Rose

Rating:
Summary: His best work yet.....
Review: I have enjoyed his other books trememdously, but this story really moved me. I now consider Martin Cruz Smith one of my favorite, if not my favorite writers. Far more compelling then anything Grisham can write. The only reason I refer to Grisham is because I see so many people reading his work, as I did,but are missing out on what truly classic story telling is.

Rating:
Summary: A Rose is not always a Rose
Review: The twists and turns in this extraordinary book make it worth reading just for the sake of watching a master at work. It seems to me that some readers have taken a very superficial reading of what is indeed an extremely profound work of art. Not to overlook the fact that the sex is steamy and the characters are unique and perfectly marvellous! Rose is like a chameleon, much more than it seems. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Historically Impeccable Love Story
Review: What a book! For an author like Martin Cruz Smith who writes spy thrillers, this is an absolutely outstanding tour-de-force. Having come from a British mining family, I was flabbergasted at the amount of research that went into this book, and how well connected it was to the gripping plot. For those who don't like to have thrillers spoiled for them, don't read the ending and don't read the rest of the reviews after this one. For those who just enjoy good writing, even if they know the ending, ignore the squeaky wheels, savor this fascinating book, and buy a few copies for your friends for Christmas. You won't regret it.--K in the Blue Ridge

Rating:
Summary: Smith again transports us to other places/times convincingly
Review: I have read every book M.C. Smith has written, and Rose is as good as any of them, which is saying a lot. Those who have trouble with some of the plot elements are, imho, judging the issues from todays standards. As for not recognizing his lover, perhaps it is a case of not seeing what we don't wish to see. Is Rose selfish? Again, one can't judge by today's habits. I recommend this book to anyone who can put aside their modern judgements and let Smith take them to another time and place.

Rating:
Summary: This Rose is Blighted...
Review: I won't reiterate others' comments about the plot-weaknesses (a man who can't recognize his lover when she's cleaned up? Oh, yeah, she "pinched" her face up!). I'll just mention the title character...she's appalling, in my opinion. Her self-indulgent masquerade set off a chain of events that resulted in the death of over 70 miners, yet she expresses no remorse or misgivings. She does nothing until the end to stop a miner from stalking and trying to kill Blair. I could go on, but I'll just say "Rose's" amorality & selfishness disgusted me. I wish Blair had told her, "Beat it, sister! I'm tired of being used by you and your dad!" The book gets 2 stars only because of the historical setting. Oh, and Leveret was a nice character (about the only one).

Rating:
Summary: Contains Spoiler!
Review: I enjoyed the book's depiction of 19th century life in English mining country, but, as someone else mentioned, Maypole's reason for going down in the mine was totally unconvincing. And I can't buy for a minute that Blair could sleep with a woman so many times and not figure out her identity. Does malaria make one that oblivious?!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully written, but disappointing
Review: Rose is a richly written book with fabulous detail and interesting characters. Unfortunately, the ending was completely unbelievable and very, very disappointing.

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down!
Review: "Rose" was my kinda book--full of detail about a place (coal mines) that I knew nothing about; rich, complex characters along the lines of a Sherlock Holmes story; and a romance to boot. In Jonathan Blair, the protagonist, we meet a modern American man, even though the story was set in 1870s England. Who couldn't relate? Does anybody know if the film rights to this has been sold? Would make a wonderful movie....

Rating:
Summary: SMITH IS AWESOME
Review: All his books are great. His heros are unique and fascinating and convincing. His detail and research are meticulous but never tedious. Just great. ROSE is one of his best, and that's saying a lot!

Rating:
Summary: A 180 degree book!
Review: I finished the book last night but it is still ringing in my mind. Smith evokes such a sense of place and time that I feel like I stepped back into history and mining for the duration of my read. I'll admit I found it hard to believe the reason Maypole went into the mine (and what a name, "Maypole"!) but that's the only flaw in this perfect historical mystery.