Overlook, Oct 2003, 26.95, 640 pp.
ISBN: 1585674818
In the decade before WW I, aristocrat Celia meets Oliver Lytton, member of a giant publishing family. Though her family objects that his status is beneath her, Celia comprehends the changing early twentieth century world; she maneuvers her weak beau into marriage. When he goes off for war, she takes over the family business taking her sister-in-law as her only ally to the top with her.
Celia and Oliver have three children. The two daughters are as spoiled and selfish as their mom while the son is a chip off the old fatherly block being as weak as Oliver is. She also adopts a daughter of an impoverished friend, but when author Sebastian Brooke enters her life, Celia must decide what she really wants and at what price.
This family saga, reminiscent of the works of Barbara Taylor Bradford, highlights much of the first few decades of the twentieth century. The story line focuses on the impact of Celia's ambition and drive on anyone who lands in her ever-widening circle of influence. Though chapters seem a bit extended, fans of insightful historical dramas that center on people and families will enjoy Penny Vincenzi's powerful tale.
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Tone of book?
- thoughtful
Time/era of story
- 1930's-1950's
Romance/Romance Problems
Yes
Kind of romance:
- playing footsy while inconveniently married
Life of a profession:
- businessman, bad
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Job/Profession/Status story
Yes
Lover is
- of a different social class
Main Character
Gender
- Female
Profession/status:
- business executive
Age:
- 20's-30's
Ethnicity/Nationality
- British
How sensitive is this character?
- middling sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Very much smarter than other characters
Physique
- very athletic
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 20's-30's
Profession/status:
- unemployed
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character?
- soggy whimpering jelly muffin
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- very athletic
Setting
How much descriptions of surroundings?
- 5 (an average amount)
Europe
Yes
European country:
- England/UK
Style
Person
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- no torture/death
Unusual Style:
- a lot of stream of consciousness
- No single main character?
Amount of dialog
- significantly more dialog than descript
