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SUSAN HOWATCH
*This author has book reviews
in another
section
I have placed "sizzler
ratings" next to books read, even if the review
hasn't been added at this time.
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SINS
OF THE FATHERS (1980) |
Sub-category:
Financial/Romance Thriller
The plot: The sequel to
The Rich are Different, this story follows the life of Vicky,
the daughter of Cornelius Van Zale and granddaughter of Paul
Van Zale. From the tender of age of 18, she is betrayed by
first her father, then her husband and lover. However, like
Cornelius, Vicky is a survivor and this is the story of how
she overcomes the mollycoddled upbringing she had and becomes
her own person.
Comment: Sounds like a
coming of age book, eh?! I don't know what makes this book
more compelling that its predecessor, but it is. In this book,
Howatch presents the various character's point of view with
a twist of the unreal and bizarre, bringing more dimension
to the character than in previous books. The totally unique
view point of each character has you turning the pages long
after swearing to give up for the time being at the end of
the chapter. This book just makes for plain fascinating reading!
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THE
RICH ARE DIFFERENT (1977) |
Sub-category:
Financial Thriller
The plot: Paul Van Zale
is a strange man who leads one of the most successful Investment
Banks in New York at the turn of the 20th Century. However,
on one of his trips to England, he meets Diana Slade, an entrepreneurial
women who wants cares not a wit for marriage but does wish
to be successful in her own right at a time when women were
supposed to be at home looking after the kids. In her plan
to seduces Paul Van Zale to gain his assistance, she takes
him to Mallingham - her home outside of London. Paul falls
in love with Mallingham - and Ms Slade.
Comment: Although not as
thrilling as Howatch's Church
of England series, The Rich Are Different is both
intriguing and horribly fascinating - fascinating because
it takes us through the big collapse in Wall Street of 1929,
and you can't help but see the parallels in the econosmic
conditions of 1999 with those 70's prior... That aside, Howatch
weaves her usual excellent and fascinating story as told through
several characters over a period of time.
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CASHELMARA
(1974) |
Sub-category:
Historical/Family Dynasty
The plot: Edward de Salis,
a proud elderly gentleman who has seen more than his fair
share of tragedy, is suddenly struck by cupid when he meets
young Marguerite in America. He plans a long engagement
and brings her back to England and introduces her to the
British way and Cashelmara - his house and passion in Ireland.
However, times are tough and Cashelmara becomes the foundation
and lead weight around the neck of future generations of
de Salis'.
Comment: I have to confess,
Edward didn't really endear himself to me and it took a
little time to get into this book. However, towards the
end of Edwards portion of this tale, I was interested. When
the thread is picked up through the eyes of Marguerite,
the tale became positively engaging and I eagerly read it
for the ensuing 600 pages... Even way back in the dawn of
Howatch's career, she spins an enthralling and interesting
story told from the viewpoint of several successive characters.
Needless to say, her research and attention to details are
marvelous and really make the reader feel as if they are
experiencing the hardships of the 19th Century. An excellent
read!
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TOP ]
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An
absolute sizzler of a movie - A must see! |
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A
scorcher of a good movie; still capable of riveting you
to your seat |
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Low
flame burner; a pleasant piece of mindless brain candy |
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A
fizzler of a movie which will have you counting zzzzzz's... |
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