Amanda Miranda

Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK EMBODY THE TITANIC AND IT'S AGE
Review: I really loved this book because of it's historical back round and it's story. I'm kind I read this version than the other one.

Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK EMBODY THE TITANIC AND IT'S AGE
Review: I really loved this book because of it's historical back round and it's story. I'm kind I read this version than the other one.

Rating:
Summary: Twisting of fate prevails in this deeply fullfilling novel.
Review: If you got swept away by the simple story of life, love, and loss presented by the film Titanic, you should enjoy this book as well. The ill-fated luxury liner does play a key part in the novel, but there is so, so much more. Amanda is a snobby, spoiled rich girl. Miranda is a good-natured, soft-spoken peasant girl who becomes her maid. Their personalities clash in every way. They are completely different, except for one vital detail--they look exactly the same (although they are not related). Scheming Amanda realizes that she can use this similarity to her advantage. The plot twists and turns. And there are lies, lies, lies. The characters' lives are dramatically changed forever, as a result of all these lies told. Yes, the title of the book reflects the names of the two main characters, but there is a much deeper meaning to the title. Miranda becomes Amanda. Just what exactly do I mean by that? You'll find out if you read the book. Believe me, it's worth your time. My compliments go out to Richard Peck, who did a wonderful job. He managed to write a thoroughly intriguing story that you do not want to end. When the text runs out on the last page, you are, somewhat, left hanging. But, all in all, the novel is neatly contrived. Amanda/Miranda has been my absolute favorite book ever since I read it. It changed me. It made me laugh. It made me cry. Day after day of reading it made me start talking in genuine English terms (the story is set in Great Britain, during the early 1900s). This book made me think about how sometimes it seems that everything is connected on a higher level. How everything seems to work out a certain way, as if it was always intended to do so. Maybe it will make you think that, too.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, suspenseful, and original!
Review: Richard Peck tells a story so well that you envy the people who've never read it, because they get to experience it again for the first time. This is a great historical novel - it is romantic, its characters are broadly and wonderfully drawn, and Mr. Peck knows his history and sense of place - he instructs slyly, without demonstrative gestures. One of my favorites for 15 years.

Rating:
Summary: I really didn't like it
Review: This book was decently written, but I just didn't like it very much. I felt that it was too contrived, too obscure, and characters one could not relate to. There was too much psychic distance from the characters to know what they were thinking. If you're looking for a book about the Titanic, which I must admit I was, this isn't one. Try Titanic: the Long Night by Diane Hoh, which, while it is also in 3rd person dramatic, it is much more interesting and comprehendable.

Rating:
Summary: If you like stories about "The Titanic", read this book.
Review: This is an excellent romantic suspense story that hinges upon the sinking of The Titanic. Forget the movie, "Titanic" -- read this book instead.

This is a much-overlooked book and it deserves more attention than it has received. I was pleased to see it has enjoyed a reprint.

You really can't go wrong with this book. If you buy it, you'll be glad -- it's an excellent, haunting read and it most definately entertains from beginning to end.