Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
26(26%)
4 stars
38(38%)
3 stars
36(36%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Here is an absorbing story about a highly wealthy New York banking family. Interestingly, it's not truly a "multigenerational" tale in the traditional sense; rather, it can be considered "one-and-a-half generations." The story begins with Sam narrating his portion in 1949. Then, Alicia takes over and shares her narrative, also set in 1949. After that, we progress through four more characters. Finally, we reach Vicky, with her story spanning from 1963 to 1967.


I must admit that I felt the book dragged a bit in the latter part. However, as it approached the end, everything started to come together beautifully. The various storylines intertwined and created a cohesive and engaging whole.


Altogether, it is a satisfying story that offers a glimpse into the lives and dramas of this affluent banking family. Despite its minor flaws, it manages to keep the reader hooked until the very end.

July 15,2025
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Sins of the Fathers is an enticing family saga that delves deep into the intricate web of manipulation occurring between the generations of two families. The author, Susan Howatch, showcases an extraordinary and somewhat alarming understanding of the human psyche. This captivating work presents a plethora of conflicts. There is the generational conflict within the family, where different values and expectations collide. In addition, there is the conflict between generations within the corporate world of banking in the bustling city of New York. The story also weaves in multiple marriages, resulting in blended families with their own set of challenges and dynamics. Friendships are another aspect that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Howatch masterfully crafts a tale that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end, exploring the various relationships and the sins that are passed down through the generations.

July 15,2025
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Epic storytelling at its best.

However, it should be noted that epic stories have a tendency to veer towards melodrama. And this book is no exception. In fact, any "inter-generational love stories that carry across continents and go from bedroom to boardroom" are likely to have this characteristic.

Due to this, I had to give it four stars instead of five. But it was really, really close to that perfect five-star rating. The story was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the plot had enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Overall, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys epic love stories.
July 15,2025
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Enjoy Susan Howatch books. Her works are truly captivating. The characters she creates are not only vivid but also have a certain charm that keeps readers hooked from the very beginning. In her books, especially starting from "The Rich Ate Different", she continues to develop these great characters. Each character has their own unique personality, background, and story arc. They face various challenges and conflicts, which makes the plot more exciting and engaging. Howatch's writing style is also very细腻, allowing readers to truly understand and empathize with the characters. Whether it's the complex relationships between the characters or the inner turmoil they experience, she portrays them all in a very realistic and touching way. Reading her books is like embarking on a journey through the lives of these fascinating characters, and it's an experience that is not to be missed.



July 15,2025
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Pretty decent sequel to "The Rich are Different."

It manages to maintain the essence and charm of the original while adding new elements to keep the story engaging.

The plot unfolds in an interesting way, with several twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

However, I still have a major gripe with Cornelius. What a little backstabber he is!

His actions are despicable and make it hard for me to root for him.

Despite this, the other characters are well-developed and their relationships add depth to the story.

The author does a good job of描绘 the world of the rich and famous, with all its glitz and glamour.

Overall, it's a solid sequel that fans of the first book will enjoy.

It's not without its flaws, but it's definitely worth a read.
July 15,2025
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This book is the sequel of The Rich are Different.

Even if I haven't read the first book of this series, the author has managed to smoothly integrate the previous story into the present plot.

This is the story of Cornelius Van Zale and his family during the period from 1949 to 1967. Each part of the book is dedicated to one of the main characters, who then become the narrators of the story.

The author has intertwined several controversial themes, such as adultery, murder, alcoholism, impotence, and health problems, among others, without losing focus on the main plot.

In my opinion, Susan Howatch is a master storyteller. Her stories are quite unpredictable and very complex.

Some other books I highly recommend are Penmarric (1971), Cashelmara (1974), and The Wheel of Fortune (1984).

Here are the ratings for some of her books: 5* for Penmarric, 5* for Cashelmara, 4* for The Shrouded Walls, 3* for April's Grave, 3* for The Devil on Lammas Night, 5* for The Wheel of Fortune, and 4* for Sins of the Fathers.
July 15,2025
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I absolutely loved this book and it had such a captivating hold on me that I simply could not put it down.

I first read this remarkable piece approximately 30 years ago. At that time, it left a profound impression on me.

Recently, I decided to pick it up again and give it a second read. To my great delight, it was just as good, if not better, the second time around.

The story, the characters, and the overall narrative still had the same charm and ability to draw me in completely. It was as if I was experiencing it all for the very first time.

This book truly stands the test of time and is a classic that I would highly recommend to anyone.
July 15,2025
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Susan Howatch's work, while perhaps not as utterly gripping as The Rich Are Different, still places her among the few peers in her particular genre. Her stories have a certain charm and allure that draw readers in. The dialogues and interactions between the characters in her books are so vivid and engaging that it makes one wish that in real life, people would communicate and engage with one another in the same way. If only real-life conversations could have the depth and authenticity that are present in her fictional worlds. Alas, in reality, it seems that such genuine interactions are rare. As a result, I find myself becoming more introverted. I long for the kind of connections that are portrayed in Howatch's books, but often feel disappointed when I don't encounter them in my own life.

July 15,2025
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A Fantastic Sequel to "The Rich Are Different"



"The Rich Are Different" was a thought-provoking piece that explored the unique characteristics and behaviors of the wealthy. Now, a fantastic sequel has emerged, delving even deeper into this fascinating topic.

This sequel takes a closer look at how the rich navigate the complex world of finance and investment. It examines their strategies for wealth preservation and growth, as well as the role that privilege and access play in their financial success.

In addition to finance, the sequel also explores the social and cultural aspects of being rich. It looks at how the wealthy interact with one another and with the rest of society, and how their lifestyles and values may differ from those of the average person.

Overall, this sequel is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the rich and the world they inhabit. It offers a fresh perspective on a topic that has long intrigued and fascinated people, and is sure to spark lively discussions and debates.
July 15,2025
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Another excellent, lengthy book penned by Howatch has emerged.

It is, however, not on par with the remarkable "Wheel Of Fortune".

This new work showcases Howatch's undeniable talent for crafting engaging stories and complex characters.

The narrative unfolds in a detailed and captivating manner, drawing the reader in from the very beginning.

Although it may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, it still offers a great deal of entertainment and literary value.

Howatch's writing style is as elegant and descriptive as ever, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind.

Overall, this is a book that fans of Howatch's work will surely enjoy, even if it doesn't quite match the brilliance of "Wheel Of Fortune".
July 15,2025
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I guess I am in the minority, but I did not finish this book. Instead, I listened to the audio book.

The story takes place in the vibrant and bustling city of New York. The reader, who has a distinct English accent, brings the words to life.

However, despite the interesting setting and the engaging narration, I did not find myself liking the characters. Their actions and decisions often left me feeling frustrated and disconnected.

Moreover, their language did not resonate with me either. It seemed too foreign or perhaps not in line with my personal tastes.

As a result, I struggled to get through the entire book and ultimately decided to stop listening.

While I understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to literature, I just could not find the enjoyment in this particular story.

Maybe others will have a different experience and be able to fully immerse themselves in the world created by the author. But for me, it was not meant to be.

July 15,2025
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Saga is a captivating story that unfolds over 17 years. It follows the journey of four men who are trained with the aim of building a future in the banking industry. However, along the way, one of them decides to leave the business. The narrative takes us from the bustling world of Wall Street to the more refined landscapes of England. We witness their pursuit of wealth and ambition, the challenges they face, and the choices they make. It's a story that delves into the complex nature of human desires and the consequences of our actions. The author has crafted a lovely read that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Whether you're interested in the world of finance or simply enjoy a well-written saga, this book is sure to satisfy.

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