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- The pangs of independence
- "The façade of the house was like cardboard, without weight"
- The end of an era
- The Aching Self
- "The façade of the house was like cardboard, without weight"
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The Last September
Elizabeth Bowen
Manufacturer: Anchor
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Binding: Paperback
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Reading in the Dark: A Novel
ASIN: 0385720149
Release Date: 2000-03-14 |
Book Description
The Last September is Elizabeth Bowen's portrait of a young woman's coming of age in a brutalized time and place, where the ordinariness of life floats like music over the impending doom of history.
In 1920, at their country home in County Cork, Sir Richard Naylor and his wife, Lady Myra, and their friends maintain a skeptical attitude toward the events going on around them, but behind the facade of tennis parties and army camp dances, all know that the end is approaching—the end of British rule in the south of Ireland and the demise of a way of life that had survived for centuries. Their niece, Lois Farquar, attempts to live her own life and gain her own freedoms from the very class that her elders are vainly defending.
The Last September depicts the tensions between love and the longing for freedom, between tradition and the terrifying prospect of independence, both political and spiritual.
"Brilliant.... A successful combination of social comedy and private tragedy."—The Times Literary Supplement (London)
Customer Reviews:
The pangs of independence.......2006-11-05
One of Elizabeth Bowen's finest novels, THE LAST SEPTEMBER has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to the overtly political nature of its topic (the demise of the Anglo-Irish "county" life by means of the Irish War of Independence) and the recent 1999 film adaptation with Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith and Fiona Shaw. Most of the novel's action takes place in Danielstown, the Leinster country manor of Sir Richard and Myra Naylor and their wards Lois and Laurence. At the summer season, the estate plays host to all manner of guests, including the ill-matched and unhappy Montmorencys, the highly independent Marda Nolan, and some of the local garrisoned British officers and their wives whom Lois has befriended. As they play tennis and devour raspberries, their discussion is turned primarily towards gossip and flirtation--not to the escalating violence that surrounds and dooms their isled privilege.
Like most of Bowen's earlier fiction, THE LAST SEPTEMBER is difficult reading and demands close attention: the Naylors and their set rarely say either to themselves or to one another clearly what they mean, and express themselves via euphemism, overexaggeration, understatement, and/or indirection. Only when the change of independence, either sexual or political, threatens does language become more direct and urgent: this is one of the great themes of this important modern novel. Although its outcome is tragic, the book is ultimately quite funny (as are all of Bowen's novels), and its peculiar tension between these two modes captures well the odd tensions of the cloistered and privileged world of the Anglo-Irish.
"The façade of the house was like cardboard, without weight".......2005-09-19
Danielstown, the Irish estate belonging to Sir Richard and Lady Naylor, is the closed environment which allows Elizabeth Bowen to explore the Anglo-Irish lifestyle, values, and allegiances in 1921, a time when The Troubles are about to sweep the country and change it forever. The Naylors' niece Lois is nineteen, a bored young woman without goals, impatient to get on with the job of finding a husband so that she can fulfill her apparent destiny. Her cousin Laurence, an Oxford student who would rather be in Italy or France, also has little to do, a condition he shares with a married couple, Francie and Hugo Montmorency, who visit friends like the Naylors regularly, having no home of their own.
A British army unit is garrisoned nearby to protect their loyal subjects-and, not incidentally, provide a ready source of young men for garden parties and tennis matches. With an acute eye for detail, ironic detachment, and a sometimes caustic wit, Bowen reconstructs the lives of these aristocrats. One comments that it would be "the greatest pity if we were to become a republic and all these lovely troops taken away." Laurence remarks cynically that he would like to be present when "this house burns and we should all be so careful not to notice."
Throughout the novel, Bowen's prose remains formal and detached. When Lois and a young soldier begin to think they are in love, there are no passionate scenes--both are a product of their time and upbringing, and kisses are reserved for the engagement. When nearby estates are attacked, the Naylors simply change their schedules and limit their travel. Bowen's book has the ring of truth--she herself was part of the Ango-Irish tradition in County Cork, and she wrote the book in 1929, when the revolution was still fresh. Though she puts an iconoclastic spin on attitudes and values, she offers no apologies, preferring to present the facts, create the scenes, and allow the reader to judge for himself/herself whether Ireland was better off before or after The Troubles. Mary Whipple
The end of an era.......2005-08-27
An account of coming-of-age on a great estate in Ireland just before independence. Totally brilliant (though often knowingly vapid) as a portrait of upper-class life, with its tennis parties, discreet servants, and do-nothing guests. The "Troubles" remain mostly in the background, though they are not forgotten. The writing is evocative and perceptive ("The ladies were in the drawing-room laughing intimately, putting across the open door a barrier of exclusion") though at times rather overwrought in a Hopkinslike manner. Unfortunately, Bowen's stylistic self-consiousness rather veils the all-too-real tragedy taking place in and around her young heroine, but it is there all the same.
The Aching Self.......2004-01-28
Elizabeth Bowen's _The Last September_ is really a novel about internal self-talk and how that internal dialogue with the self is full of unarticulated desires, willful self-deceptions, and social anxieties of all sorts. Bowen has an incredibly penetrating knowledge of how people try to flatter themselves, read the world as revolving around themselves, and focus intently on an inner life that is completely wrong in many of its assumptions about what others think and feel. The way that ideology blinds people to reality of life and other's feelings is a continual subtle conflict running throughout the novel: two main ideological struggles occur. First, there is a constant tension between what "society" wants women to be and the reality of being a woman. There is a strong lesbian subtext in the novel although it is seems that the heroine has no conception of lesbianism or that frustrated lesbianism could be a reason for her problems in life. Yet at times the heroine makes such grossly inappropriate--yet spontaneous or seemingly irrelevant--remarks for a heterosexual woman that it is debatable if we are to see her as truly unaware of the potential for lesbian love. At any rate, the novel is so full of obsessive concern with gossip and what will people think of this or that to be blind to such desire seems absolutely mandatory.
Blindness is a major metaphor in the novel, one that Bowen specifically relates to the political situation in Ireland in 1918. The second major conflict in the novel is that between the Anglo-Irish and the English--despite the conflict between the pro-republic Irish and the English that is part of the plot. The real focus of the book is on the plight of these Anglo-Irish who feel such a huge gap between their worldview and that of the English. The English people's absolute failure to see this gap and assumption that of course these Anglo-Irish value all that is English and desire that is a major theme.
This book is achingly realistic in its depiction of the self-doubts that erode the joy of life with anxieties and confusion and its clear depiction of how the really important "rules of society" are the unwritten ones that determine who is able to communicate and share feelings and who is left feeling "unreal" and lonely. Ultimately the book is about the difficulty of finding happiness when people cannot understand themselves, their mental needs or desires, or the very different needs and desires of others. Bowen's best passages (to some they will be funny, to others heartbreaking) are the conversations between characters that are complete failures of communication. Bowen gives us glimpses of the self-talk of the characters and reveals their complete misunderstandings as well as their few powerful insights into each other's natures. The fate of the Anglo-Irish living in 1819 in today's Irish Republic is the most direct illustration of the theme of how difficult it is to communicate and find happiness, but I would argue it is meant to be symbolic of larger social problems that do not get enacted in violence.
"The façade of the house was like cardboard, without weight".......2003-12-12
Danielstown, the Irish estate belonging to Sir Richard and Lady Naylor, is the closed environment which allows Elizabeth Bowen to explore the Anglo-Irish lifestyle, values, and allegiances in 1921, a time when The Troubles are about to sweep the country and change it forever. The Naylors' niece Lois is nineteen, a bored young woman without goals, impatient to get on with the job of finding a husband so that she can fulfill her apparent destiny. Her cousin Laurence, an Oxford student who would rather be in Italy or France, also has little to do, a condition he shares with a married couple, Francie and Hugo Montmorency, who visit friends like the Naylors regularly, having no home of their own.
A British army unit is garrisoned nearby to protect their loyal subjects-and, not incidentally, provide a ready source of young men for garden parties and tennis matches. With an acute eye for detail, ironic detachment, and a sometimes caustic wit, Bowen reconstructs the lives of these aristocrats. One comments that it would be "the greatest pity if we were to become a republic and all these lovely troops taken away." Laurence remarks cynically that he would like to be present when "this house burns and we should all be so careful not to notice." When an informer tells the family that guns have been buried on their property, they are blasé about it-they don't want to tell the soldiers because it might result in the trampling of some new trees.
Throughout the novel, Bowen's prose remains formal and detached. When Lois and a young soldier begin to think they are in love, there are no passionate scenes-both are a product of their time and upbringing, and kisses are reserved for the engagement. When nearby estates are attacked, the Naylors simply change their schedules and limit their travel. Bowen's book has the ring of truth-she herself was part of the Ango-Irish tradition in County Cork, and she wrote the book in 1929, when the revolution was still fresh. Though she puts an iconoclastic spin on attitudes and values, she offers no apologies, preferring to present the facts, create the scenes, and allow the reader to judge for himself/herself whether Ireland was better off before or after The Troubles. Mary Whipple
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- Reviews of the Book - or John Hagee?
- a tossup
- Another book by a demagogue
- Same old Hagee Hate and Fear Cash In
- Can you plagiarize yourself?
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Attack On America New York, Jerusalem, And The Role Of Terrorism In The Last Days
John Hagee
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
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ASIN: 0785265422 |
Book Description
In March of 2001, John Hagee published The Battle for Jerusalem, which warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East would reach American shores and the American people would not be spared from the violence. On September 11, that horrible prediction came true. Attack on America brings that book up to the minute, answering questions that have risen from the tragedy, including: Why has this happened to America? How should America respond? Is there biblical prophecy that forewarned of this attack? Hagee, a respected Middle East scholar, uses his extensive knowledge of current affairs, history, and biblical teachings to craft the comprehensive book on both what has happened and the centuries old-conflict behind it. He also takes a hard look at what this new step in the struggle will mean for America-and the world-in the days and years to come.
Customer Reviews:
Reviews of the Book - or John Hagee?.......2006-09-17
The book was excellent with many accurate facts, if reasearched historically and biblically.
Why did so many opinions above deal with the writer's opinion of John Hagee and secondly the book? Ummmmmmmmmmm?Fundamentalism beliefs in general? Ummmmmmmmmmm?
The book was an interesting read, well presented with many references to contemplate.
Personally, I don't care about anyone's opinion on John Hagee! I'd rather read the publication and form my own opinion about it than hear some preconceived Hagee bashing.
I'd ask why they bought the book in the first place. Was it with an open mind or simply to find fault with the beliefs the writer.
Isn't freedon of religious belief one of our Constitutional rights?
I didn't agree with everything written in The Profet Kahil Gibran, yet it was a book I'd recommend.
Attack On America New York, Jerusalem, And The Role Of Terrorism In The Last Days is a great book - if read with the proper frame of mind.
Buy it.
a tossup.......2006-01-05
Let's see... spend eternity in heaven with the likes of Pastor Hagee, or spend it writhing in hellfire. Sounds like a tossup to me.
Another book by a demagogue.......2005-12-19
"Pastor" Hagee has written another book on a subject in which he apparently has little factual knowledge but lots of passion and prejudice. His skewered reporting on the "facts" of the mid-east conflict are about as one-sided and bigoted as anything out there. It almost seems that there is a competition between fundamentalist Christian leaders in America like Hal Lindsey, Pat Robertson, etc as to who can spread more hate towards Muslims. This book is a predictable read and has been written many times before by the same author and other "Christian" pastors. I guess as long as it makes money and spreads hate and fear, these books will continue to be published.
Same old Hagee Hate and Fear Cash In.......2005-09-18
John Hagee has made alot of Money on preaching about Hate and Fear, guess what? he is at it again. Hagee's very slanted view about terrorism is of course filled with all the fear he could get into this book. His own misguided ideas about terrorism, America and God are filled with his usual fire and brimstone the Boogey man is gonna get you nonsense that he sells so well, actually scaring people with fear of the Devil has made Hagee rich and doesn't look like Hagge has any problem stuffing it in. This man should be writting horror movies for Hollyweird, because he is another guy making a buck on sensationalism.
Can you plagiarize yourself?.......2004-02-08
Attack on America is essentially a re-arranged version of Beginning of the End. If you haven't read Beginning of the End, then this will be an interesting book. But if you've already read it, you'll probably want to pass on this one.
Book Description
This absorbing study of the first—and decisive—phase of World War II tells not only how events happened but why they happened as they did. Eminent historian John Lukacs presents an extraordinary narrative of these two years, followed by a detailed sequential analysis of the lives of the peoples and then of the political, military, and intellectual relations and events.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Book.......2006-10-09
One day in 1982 when I was a grad student at Vandy this book caught my eye. I started reading it and kept doing so for the next few days, until I finished it. I never actually took it out of the library, I just read it instead of doing the work I was supposed to be doing. Its that kind of book. I recently purchased the book for a re-read, and it did not disappoint. John Lukacs is a treasure- he's a very special writer, of the generation that lived through WWII. He's one of those guys who just knows, everything. His books on historiography (like "The Hitler of History"), the writing of history, and conventionakl monographs, create a very notable body of work. When he passes away it will be a sad day. This book is a very, very well-written look at a world that is gone, literally the last European War (i.e. before the US got involved). If you are a WWII buff and don't like this book, well, Hell, I'LL buy it from you!! Its so good I am really not even taking a chance.
Spirit over matter.........2003-10-10
The Last European War by John Lukacs
"The Last European War" by John Lukacs describes the formative stages of the WWII, times of 1939 before Hitler's invasion of Russia when the war was dominated by the struggle between Britain and Germany. Drawn from and partially re-hashing the material found in some of his earlier book, John Lukacs paints a picture of power struggle with some master strokes worthy of a pen of a historian and the canvas of a novelist.
Lukacs book is comprised of 2 part. First, a short one, tells the historical events of the period starting just before September 1, 1939 and ending with the guns of Barbarossa in the East on June 22, 1941. His main emphasis is the description of the personalities of Hitler and Churchill, touching on Stalin and briefly on Roosevelt. Second part, which is the main body and emphasis of the text, is a study of how people coped during the war from economic, social, psychological and anthropological perspectives.
Lukacs advances the main thesis of his career, retold in most of his 18 books on history, that the advance of nationalism not communism was the main event of the 20th century history; and that the main lesson of it is prevalence of mind over matter. Philosophy of neo-idealism, of belief in primary importance of spirit in the conduct of human affairs, the fruit of primarily German romanticism were horrible catastrophes of 20th century.
John Lukacs has just a wonderful touch of novelistic flair, where he would briefly interrupt a technical description of the diplomatic struggles with the description of the beatifull night full of starts. His appreciation of oratory of the two main rivals (and both Hitler and Churchill were brilliant public speakers) leads to some of the best pages of this book.
Better then any other historian I've read, John Lukacs is a master of a footnote. On average each page is supplemented by at least 3 footnotes; sometimes footnote text is twice as large as the main text on the page. Whether it is a fault of the editors whom Lukacs bullied into submission by this fame, or something else, I do not know. What I know is that it makes it for some fragmentary, oftern confused and difficult read. This is the only major criticism of style, and I am penalizing this book one star for it.
Book Description
On September 11, 2001, FDNY Battalion Chief Richard "Pitch" Picciotto answered the call heard around the world. In minutes he was at Ground Zero of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, as the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center began to burn-and then to buckle. A veteran of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, Picciotto was eerily familiar with the inside of the North Tower. And it was there that he concentrated his rescue efforts. It was in its smoky stairwells where he heard and felt the South Tower collapse. Where he made the call for firemen and rescue workers to evacuate, while he stayed behind with a skeleton team of men to help evacuate a group of disabled and infirm civilians. And it was in the rubble of the North Tower where Picciotto found himself buried-for more than four hours after the building's collapse.
This is the harrowing true story of a true American hero, a man who thought nothing of himself-and gave nearly everything for others during one of New York City's-and the country's-darkest hours.
Download Description
On September 11, 2001, FDNY Battalion Chief Richard "Pitch" Picciotto answered the call heard around the world. In minutes he was at Ground Zero of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, as the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center began to burn-and then to buckle. A veteran of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, Picciotto was eerily familiar with the inside of the North Tower. And it was there that he concentrated his rescue efforts. It was in its smoky stairwells where he heard and felt the South Tower collapse. Where he made the call for firemen and rescue workers to evacuate, while he stayed behind with a skeleton team of men to help evacuate a group of disabled and infirm civilians. And it was in the rubble of the North Tower where Picciotto found himself buried-for more than four hours after the building's collapse. This is the harrowing true story of a true American hero, a man who thought nothing of himself-and gave nearly everything for others during one of New York City's-and the country's-darkest hours.
Customer Reviews:
Half Good/Half Bad.......2007-09-03
I just recently read the paperback version of this book. The first half of this book is pretty interesting and heart pounding in detailing what it was like to be in the World Trade Center while it collapsed. The second half was very disatisfying. It was very self-serving and is mostly about Mr. Picciotto praising himself and his actions and criticizing absolutely everyone else. I also find it interesting that Mr. Picciotto said how hard it was for him to return to the site and that it took him a very long time do this. However, in the acknowledgment at the end of the book, he returns barely a few weeks after the collapse and with his collaborator of this book. He had already found the time to get a book deal and co-author!
Disappointed.......2007-05-17
As a firfigther who understands chain of command and the need to work with in an Incident Command System, this book perfectly explains how one FDNY Battalion Chief breaks all the rules, chosing to respond to the World Trade Center Disaster rather than remain responsible for his own Battalion, risks the lives of members of 110Truck to "sprint" to the 35th floor of the North Tower, ABANDONING them on the way to freelance some more in the burning tower, only to ultimately become stuck in the collapse of the North Tower where he goes on to shout at and berade a PAPD Officer who's lost his partner, a K9, to the collapse of the bulidng. This book is a shameful and embarrasing for all American firefighters, those silent heros who risk their lives daily.
Nothing Special .......2006-08-19
I have had this book for a few years but have not been able to read it till recently.The story is quite interesting and astonishing (especially as it is a true story) but the writing is somewhat repetetive - I think this is done to make the story longer - and the Firefighter seems to be too full of himself always going on how great he is and how well he did what a good leader he is ...... and so on.Entertaining and interesting but the way the story is written spoils it.
caught in the middle.......2006-01-07
I am a full time firefighter/engineer in a small town with three stations. This book does a great job of telling the inside story of what happened to our country on 9-11 and also an insight to the world of firefighters, for those with no prior knowledge. My only real frustration in reading this book, is that some of the detail on this thought, or that thought, becomes a little mundane. In one passage, he dwells for a long paragraph, on a sliver of illumination from an emergency light, that some how ended up sharing the void. All in all, it is a great book, but the same story could have been told with out the hovering over so many tiny details. But then you'd have a book only three quarters the length.
One Man's View--.......2006-01-05
I am a little surprised by the negative reviews of this book--perhaps some reviewers don't personally know any firefighters--and that is the point of this book: an inside look at how one firefighter(albeit a chief) experienced and survived the attack and collapse of the World Trade Center.
As a BC, Picciotto, had a company of men under his command who were looking to him for direction and literally commands. Firefighting is a military-style profession where you take orders and do what you're told by superiors. Firefighters are full of "bravado" at what ever level--it comes with the territory. Work hard, play hard, brag hard...that's real stuff.
The best part about this book is the "voice" of Picciotto coming through the writing. His description of the sound of the collapsing tower mixed with his feelings of the certainty of death were very well written. His last thoughts were on his family--that is a part of the job most don't want to talk about. You gain a sense of the confusion, the disbelief, and the frustrations present that day in NYC on 9/11. You are inside his head and thoughts the entire time--it is an excellent book to gain a different/purposefully personal perspective on what that day was like. It is clear this book is about one man's experience, not an entire city or department's experience. I am certain that all New Yorkers and firefighters have their own stories of bravery and despair and hope. Talk to one...they are extraordinary people.
Average customer rating:
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The Last Charge: The 21st Lancers and the Battle of Omdurman 2 September 1898
Terry A. Brighton
Manufacturer: Crowood Press (UK)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1861261896 |
Average customer rating:
- Hero was too arrogant for me
- Well-crafted Regency tale
- Interesting characters & an interesting plot
- A Nice Regency Romance
- A very enjoyable, very fast read!
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A Necessary Husband
Debra Mullins
Manufacturer: Avon
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0380819082
Release Date: 2002-04-30 |
Book Description
When Garrett Lynch bursts the glittering Raynewood ballroom a Wild mail, a hapless footman clinging to each powerful arm, Lucinda Devering is equally appalled and impressed. How uncivilised! How barbaric! How... stirringly strong and manly! Then she learns he's the Iong–lost heir of the Duke of Raynewood –– and that it's her job to transform him into a proper Englishman. And if she fails this impossible task, the duke will reveal her desperate secret, ruining her forever.
Lucinda Devering may be the loveliest woman Garrett's laid eyes on, but her eternal rules and regulations about proper behaviour are enough to drive a man mad. Which should he believe? That stiff spine, or those soft curls and big brown eyes? One thing is certain: that lush, prissy mouth needs loosening up –– and he knows just the way to do it! But soon he wonders which is more important: winning this game, or winning, Lucinda's hand?
Customer Reviews:
Hero was too arrogant for me.......2006-02-28
This is the first book by Debra Mullins that I've read, and it will probably be the last. I realize that I'm in the minority here, but I have my reasons.
It's not that this book was terribly written (hence the two star rating), as the writing had a very nice flow and kept the reader's attention. My problem was that I couldn't connect with the hero. I guess he was supposed to come across as strong and confident, but instead, he struck me as an arrogant jerk.
My problems with him? For starters, he was a sex fiend. Yeah, a healthy sexual appetite is fine, but from the instant he saw the heroine, he thought of nothing but getting her into bed. He didn't seem to care about what kind of a person she was. All he wanted was to get her horizontal. I thought this was supposed to be a romance novel. I didn't find this very romantic. (If this had been modern times, he probably would have walked up to the heroine and said, 'nice shoes, wanna ****?' Seriously, that was about the extent of his courtship.)
Also, he had an 'every woman is just dying to sleep with me' attitude that made me want to smack him one. There's confident, and then there's arrogant, stuck-up, self-satisfied...you get the point.
I could have pushed past this (maybe he grew up later in the book, I don't know) but his 'I'm going to sleep with you, and I don't give a rip whether you want an affair or not' attitude grated at me so much that I finally gave up in disgust less than halfway through this novel. A man courting / wooing a reluctant lady? Fine. A man practially stalking a woman who's told him no more than ten times? Not romantic, but creepy. It doesn't matter if the woman secretly desires him. No means no. There is a fine line between romantic pursuit and sick obsession. I think the hero crossed that line in this book. As far as I'm concerned, and man doesn't have to actually rape a woman for his unwanted attentions to be considered abuse. How many of us would find it romantic in real life if a man we had told 'no' to (several times) kept stalking us?
If you want a book about a man pursuing a reluctant lady that doesn't stray into stalking/abuse, I recommend "The Forbidden Lord" by Sabrina Jeffries. As for this book, I don't recommend it.
Well-crafted Regency tale.......2005-08-31
American sea captain Garrett Lynch has no use for the grandfather who had disowned his son for marrying an Irishwoman. Nevermind that his grandfather also happens to be an English duke and Garrett is his heir. When he finds out that his sister Meg has left Boston to visit their grandfather, Garrett races to England to fetch her back to America at once. When he arrives he finds himself facing a rebellious sister, a tyrannical grandfather and the alluring widow charged with preparing Meg for the London season. When Meg informs him that she plans to attend the Season, Garrett decides to stay until he can change her mind. Perhaps, he'll use the time to get to know the lovely Lucinda better as well.
Lucinda Devering was a woman on a mission. Struggling with her husband's debts and a lecherous brother-in-law, the Duke of Raynewood has promised to help if she prepares his granddaughter for her debut into Society. However, now that his erstwhile heir has arrived, the Duke wants her to turn Garrett into an English gentleman as well. Soon Lucinda has her hands full protecting Meg from her brother-in-law, keeping the peace between the Duke and his heir, and protecting her heart from this dashing captain.
At its heart, Debra Mullins' first foray into the Regency era is a story of second chances. A NECESSARY HUSBAND is more than just a story between a man and a woman, although Lucinda and Garrett are worthy adversaries in the game of love. It's a story about a man coming to terms with his past and facing the possibilities of his future. It's also a story about a woman determined to restore the honor she feels she's lost due to a youthful folly. These insights into Garrett and Lucinda's personalities add depth to a well-crafted plot and make this typical Regency story anything but typical.
TheSchemer
Interesting characters & an interesting plot.......2004-07-12
The cast of characters in this Regency era novel maintains a high level of interest. After a near-scandal forces her into an arranged marriage without love (one that itself ends in scandal), Lucinda strives to always be all that is proper, allowing not a hint of scandal to touch her or her family name...and then along comes brash American Garrett, who doesn't give a fig for the high-in-the-instep, hypocritical values of high English society. Desire erupts immediately between these two, and Lucinda finds it increasingly difficult to maintain her proper actions around Garrett.
Lucinda's motivations are clearly understood by the reader from the very beginning. Garrett, though charming, requires some self-knowledge and change to be truly heroic. He starts off as selfish and bossy. Worse, he simply cannot believe that Lucinda means "No" when she says "No." He fails to comprehend that she could desire him and yet still truly mean her refusal to act on that desire. Finally, however, he gets a clue; he comes to understand her reasons and begins to feel ashamed of himself (not that he ceases to want her or ceases to try to seduce her), but he is more understanding and begins to see himself and others more clearly. As a result, he does change in some significant ways. In fact, he uses the word "love" first. Moreover, he shows some truly heart-softening vulnerability (though he does so rarely and unwillingly). And Garrett really is deliciously naughty.
The tone in this book is rather anti-English, in the "high society is so hypocritical" vein. Although it's a little odd for this sub-genre, it is an interesting point of view. Lucinda herself begins to question all that she's thought was important.
The book kept my attention; it was well-paced and good fun. Three & 1/2 stars (mainly becaue Garrett has such a hard time understanding the word "No").
A Nice Regency Romance.......2002-09-10
I have like several of Ms. Mullins stories in the past so I was surprised that this was not going to be a favorite. This was also a nice story but I feel that the ending of the story was a bit rushed and therefore left me feeling like there was something missing. The characters were fun and the story line had plenty of potential I just don't think the author gave it much of a chance. Still in all this was a nice story with a happy ending and it read fast.
A very enjoyable, very fast read!.......2002-05-27
I sat down to read this book and was finished just over three hours later. During that time I was completely involved with the characters and the story.
This is an engaging tale of an American heir to a dukedom, Garrett Lynch, Marquess of Kelton, unwillingly being forced to acknowledge his title and a poverty stricken widow of respectable birth, Lucinda Devering, who is guiding his sister through a London season. The story flowed very comfortably and kept me interested all the way to itýs happy conclusion.
The passion between the main characters seemed very real and not at all forced. The hero was very intriguing and came with genuine obstacles to a happy ending just falling into place. Our heroine also came with her fair share of problems, including a lecherous relative in sexual pursuit of her.
The book read very smoothly and enjoyably. Wonderful passion between the leads, many engaging secondary characters and believable circumstances that prevent complete happiness until the ending, all contributed to make this a very worthwhile read.
I thoroughly recommend this novel.
Amanda Faulkner
Average customer rating:
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A Necessary Husband
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739425692 |
Product Description
When Garrett Lynch bursts into the glittering Raynewood ballroom like a wild man, a hapless footman clinging to each powerful arm, Lucinda Devering is equally appalled and impressed. How uncivilized! How barbaric! How stirringly strong and manly! Then she learns he's the long-lost heir of the Duke of Raynewood, and that it's her job to transform him into a proper Englishman. And if she fails this impossible task, the duke will reveal her desperate secret, ruining her forever. Lucinda Devering may be the loveliest woman Garrett's laid eyes on, but her eternal rules and regulations about "proper" behavior are enough to drive a man mad. Which should he believe? That stiff spine, or those soft curls and big brown eyes? One thing is certain: that lush, prissy mouth needs loosening up, and he knows just the way to do it! But soon he wonders which is more important: winning this game, or winning Lucinda's hand?
Average customer rating:
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Are husbands necessary?
Tess Slesinger
Manufacturer: Paramount Pictures]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Screenplays | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007JMCVY |
Books:
- The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes (New York Review Books Classics)
- The Little House in the Fairy Wood
- The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure
- The Passion of Alice
- The Republic of Wine : A Novel
- The Shattered Alliance (Ice Age Cycle, Book III, A Magic: The Gathering(r) Novel)
- The Showboat Cookbook
- The Silence of the Rain: A Novel
- The Silent Executioner (Being the Second in the Series of Fantomas Adventures)
- The Sinister Pig CD
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