times, but by each other and the times that went before them. Harry remains a strangely endearing character, selfish and self-absorbed, directionless but looking for a way out, possessed of a weird code of decency that expresses itself in some odd ways. His discussions with his son are some of the best parts of the book, as Harry tries to help the kid out, their conversations quickly devolve into accusations and lead nowhere. Harry doesn't want to listen to his son and Nelson wants to hear nothing of what his dad has to say. Harry seems painfully self-aware of what's going on around him but powerless to do anything about it, striking out at various things to make him feel like he's doing something productive when in the end he's just spinning his wheels. Nelson has grown up finally and grown nowhere at all as well, in contrast to his father, who has achieved some domestic calm, Nelson acts like a man constantly trapped, boxed in every time he turns around, not sure if this option is the best one but sure it was better than the one before and maybe if he waits long enough and dallies, something better will present itself. All of these characters act and interact and intersect under the guise of Updike's finely tuned prose, his gift for description propelling even the slowest scene with a steady progression, providing a calm voice to every character's thoughts, imbuing even the most hollow person with a bit of life. The book has the messy cadence of life, with irrelevant conversations and asides, tangents that don't go anywhere and yet it's all guided by the steady hand of his words, carrying it to the only conclusions, checking us out so he can pause for a second and get ready to check in again ten years later to see how Harry is doing. In Harry Angstrom Updike has created as close to a real person (a real American, since he's so shaped by time and place) in all his imperfections and screwed up traits than most of us will ever see. People who say that it's "about nothing" miss the point. People who say "you can cut a lot of it out" miss the point. It's a prose photograph, showcasing all the messy details in all their glory, the same way you can't erase the house in the background because it clashes with the color of your shirt. You have to just take it all in, and make what you can of it.
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Rabbit Is Rich
Manufacturer: alfred a. knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000CNKCG2 |
Average customer rating:
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Rabbit Is Rich
John Updike
Manufacturer: Fawcett Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RLN1SK |
Average customer rating:
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Rabbit Is Rich
John Updike
Manufacturer: ALFRED A KNOPF
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VUMOTY |
Average customer rating:
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Rabbit Is Rich
John Updike
Manufacturer: Franklin Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: B000IN4XHA |
Average customer rating:
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Rabbit Is Rich
John Updike
Manufacturer: New York Fawcett 1982.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LTOIAS |
Customer Reviews:
wonderful book.......2006-03-14
This is a great book and you will not want to put it down.
Enjoyable.......2005-05-17
Lady Mairi Macdonald is the beautiful daughter of The Lord of the Isles. Both she and the tale are dramatically introduced, as she is speeding to her father's court on Isla to stop the hanging of an innocent man. Here, she meets Lachlan Maclean and his brother Hector. She and Lachlan are immediately attracted. Lachlan, however, is attracted to more than her spirit and beauty. He is ambitious for both his clan and himself. Marrying Mairi is attractive in every possible way to Lachlan the Wily, a man very much of his times.
The Lord of the Isles had other, dynastic, ideas for his daughter's marriage involving an alliance with the Royal House.
The tale that follows involves much clan intrigue and plotting for power, as the romance races ahead of events and Lachlan tries to control both.
It is a well told tale. The romance runs without doubt. Lachlan is an especially believable man, with an eye to ambition and the lady. Mairi is attractive, her only real trouble being that she loses all her intelligence when Lachlan and her attraction to him is involved. Melts into a puddle actually.
She recovers a bit of her spirit when Lachlan reveals his calculating side, but I still felt she let the man walk all over her.
A fast moving adventure, with the romance perhaps taking a second place to the plotting of clan Maclean.
fabulous medieval Scottish romance .......2004-10-27
In 1366 intelligent Mairi MacDonald, daughter of the Lord of the Isles and King of Hebrides, meets Lachlan "the Wily" MacLean and his gigantic brother Hector at her father's court. Lachlan thinks that Mairi is the prettiest woman he ever seen and perhaps the most intelligent as she intercedes and helps prove a man innocent of a murder charge. He plans to make her his wife although her parents want a royal spouse for their high spirited daughter.
Niall Mackinnon the Master of the household decides that Lachlan is a rival for Mairi's affection so he plots to kill the MacLean siblings during a hunt. Instead they turn the tables and kill him. Even before the incident a feud split the two clans that share ownership of the Isle of Mull under the auspices of Laird John MacDonald and fear John's retaliation. Desperate because Lachlan now loves Mairi, he abducts John in hopes of persuading him to allow him to wed his daughter even as Clan Mackinnon begins a quest for vengeance.
HIGHLAND PRINCESS is a fabulous medieval Scottish romance due to Mairi, a unique heroine who is more than just feisty. Her Holmesian-like legal defense to open the novel will hook the readers especially with its insight into the justice system. Fans will also see two brilliant strategists trying to top one another until love becomes the equalizer. Lachlan is her perfect intellectual counterpart. Though the villains seem dopy in comparison, fans will look forward to Hector's starring role in an upcoming sequel.
Harriet Klausner
Tremendous Historical Detail - 4-1/2*.......2004-10-15
Setting - Isle of Isla, Scotland- 1366 --- Lady Mairi Macdonald, daughter of the Lord of the Isles, was beautiful, intelligent, and one of the kingdom's most sought-after brides. Up until this time she had yet to be attracted to any man, least of all the man her father had decided he would wed her to who was of royal blood. Meeting the very impudent and thoroughly infuriating Lachland Maclean, Mairi was amazed by the attraction and was definitely interested.
Lachlan "The Wily" Maclean, Highland warrior, was an absolute charmer, made friends easily while garnering information wherever he went. He was a most well-informed man however, the introduction to Lady Mairi belied the information he'd heard of her loveliness because for him, she was perfection. Determined, he was not above doing whatever it would take to make her his - even if she was promised to another and knew that her father would never agree to a union with the `upstart' MacLean clan. Not to be put off, Lachlan was resolved to bring the MacDonald around to his way of thinking, even as another powerful adversary was plotting betrayal to not only take Mairi for himself, but the very kingdom as well.
This was a very potent and thoroughly researched historical romance. Her protagonists were a delight in which I thoroughly enjoyed the playfulness of Lachlan and the honesty of Mairi as both acknowledged their attraction to one another right from the start. Mairi, always interested in history and politics, loved the fact that she was able to have a conversation with a `man' who actually listened to what she had to say. Lachlan, was rather broadminded for the period and liked that she stood up to him (to a point). While the romance was sweet with an exciting ending, it was perhaps a slower paced read from an author who generally delivers a wicked fast reads. Bottom Line - Tremendous detailed historical background combined with a sweetly sensual romance. ---- Marilyn Rondeau, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---
Book Description
SHE REFUSED TO BE ANY MAN'S PRIZEThe only sister to twelve warrior brothers, Princess Bera is more at home on the battlefield than at the hearth.Her heart and heritage lie with her Scottish clan's castle Pitlanric, now under threat from a powerful rival warlord.With her brothers imprisoned in their enemy's dungeons, Bera makes a daring bid to free them, disguising herself to enter the enemy's lair -- only to discover a dangerous and unexpected foe: a golden-haired knight of iron and ice, so cold she cannot fathom how he heats her blood to molten desire.HE WAS DETERMINED TO REAP HIS REWARDA mercenary hired to take Pitlanric for his employer, Curran fights the battle instincts that warn him to beware of this mysterious woman, yet his blood pounds with the need to possess her.Soon, passion will expose their deepest secrets in a world where trust can be a double-edged sword.Bera will give him her body, but Curran wants her heart.To win it, he must challenge a princess to her destiny . . . and a love to its greatest battle.TOGETHER THEY DISCOVERED A GIFT GREATER THAN RICHES....
Customer Reviews:
Princess with a backbone!.......2007-09-16
This is the first book I've read of Haywood Smith and I enjoyed it immensely. I love well-written historical novels set in Scotland (or Caledon as it was known then). Princess Bera is a strong intelligent woman that possessed fighting skills her brothers had taught her. Only a character as strong as Curran could attract her and let her be who she was without stifling her strong personna. I look forward to reading other similar books by this author.
Couldn't put it down!!!!!!!.......2004-02-05
This book was wonderfully written and kept you entanced from the beginning. It is beautifully set in in 8th century Scotland. Once I picked this book up, I didn;t put it down til it was finished. The plot was undeniably one of the best I have had the pleasure to read. I am looking forward to more books by this author.
Action packed rescue mission with romance.......2003-02-07
I really enjoyed this book. When 9 of her older brothers are captured by their local enemy (Lord Drust) our herione, Princess Bera, disguises herself as the mysteriously cloaked "Weaver," come to weave an elaborate,gloriously woven cloak for Drust's wife, Princess Dierdre. Meanwhile, Bera's other 3 brothers have offered a prize to whomever can rescue their brothers from Drust's clutches - the prize being Bera's hand in marriage. Bera is determined to rescue them herself rather than be forced into a marriage with any mercenary who takes up the challenge.
Meanwhile, back at Drust's castle, the notorious mercenary "The Dark Warrior"(aka Curran, our Hero) has been hired to train Drust's men. However, this Dark Warrior has a mission of his own - he plans to rescue the brothers and claim Bera as his prize. Born a slave, Curran's life goal has been to achieve a higher place in life. He almost immediately senses that the "Weaver" is not who she claims to be and sets out to find out her true identity. Bera has finally met her match in Curran and the two team up to rescue the brothers. Bera fights her feelings for Curran throughout the book - despite everything he does to help save her brothers, she still has a hard time trusting him due to abuses in her past and also his connection to Drust's wife, Princess Dierdre. Furthermore, things get complicated when Bera discovers that one of her brothers has fallen for Dierdre. Bera is unsure whether Dierdre is trustworthy or not, and she worries that Curran is secretly in league with her.
While I enjoyed the story very much, there were some parts that seemed contradictory (such as Drust's complete change in personality half-way through the book) and I also didn't quite feel as drawn into the developing relationship between Curran and Bera as I expected. There is a sexual attraction between them and a sort-of friendship, but I just didn't feel the heartstring tugging one expects to feel when reading a romance book. I also got rather tired of hearing Bera's thought about how "lowly born" Curran was. I found the sex scenes to be rather explicit - some readers may find the wording to be quite vulgar in parts.
Beautiful.......2002-12-30
This is a wonderful story of love found in the most difficult times in the most unexpected way. A moving tale filled with desire, and unexpected turns in events. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will soon be reading many others by this author.
a good book.......2002-02-16
I have now read two of Haywood Smith's book and have enjoyed both. This one is set in Scotland in the ninth century. The heroine is a stubborn, warrior trained woman named Bera. She is the youngest of 13 children, and the only girl. She lost her mother at age 14 so she has been raised by her loving if not over protective brothers. She can fight her way out of any situation but also has the skills of a weaver. Nine of her brothers have been taken hostage by a neighboring Scot and she must go to save them. The brothers that are left behind have decided her fate and have made a pledge that if anyone can save the nine that they may have Bera's hand in marriage. She doesn't like this idea but agrees with it.
The hero is Curran, a mysterious Dark Warrior who has decided to take the up the cause of freeing the nine and marrying Bera. He is at the castle where the nine are being held and secretly helping them. He soon finds out Bera's identity and requests her hand in exchange for his help, she agrees. Together they must struggle to free her brothers, find a spy and overcome both of thier pasts. It is a touching story with some very humors areas. I really enjoyed it.
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Highland Princess
Manufacturer: Warner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739446363 |
Product Description
When formidable twin brothers set out to build an empire for their clan, they consider every detail except one, the power of love to upset even the best-laid plans.
Average customer rating:
- AWESOME
- I couldn't put it down and read it twice! Wonderful!!!
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Highland Princess
Samantha Kingsley
Manufacturer: Commonwealth Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1551977664 |
Customer Reviews:
AWESOME.......2007-01-26
A very well written book and a *TRUE* love story. I read this before "Sands & Shores" as it was the original story of the parents even though written after sands & shores. Have no listing here for Sands & Shores but it is a good book too. Alexander in Sands & Shores is the decendent of Alexa & Cedric in this book.
I couldn't put it down and read it twice! Wonderful!!!.......1997-10-10
What a wonderful story - filled with historical facts about Native Americans and the Scottish! I true love story! I cried and a smiled, but most of all I appreciated the depth of the characters!
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Highland Princess
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739410865 |
Product Description
SHE REFUSED TO BE ANY MAN'S PRIZEThe only sister to twelve warrior brothers, Princess Bera is more at home on the battlefield than at the hearth. Her heart and heritage lie with her Scottish clan's castle Pitlanric, now under threat from a powerful rival warlord. With her brothers imprisoned in their enemy's dungeons, Bera makes a daring bid to free them, disguising herself to enter the enemy's lair -- only to discover a dangerous and unexpected foe: a golden-haired knight of iron and ice, so cold she cannot fathom how he heats her blood to molten desire.HE WAS DETERMINED TO REAP HIS REWARDA mercenary hired to take Pitlanric for his employer, Curran fights the battle instincts that warn him to beware of this mysterious woman, yet his blood pounds with the need to possess her. Soon, passion will expose their deepest secrets in a world where trust can be a double-edged sword. Bera will give him her body, but Curran wants her heart. To win it, he must challenge a princess to her destiny . . . and a love to its greatest battle.TOGETHER THEY DISCOVERED A GIFT GREATER THAN RICHES. . .
Product Description
**** PLEASE NOTE : 3 BOOKS TAPPED UPPED AT SPINE AREA AND 2 ARE SHOWING DEFINITE SIGNS OF COMING UNGLUED AND WILL HOLD UP FOR JUST 1 MORE READ. ALSO 1 HAS HEAVY WEAR AND HEAVY COVER WEAR.
Product Description
**** ($3.99 USA POSTAGE FOR ALL 7 BOOKS, WHICH WILL BE MAILED AT THE MEDIA - BOOK RATE WHICH IS SLOW SURFACE MAIL, 7 - 21 DAYS DELIVERY TIME).
Books:
- Rabbit Angstrom : The Four Novels : Rabbit, Run, Rabbit Redux, Rabbit Is Rich, Rabbit at Rest (Everyman's Library)
- Rabbit Angstrom : The Four Novels : Rabbit, Run, Rabbit Redux, Rabbit Is Rich, Rabbit at Rest (Everyman's Library)
- Regulus (Latin)
- Setting Free the Bears
- Sewer, Gas and Electric: The Public Works Trilogy (Public Works Trilogy)
- Signed, Sealed, and Delivered: True Life Stories of Women in Pop Music
- Someone to Run With: A Novel
- The Angel of Forgetfulness
- The Archivist: A Novel
- The Athenian Murders
Books Index
Books Home
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