Re-reading this book after 25 years...

And I still find myself deeply in love with it. Susan Howatch is truly a master storyteller. She delves into every aspect of her characters' lives with such detail that it feels entirely believable. The passions, heartaches, love, and death are seamlessly woven together in this flawless novel. The references to Richard and King John at the start of each chapter add an interesting parallel to modern life. Even in the 21st century, the characters are so vivid and relatable.

Her descriptions of the Cornish countryside are simply breathtaking. As an expat living in Canada, it takes me straight back to my homeland. This book will always hold a special place in my heart and will remain a favorite for years to come.

It's not just a story; it's an experience that transports you to another world and makes you feel all the emotions along with the characters. Howatch's writing is a work of art that stands the test of time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story filled with drama, romance, and a touch of history.

I can't wait to see what other masterpieces Susan Howatch has in store for us in the future.

This is a truly sweeping novel that chronicles the evolution of a family as it morphs over time into numerous extended families.

It had me completely engrossed from start to finish. Even though it took me a fair amount of time to complete, part of which was due to my busy schedule and part because it is a rather lengthy book, I never once felt that it was overly long.

As I delved into the many pages, I got to know a plethora of individual characters within the "family." The book vividly portrays the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of these characters, painting a rich and complex tapestry of their lives.

It seamlessly flows back and forth through the generations, showing how they change and develop. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read. It offers a unique and detailed look into the dynamics of family life and the passage of time.

Overall, it is a remarkable piece of literature that is well worth the time and effort to read.

When I was a child, my mother had the book Cashelmara on her bookshelf.

I never took it down and read it at that time. However, recently both that book and this one appeared in my Kindle recommendations.

Firstly, let me state that Susan Howatch was a storyteller in a similar vein as Maeve Binchy and Colleen McCollough, capable of weaving an engaging family saga.

Secondly, this book has withstood the test of time. Despite being written decades ago, the language and the writing style seem contemporary.

Thirdly, I was captivated from the very beginning. I haven't read a 1000+ page book that made me stay up late at night reading for many years.

The story revolves around a house in Cornwall and the generations of a family who fought to live there. Key characters have their opportunities to share their stories from the late 19th century through World War II. The characters are well-developed, and their lives and struggles are timeless.

I highly recommend this book if you are seeking a captivating read to keep you entertained.

As a book about Cornwall, this one truly doesn't measure up to the Poldark books.

The characters within it are thoroughly unlikable, making it difficult for the reader to form any sort of connection or empathy.

There are numerous comments about the 'Cornish lilt', yet the dialog is not written with the cadence and wording that is common to the people of Cornwall.

This lack of authenticity detracts from the overall reading experience.

While the book was readable to a certain extent, it failed to leave a lasting impression.

I can say with certainty that I definitely wouldn't read it again.

It seems to have missed the mark in capturing the essence and charm of Cornwall and its people.

Perhaps with a different approach to character development and a more accurate portrayal of the local dialect, this book could have been a more enjoyable read.

As it stands, it simply doesn't compare to the beloved Poldark series.

As a devoted fan of Rosamunde Pilcher, I have frequently heard author Susan Howatch mentioned during discussions as another potential favorite who shares similar traits in her writing. Sadly, much of her work is difficult to locate, with some even being out of print. However, last year, I was fortunate enough to obtain a beautiful 1971 edition of "Penmarric" at a library sidewalk sale. It has been sitting on my shelf ever since, tantalizing me to read it for approximately that long! When I inquired about where to begin with Howatch's works, I was advised to start with either "Penmarric" or "Cashelmara", so "Cashelmara" will be the next one on my list!

Howatch's novels are grand in scope, weaving captivating tales of multi-generational families. In "Penmarric", the story revolves around a family that is both united and torn apart by a crumbling estate on the coast of Cornwall. This estate, Penmarric, becomes the source of contention, jealousy, greed, and avarice. Despite the large-scale narrative, what I adored most about this book was how Howatch managed to zoom in and capture the super small and intimate details. Spanning almost 80 years and told from 5 different perspectives, the book offers a comprehensive view of the daily lives of the Penmar and Castallack families, including both significant and insignificant details. I have a particular fondness for books that are bold and expansive in scope yet also delve deeply into the mundane aspects of life, such as the tedious daily chores on the farm, the conversations around the dinner table, or the recounting of a letter received from a sister or cousin in Scotland. I also appreciated the tidbits of UK history that were incorporated, as they served as a backdrop for the story and firmly anchored it in the historical landscape.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and it held my interest throughout its 700+ pages. However, I didn't love it as much as I had anticipated. Nevertheless, Howatch succeeded in transporting me to another time and place, and who could resist that? Additionally, that vintage cover is simply luscious and lovely.

I have a complex feeling towards this book. On one hand, I truly loved it. It had captivating stories, interesting characters, and engaging plots that kept me hooked from the very beginning.

However, on the other hand, I am also happy to be free of it. After spending so much time with it, I feel a sense of relief. Maybe it's because I have finally completed it and can move on to other things.

Overall, this book has been an important part of my reading journey. It has brought me joy and excitement, but also a certain amount of stress. Now that I am done with it, I can look back and appreciate all that it has given me.

I don't know if I will read it again in the future, but I will always remember the impact it has had on me.

Read so long ago, back in my theater days in the late 1970's. I was backstage at the Civic Auditorium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

It makes me wonder if anything from this book ended up in the legend of the ghost of the civic that we were creating.

Do the tales of that haunting still exist today?

We were truly awful.

Looking back, it was a chaotic time. The stage was a mess, and our performances left much to be desired.

But there was something about that old auditorium that added an air of mystery.

Maybe it was the creaky floors or the drafty halls.

Or perhaps it was just our overactive imaginations.

Regardless, the idea of a ghost lurking in the shadows was enough to send shivers down our spines.

Even though we were terrible actors, we managed to create a bit of a stir with our talk of the haunted civic.

And who knows, maybe there was some truth to our tales after all.

This is probably my all-time favorite historical fiction book.

I am truly captivated by the way the sections ingeniously alter your loyalty to the characters based on the point of view of the narrator.

It's truly remarkable how a character who was once much despised can suddenly become one to whom you feel deep sympathy.

Conversely, a favorite voice that you initially adored can transform into something shrill and irritating.

This ability to manipulate the reader's emotions and perspectives is a testament to the author's remarkable storytelling skills.

I am so deeply impressed with this entire saga.

It has taken me on an unforgettable journey through history, filled with complex characters and unexpected plot twists.

I can't wait to recommend this book to all my friends and fellow book lovers.

It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

I absolutely adore these historical family sagas penned by S. Howatch! This is, I believe, my third one, and I can't wait to devour the next two that are sitting on my reading list. Each of these sagas is truly unique, delving into the lives of different families over multiple generations, chronicling all the trials and tribulations that life hurls their way. What I especially love is the cleverly expressed tie-in to the Plantagenets and the parallel it draws to the family within the saga. The locations, be it the vast landscapes, charming villages, bustling cities, or cozy homesteads, are described in such exquisite detail. The characters are so entirely original that I have this uncanny feeling as if I know each and every one of them personally. I'm well aware that when I embark on her multi-generational books, it's going to be a long and immersive read. But for me, when it's executed so masterfully with minimal repetition, I truly relish every moment. Learning about the Cornish Tin Coast at the turn of the 20th century was not only fascinating but also quite educational.

The book is divided into 5 parts. It commences in 1890 with the narrative of a young Mark Castallack. He introduces us to Penmarric, an estate in Cornwall. This estate was supposed to be inherited by his mother Maud. But instead, it went to her cousin Giles. Giles had managed to win the affection of Maud’s father after the death of her brother. Maud herself was separated from her scholarly and gentlemanly husband Laurence Castallack. She resides in London and spends her life in a legal battle to secure Penmarric for her son. Mark, who is not fond of his mother and feels more kinship to his father’s quiet and scholarly taste, has no interest in Penmarric. He rather hopes to become a historian like his father. He works hard and goes to Oxford to read history. Meanwhile, his mother continues to wage a battle for Penmarric which she ultimately loses. However, with the death of Giles’s only son, Mark suddenly becomes the heir to Penmarric.

At this time, his father closes his own house, an estate in North Cornwall, and comes to reside near Penmarric on a small farm which he inherited from his mother. While visiting his father, one day Mark meets a widow of a farmer, Janna, who is 10 years his senior. He is instantly taken with her. But Janna is not interested in Mark. Angered by her rejection, Mark goes away to a seaside resort. There he meets Rose, a daughter of a doctor who works as a nanny after her father’s death. Spurred on by Janna’s rejection, he sets out to seduce Rose and then returns to his father’s farm. Rose soon becomes pregnant. Things come to a head when Laurence dies while seeking reconciliation with Mark, after a bitter argument when he comes to know about Rose. With the death of Laurence, followed soon by the demise of Giles, Mark takes over Penmarric and sets out to conquer Janna, with turbulent results that reverberate through two generations of the Castallack family, spanning over 60 years.

The book from the very beginning calls out that it is more of a modern retelling of the history of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and the rise and fall of the Plantagenet family. Each book begins with a brief synopsis of the Plantagenet family history. This vaguely gives the reader the idea of the premises of the chapters which would follow. It is the credit of the author that despite this synopsis, which kind of lays bare what is about to unfold, the grip of the plot is never lost. As a reader, you would keep turning pages to see actually what does happen. This fine balance of marking out the premises without giving away the solution to the suspense is a fine and delicate art. Ms. Howatch manages this with mastery and great finesse. Her characters are all capable of being generous, liberal, and honest and brave at the same time. They can also behave in an unworthy manner. They are all well drawn out and each character stands independently and distinctly of each other, making the plot more taut. However, there are some inconsistencies. There is a sudden turning of really bad to really good without enough explanation. For one instance, you are blackmailing your own father and the next minute the same person is revered as a local hero. While I understand that man has many facets, goodness is often well rounded. And while we all have moments of weakness, rarely have I seen a nature so contradictory. Having said that, these inconsistencies do not take anything away from the story. The narratives play out beautifully, doing ample justice to the lovely beauty of Cornwall as well as the very unsettled history of England from 1890 - 1945. In fact, this is another master stroke by Ms. Howatch. Many historical novels have a tendency to become history books where history and not the story is the mainstay of the novel. But in this book, there is again a very fine balance. One is constantly aware of the changing dynamics in the history and society of England without it taking center stage. The breakdown of the old social order is brought out more by the conduct of the characters rather than a linear narrative. For instance, at the very onset it is clear Mark Castellack favors the traditional idea of women in vogue then where “intellect” was not a lady’s forte, but rather home and hearth should be the core of her existence. Yet the same Mark Castellack some 35 years later supports his daughter’s education and sends her to Cambridge. This kind of story telling slowly and distinctly unravels the changes in the history while marrying it skillfully with the core theme.
I cannot say I am absolutely fond of this book. In fact, I felt it would make a better film than a book, considering the father against son, brother against brother, blackmail, adultery etc. However, I am extremely glad to have read it once. And if nothing else, as a reader, you will be left breathless, with the most glorious description of Cornwall that you could see, breathe and even feel Cornwall.

I came into this book with a great deal of anticipation.

I had previously read Howatch’s Van Zale duology and thoroughly relished it. It was the kind of series I never imagined I would like, yet in the end, I derived a great deal of pleasure from it, and it opened my mind to the world of family sagas. Therefore, I am delving a little deeper into this genre with another of her books.

This particular work follows a Cornish Tin Mining family from 1890 to 1945. Just as in all her family sagas, these characters are based on real historical figures, in this instance, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their children.

Well, I am a huge enthusiast of Sharon Kay Penman, and she penned around 6 books that covered that subject, all of which were outstanding. I was curious to witness what Howatch would do based on those characters.

In the book, there are 5 parts. Each part is narrated in the first person by a different character.

Initially, I believed this was going to be a letdown. Mark, the substitute for Henry II, I found extremely difficult to like. I suppose a significant portion of his character growth occurred through the perspectives of other characters, so his point of view presented him at his worst. This was disheartening; in Penman’s works, Henry II was one of my favorite characters to read about, as he was so captivating. I wondered if perhaps I wasn’t going to enjoy this book after all.

Janna, the stand-in for Eleanor, was marginally better, but the book truly took off with Adrian, Philip, and Jan-Yves, their children. By that point, the groundwork had been laid, but I also had the impression that Howatch had figured out how to write the book more proficiently and was herself more self-assured in her writing.

This is borne out numerically, as the first part is less than a hundred pages, while the last is more than double that length.

As always, each character has a distinct view of the world, of themselves, and of the other characters, which only becomes evident when you are reading from their point of view. I truly appreciate this aspect of Howatch’s writing.

What astonished me the most about this book was how much I enjoyed Jan-Yve’s section. I wasn’t looking forward to it - King John was not my favorite Plantagenet - but in this rendition, his story had the most intriguing development. I liked him a great deal more at the end of his part than at the start. Without him, I think this book wouldn’t have quite merited the 4th star, but he did a commendable job of tying up the tale.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, albeit in ways that deviated from what I had expected when I began.

I was truly all over the place when it came to this book.

At the very beginning, I was convinced that I wouldn't be able to finish it. This was mainly because I had an intense dislike for Mark Castallack's character. In fact, I found many of the male characters to be complete asses. I do understand that perhaps this was the author's intended point, to create complex and flawed characters.

But still, I persevered and gradually began to enjoy the story. The descriptions of the stark landscapes of Cornwall were simply captivating. They painted a vivid picture in my mind. Additionally, the sections on tin mining were especially interesting and added a unique element to the narrative.

I was quite glad that I stuck with the book until the last fifty or so pages. However, then the characters started unceremoniously dropping like flies. Seriously, they were just casually killed off, which really irritated me. The book's ending left me very skeptical about the future happiness of the final master of Penmarric. I'm sure this was Howatch's intent, but it still left me with a somewhat dissatisfied feeling.

In short, I have to say that I liked The Wheel of Fortune much better than Penmarric.