Flambards Divided by K M Peyton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Flambards Divided
Book Review: A total letdown
Summary: 1 Stars
I agree with the person who decided that, like Godfather III, this book never happened. I understand the argument that this book was written for adults and therefore the circumstances were more realistic, but the problem was the writer wrote in the same style she wrote the first three. She didn't give the characters any depth or layers, or at least explain the psychology behind the breakdown of Christina and Dick's marriage. Essentially, she undid all the breaking down of class barriers she did in the first three books by making Dick into a villain and conveying the message that upper class women are good, lower class men are chauvinistic adulterers one shouldn't get involved with.Book Review: A wonderful read
Summary: 5 Stars
This is probably my favourite book of the trilogy with a great plot and characters. You may be disappointed by the development of some of the characters although I think the developments are extremely realistic and the book has a darker feel throughout than the previous books with it being as much about human flaws than dreams. Mrs Peyton is extremely good at informing you of how and why the charactors feel as they do and I found the book ultimately to be uplifting.Book Review: An Enjoyable Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I actually really enjoyed this book, so I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers found so distasteful about it. While yes, there were times when the characters seemed to be utterly different from the previous books in the series, it makes sense when you think about it, I mean, with the experiences that the characters have lived through, obviously it would effect how they lived their lives and alter their behaviors.
This book picks up where Flambards in Summer ended, with Christina and Dick engaged to be married. Almost at once, her Autnt Grace points out the challenges they are going to be faced with. This is where life's experiences come into play. I think that Christina bases much of her decisions early on in the story on her childhood infactuation influenced memories of Dick, steady and caring, he is almost the antithesis of her late husband William, the daring pilot and dreamer.
As the story progresses, it becomes more and more obvious that Christina and Dick's childhood memories of each other aren't enough to sustain their marriage on. Yes, they do appear to love each other, but not enough to accept each others perceived faults. Dick expects a little woman who is going to be satisfied with spending her life at home, raising his children, cooking his meals and caring for his house. Christina, while maybe not realizing it at first, has developed into a strong-willed, independent woman. It was what made her relationship with William in the second book of the series so strong, she learned how to stand up for herself and that it was all right to not always cowtow to her man's wants.
The marriage ends up a disaster since neither partner is able to accept the other for what they are. That's when Mark and Dorothy enter the scene. Mark is the first to appear, gravely injured during the war, and Christina ends up nursing him, not really back to health, but certainly onto the road of recovery. Dick is jealous, as usual, of any attention Christina gives her former brother-in-law. Dorothy arrives on the scene in short order to take over nursing duties, and the pair soon move into a nearby estate. It doesn't take long to see that they are unhappily married as well, only better at pretending otherwise. These two are the catalyst that really moves the story along. Dorothy has never been happy with just one man in her life, she may have a favorite from time to time, but marriage was a huge mistake on her part.
In short order, Dorothy eventually leaves Mark, though not officially. Mark becomes a success as a tractor salesman and develops a love for racing motorcars. He also confesses to Christina that he's been in love with her ever since she'd lived at Flambards as a child. Meanwhile, Dick enters into an adulturous relationship and evenutally divorces abound.
Although it's kind of left as a cliffhanger whether or not Mark and Christina eventually marry, they have to contend with a law that forbids a man to marry his brother's widow, the author definitely leaves the impression that the change to the law required for their marriage to take place is set to happen in short order.
I actually enjoyed the growing relationship between Mark and Christina. I also found it ironic that a few times throughout the book when she was fighting her attraction to him, she couldn't help but compare him to his late brother William, commenting on unexpected similarities between the two men.
Sorry about the disjointed review here, but it's been a little while since I last read this book and things are just coming back to me as I write. All I can really finish up with is that I strongly recommend this book if you've read the rest of the trilogy. What's the worse that can happen, you either enjoy it for the wonderful story it is, or you treat it like the Godfather III and forget it ever happened.
Book Review: Classism rears its ugly head!
Summary: 1 Stars
I have never been so disappointed in any book as I was by this one. I am currently re-reading the trilogy and am even more struck by what an absolute jack-ass Mark is. There is nothing admirable or romantic about him - he is elitist, sexist, and treats Christina horribly. After I read this book, I dumped it in the trash. It was as if K.M. Peyton completely disregarded the progressive view she displayed in the first 3 books and decided that England would be better off with the classes staying in their proper stations. I wish I had never read this book. Anyone who loves how tenderly and considerately Dick treats Christina and who hates how badly Mark treats her would not enjoy this novel. Even William loved flying more than Christina. Only Dick understands Christina and knows how to run Flambards with her as a team. He is a loving father and would put his family first. Mark loves only one thing - Mark. I know people who find the dashing "bad boy" to be more appealing, but that is not who I would want anyone I cared about to marry.Book Review: Endearing Flambards characters unrecognizable
Summary: 1 Stars
This is perhaps the most disappointing sequel I have ever had the misfortune of reading. The characters, who many grew to love (or hate) through the Flambards trilogy, seem so unlike themselves, particularly patient and devoted Dick, who has been transformed into a backward, self-conscious, adulterous (!) workaholic. What is perhaps most disappointing is the lack of character and strength of Christina. She can't seem to face up to her responsibilities and the choices she has made. The author, whom I feel cannot be the same K. M. Peyton of old, takes the easy way out by concluding this book in the manner she does. In addition, I found several errors in the actual writing of the book - dates were confused, as were characters' ages and some of their histories. I cannot believe the author spent the same time, energy, and love writing this book as she had with the Flambards trilogy, or with her other literary works which I read as a child and loved. This is not worth your time reading.
More Flambards Divided reviews:
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