September by Rosamunde Pilcher Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of September
Book Review: "September" Tops My List of Favorite Family Sagas
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm an avid reader and this is, without a doubt, my favorite book of all time by my favorite author of all time. At the heart of "September" is Noel Keeling, a man sorely self-absorbed and with a life in disarray after a bitter fight with his mother and her subsequent death in "The Shell Seekers." Noel is drawn into the life of London caterer Alexa Aird, whose family and their good friends, the Balmerinos, are the pivotal families in this rich tale of love, betrayal, loss, despair, and redemption on the moors of Scotland.
You will meet Violet Aird, the aging matriarch rich in compassion yet fretful as she watches her son Edmund and his second wife Virginia grow apart over a disagreement concerning their son. When a former lover reenters Virginia's life, their son Henry disappears from boarding school, and a pathetic madwoman begins to dredge up the past, there is plenty to worry about. Add to the mix their good friends Archie and Isobel Balmerino, the lord and lady rich in titles but so short on cash they must open their family home to visiting American tourists. Their daughter Lucilla, a free-spirit who has been traveling through Europe with her Austrailian boyfriend, returns home with a most surprising guest in tow---Archie's sister Pandora who left twenty years ago over whispered-about circumstances and whose return changes lives forever.
This is another trip into the world of Rosamunde Pilcher, one rich in family ties, unsurpassed local color of her beloved Scotland, and characters that will long be in your memory. If you're looking for an engrossing book to curl up with, one you will be hard-put to set aside, this is the book for you.
Book Review: A STORY OF LOVE, LOVE LOST AND LOVE FOUND
Summary: 4 Stars
Violet Aird, the aging matriarch rich, is full of compassion yet fretful as she watches her son Edmund and his second wife Virginia grow apart over a disagreement concerning their son who Edmund insists has to be sent off to boarding school.
A former lover re-enters Virginia's life, and that throws a spanner in the works when she is so angry with her husband.
Lottie a town gossip who is getting worse by the day and now is peering through windows spying on people then confronting them with what she sees. Lottie is eventually commented to a mental hospital then escapes and people fear for their lives.
Violet Aird works on planning a big party for Katy Steyton 21st, Verena's daughter. Inviting so many including a relative who left town in disgrace running off with a married man and she never returned. Now many years later she thinks it is time and this 21st is a great excuse to come home. But the truth about her past also will upset a local rocky marriage.
A sequel of a sorts to "The Shell Seekers", but only one character from that story is in September : Noel.
SEPTEMBER really is a stand alone story which is a very engaging story with lots of loving details of the families with all its complications, joys, sorrows and let-downs that family brings.
Book Review: A Wonderful Family Saga
Summary: 4 Stars
I am a BIG fan of Pilcher's and enjoyed this book especially after the first 100 pages. The story really takes off after that.You'll meet Violet Aird, who's turning 78 years old, and her family Edmund, her son,along with Virginia, her daughter-in-law, and Henry their son. Also is Isobel and Archie, and their son Hamish who live in Croy, a very large estate.
Other characters include Edie, the lovely neighbor and best friend of Violet's. The Ishaks who own a store in town,Alexa, who is Edmund's daughter from an earlier marriage, and Pandora who is Archie's sister.
In the story, Violet works on planning a great big party for Katy Steyton, Verena's daughter, who is her friendly neighbor.
Invitations are sent out for the party, and there is a large attendance. Pandora, who hasn't been home for years is coming to town with a very sad secret. Alexa has fallen in love with Noel, of whom Violet isn't sure she really trusts, and Henry, who has been sent to boarding school against his will and his mother's as well, runs away and comes back home.
Another character, Lottie, has "some loose screws," and was committed to a mental hospital. She is sent home after supposedly becoming stable however, and creates a problem for everyone.
The book is all about love, betrayals, forgiveness and coming together. I wished it had been even 100 pages longer than it was. Pilcher knows how to put the depth into her stories.
Book Review: A journey to the heart of human Scotland
Summary: 5 Stars
Rosamunde Pilcher casts generous and loving light on the families of Strathcroy, Scotland, and brings us a tale of human nature in its variegated color. We treat with the chracters in a smorgasbord of failure and triumph, in situations real and recognizable. Pilcher's characters ring true, and the setting is given without compromise. The depth and strength of her characters drew me into this incredible plot, amazing as much for its realism and texture as for its honesty, but the element of surprise and the lack of trite romanticism made the novel the most satisfying read of months.Book Review: A more mature novel than Shell Seekers
Summary: 3 Stars
Makes an excellent and enjoyable read. Pilcher's writing style is comfortable and strings together just the right words to form delightful sentences. The story has all the interesting plots of romance, intrigue, family disputes, and hidden secrets. None of these seem contrived or melodramatic. Pilcher also has a touch of describing mundane activities with warmth and wit - making a cup of tea or clearing a sinkful of dishes - actually sound exciting!Some readers comment that Noel Keeling has changed. I disagree, it is only that some of his burning craving to be a 'somebody' in high-flying society, has been assuaged by his quite sizeable inheritance and the steady sucess in his career. If Alexa had not had her weatlh and riches and Noel had not seen the obvious opulence of Balnaid - I doubt he would have given her a second glance let alone any serious commitment.
Archie and Isobel are reminiscent of Nancy Chamberlain and George from Shell Seekers. Struggling to maintain a rambling house, son beign educated in an expensive school, and maintaining appearances when guests are on the scene.