Up Island

Rating:
Summary: Somewhat entertaining, a quick read, but not Siddons' best.
Review: Up Island is the closest Siddons has come to Colony, a marvelous book. However, this one is a bit unbelievable and somewhat cliched (Molly's selfish children reminded me of the one-dimensional characters in a Danielle Steel novel -- it was obvious that they were simply there as devices to make us pity Molly). And I found it extremely hard to believe that two debilitated, infirm old women would be sexually involved with one another. It was certainly more than I wanted to know, anyway!

Rating:
Summary: Good enough that I'll probably give this author another try.
Review: I found the early chapters of Up Island, that took place in Atlanta, to be very interesting. However, once the story moved to the island, this novel seemed to drag on too slowly and without much reality.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Summer reading!
Review: This was the first book by ARS that I've read and I absolutely loved it. The people, the Island and even all the problems. Made mine pale in comparison! I too, would love a sequel!

Rating:
Summary: This novel disappointed me as Molly seems unreal/
Review: To someone who has enjoyed Colony and others by Siddons, this book disappointed although it began well. The character seems sympathetic and strong, but somehow her husband's indiscretion totally destroys her good sense. From someone admirable, she turns into a weak person who uses a friend and wants to lean on others, including a distraught father. The characters of Martha's Vineyard , drawn poorly do not excite interest and the book goes downhill. At points, Siddons does show the inner thoughts of Molly, and that provides some impetus to hope she will wake up.

Rating:
Summary: rediculous
Review: I thought that this book was so boring and so hard to believe. There are so many better southern authors with a much greater and more compelling story to tell. As a New Englander, the Vineyard was not captured as she should be. It seemed that the author was "name dropping" all the places she has been on the Vineyard and trying to show off her limited knowledge. I was very disappointed in the novel and can be sure not to waste my time on any others by this author.

Rating:
Summary: Siddons has betrayal and divorce down cold with a great yarn
Review: The tale begins with a perfect portrait of an Atlanta-Club-Lady and moves in for the ultimate betrayal of house and home. This book was like diving in to your next door neighbor's life without the lawyer's bills. Siddons has crafted a matronly tale with a true heroine and leaves us wanting to know...what happened next?

Rating:
Summary: As usual, Siddons pulls us into the world she creates.
Review: Personally, I felt every nuance of the heartache and pain right along with Molly. Even though I adored this character, I couldn't help but wish she was a bit more forceful and outspoken. Despite that, I loved this wonderful book! Her settings make me yearn to visit the places she writes about.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Siddons!
Review: The novel was classic Siddons. She is her usual self in developing characters that you both align with and question their behavior at the same time. As always, Siddons makes you contemplate and examine yourself in relation to her characters in this story.

Rating:
Summary: A TRUE-TO LIFE PORTRAYAL
Review: MS. SIDDONS HAS A WONDERFUL WAY OF EXPRESSING HER CHARACTERS' DEEPEST FEELINGS. I FOUND MYSELF SHARING THAT COTTAGE WITH MOLLY AND EXPERIENCING ALL HER PAIN & JOY. I CAN NOW BETTER EMPATHIZE WITH SEVERAL OF MY FRIENDS WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH THE BETRAYAL OF A SPOUSE. THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK IS BOTH SAD & HOPEFUL - JUST LIKE REAL LIFE! I CAN'T WAIT TO READ MS. SIDDONS' NEXT NOVEL.

Rating:
Summary: A good summer read
Review: I dove into Up Island on July 3, and emerged on July 5 -- not exactly refreshed and renewed, but feeling like I'd spent a weekend with a soul sister. This is the first ARS book I've read, and I love the way she immerses you in both the emotional and physical environment of her character. Yes, I suppose that Molly doesn't qualify as a 90's woman -- she ends up taking care of others instead of herself. But, you know, this seems to me to be a classic kind of mid-life story. Sometimes we do find ourselves by taking care of others. And, the reality for women Molly's (and my) age is that you find yourself bidding farewell: to children, sometimes spouses and parents, and caring for aging parents at the same time. I love the way Molly finds herself healing: slowly, quietly, even as she tells herself, "I need to really deal with this." I'll definitely try some of ARS other books.