Rating: 
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read.
Review: This book is patterned after the lives of some medival kings of England, but even knowing the basic plot, I couldn't put it down. The story is told over a period of years through the eyes of 6 different characters. Ms. Howatch changes point of view in a masterful way. Plus there is no unnecessary 'biological detail' just to sell the book. A truly wonderful, marvellous book.
Rating: 
Summary: Susan's Worst!
Review: This is a pretty good book if you like to read about people (especially spoiled whiny ones) moving back and forth between Ireland and London every other page. Ms. Howatch certainly wasted her talent on this book. Read Penmarric instead. It is one of Ms. Howatch's best.
Rating:
Summary: You wont be able to put this one down !
Review: This is the first book I have read by Susan Howatch. I generally dont read much of fiction and this book looked too thick as well. But I picked up this book at a friend's place when I had nothing to do and started reading it just for the sake of it. Well, I had to borrow the book home (and have no intentions of returning it) and read it as if my life depended on finishing it. The story spans three generations and the characters seem real. These are people who driven by circumstances (including a crop famine) and family ties hate, love,sacrifice, take revenge, and even kill. Gripping stuff. You will be able to identify with all the characters in the book and thanks to the writer's skill, will be able to understand why they behave the way they do. Just read it! .
Rating: 
Summary: Cashelmara
Review: Unlike some of the reviewers, I read this book because I liked the Church of England series. This "family" history was captivating and unusual because each section was told through the eyes of different family members. It was somewhat like looking at the family through a prism. Ms. Howatch writes delicately and well and manages to adjust her style to the different characters' styles and personalities. Although the book is long, it is not a difficult book to read. There is probably not enough here for my book club to discuss, (no Poisonwood here); however, it is a very enjoyable book.
Rating:
Summary: Cashelmara
Review: Unlike some of the reviewers, I read this book because I liked the Church of England series. This "family" history was captivating and unusual because each section was told through the eyes of different family members. It was somewhat like looking at the family through a prism. Ms. Howatch writes delicately and well and manages to adjust her style to the different characters' styles and personalities. Although the book is long, it is not a difficult book to read. There is probably not enough here for my book club to discuss, (no Poisonwood here); however, it is a very enjoyable book.
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