Do You like book The Sisters Mortland (2007)?
Every character in this book is keeping secrets. Twenty years after tragedy hits the Mortland family, the truth about the accident, and all the family secrets, start to unravel, almost to the point that the reader feels out of control. When I started this book i felt I had stepped into a Jane Austen novel. It was interesting enough, but then this pleasant story slowly started taking some dark turns, and didn't stop until the whole thing was over. I believe my mouth was a gap when I finished. While others may disagree, I thought Beauman was brilliant
—Beth
One of the best choices I have ever made in the "bought it randomly because it was a bargain book and looked intriguing" category. The first portion is set in 1967 narrated by a 13 year old girl, while the rest of the book is set 20+ years later as the characters grapple with unravelling the events of that ultimately tragic summer. Interesting character studies and suspenseful though not quite a mystery. Also randomly this is about the 5th book I have read this year set in part in the decaying estate of a once wealthy British family, although this one was perhaps a little less gothic than the rest.
—Jennifer
Where do I join the Sally Beauman fanclub? I didn't know her 2 months ago and now this is the second book by her I've read (first was 'The Visitors') and both get 5 stars from me. How do I love Sally? Let me count the ways:1. She can write like nobody's business (ahem-to coin a phrase)2. She plots her stories well with complex characters and intricate detail3. You can take the story at face value, but her themes revolve around the bigger picture of humanities brilliance, flaws and emotions4. Twice now, I have found her stories to be unpredictable; in other words, I could NOT foresee what was going to happen or how a situation would resolve itself5. She takes the time to build up the momentum by conscientiously and lavishly describing the characters and setting; I feel like I am part of the story by the time it starts "cooking"This story of 3 sisters and 3 men is very English but not conventional. A few of the characters take a turn as narrator and I found it uniquely moving. I think this is Ms. Beauman's true talent...she creates characters that I, for one, feel strong emotions. I would also characterize her writing as especially enjoyable for those of us who enjoy the journey and aren't intently focused on the destination. I can hardly wait to read another one of her books.
—Randee