This book truly moves along at a brisk pace, astonishingly so considering the significant number of pages it contains.

Susan Howatch has an uncanny ability to draw you into this captivating historical fiction right from the very beginning. The characters she creates are not only interesting but also richly developed, making them feel like real people.

The story line is nothing short of riveting, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. What makes this book even more engaging is the unique writing style. Each chapter is presented from the point of view of one of the characters in the story.

This allows you to see the events unfold through different perspectives, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. It keeps me so completely engrossed in the book that before I even realize it, I've reached the end and finished reading it.

It's a testament to Howatch's skill as a writer that she can create a world and characters that are so compelling and hold your attention from start to finish.

Terrific - what a splendid author!

This book is truly a gem. There is absolutely nothing to dislike about it. I was completely engrossed in the story from start to finish and would have been more than happy to continue reading for hours on end. Susan Howatch has a remarkable gift for creating excellent characters and weaving a captivating story. The way she develops the characters makes them come alive on the page, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found myself completely invested in the lives of the characters and their struggles. It's rare to find a book that can have such an impact on you. Thank you, Susan Howatch, for sharing your talent with us.

Susan Howatch is renowned for her trademark style and theme that delves deep into the story of a family spanning over generations. Her novels, often close to 800 pages in length, are told from the sequential points of view of one character from each generation.

This unique narrative approach allows readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the family's history and the complex web of relationships within it. Each character is portrayed in a way that makes them both sympathetic and unreliable, adding an element of intrigue and drama to the story.

As the story unfolds, we witness the tragic degeneration of the family through different iterations of power hunger. The characters' desires for power and control drive them to make decisions that have far-reaching consequences, not only for themselves but also for those around them.

Howatch's ability to create such complex and multi-dimensional characters, as well as her masterful storytelling, makes her novels a captivating read for fans of family sagas and psychological dramas alike.

Rich vs reality


This is a truly wonderful read that offers a unique perspective. It presents a story that delves deep into the idea of how the rich are, in fact, often quite poor. The narrative is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. It tells the tale of a family whose experiences are intertwined with historical facts, adding an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the story. As you read, you'll find yourself drawn into the lives of the characters, empathizing with their joys and sorrows. It makes you question the true meaning of wealth and what it really means to be rich in this world. Overall, it's a captivating and thought-provoking piece that will leave a lasting impression.

‘But I’m different! I’m special!’

  ‘But I’m different! I’m special!’

I will commence with two 'negatives'. Firstly, I required time to immerse myself in the story. Somewhere around the hundredth page, I became certain that I would cherish it. Secondly, I would have preferred a somewhat different ending. I'm unsure how it could have concluded better (to serve as a nice allusion to the real story, or at least how we envision the story unfolded), but I desired something distinct.

  ‘It’s hard to see people properly,’ I said, ‘when there’s a big shadow blocking the light.’

Now, let me share the remainder of my thoughts about the novel. Susan Howatch accomplished a remarkable feat in translating Cleopatra's story to the 1920s and 1930s of the XX century. If you are familiar with Cleopatra, the book might lose a bit of its charm for you, but I didn't mind that in the slightest. The moment I became captivated was when I was completely lost in the fictional world.

  but first and foremost I had deceived myself

The most outstanding aspect of Howatch's writing (her style) was the alternation of first-person narrators. Thus, we witnessed different perspectives on the same events/people. This means you have to put in some effort if you have a penchant for clear-cut views (especially regarding the characters). I would caution against such endeavors. As I previously mentioned, this ambiguity was the most appealing element.

  ‘Nothing’s for ever. Everything changes eventually, and it’s the people who adapt who survive.’

Once again, there was a profound understanding of human nature, or at least a fascination with it, which enabled the asking of thought-provoking questions and looking in places one might not ordinarily search.

  If people believe you’re brave you may not only half believe them but even draw a spurious courage from their delusion.

Susan Howatch has penned an exquisite historical fiction. It features an interesting, well-researched backdrop, complex characters, and meaningful messages. What more could one ask for?


By the way, are the wealthy truly different?

I absolutely loved it and its sequel Sins of the Fathers.

The story in the original was captivating from the very beginning. It had a unique charm that drew me in and kept me engaged throughout. The characters were well-developed, and I found myself truly invested in their fates.

Then came the sequel, Sins of the Fathers. It built upon the foundation laid by the first one, taking the story to new heights. The plot was more complex and filled with unexpected twists and turns. The relationships between the characters evolved in interesting ways, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.

Together, these two works form a wonderful series that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an exciting and engaging read. I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us in the future.

I first came across this book in 1979 and instantly fell in love with Susan Howach's writing.

Recently, I was overjoyed to discover that it was available on Audible, allowing me to 'listen' to the story this time around. The narration was simply perfect.

As I listened, I found myself reconnecting with all the characters, just as I had over 40 years ago.

Since then, I have learned that the story has parallels with Anthony and Cleopatra's tale. However, it is not essential to be familiar with this historical reference in order to fully enjoy the book.

The characters are so well-developed and the plot so engaging that it stands on its own merits.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Susan Howach or new to her work, this book is definitely worth a read or a listen.

Great Novel

I absolutely loved this story!!!!! It is truly one of the best novels I have read this year. The author has masterfully crafted a tale that takes place during an extremely interesting time in history. The details and the vivid descriptions bring that era to life, making it a captivating read from start to finish.

Not only is the story engaging, but it also offers many thought-provoking themes and ideas. It would make an excellent topic for a book club discussion. There are so many aspects to explore and analyze, from the characters' motivations and relationships to the historical context and its significance.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction. It is a must-read that will leave you entertained, informed, and eager to discuss it with others.

England, 1922. Wealthy New York banker Paul Van Zale, seeking entertainment, decides to invest in Dinah Slade's cosmetics enterprise. Despite the significant age gap between them, the two embark on an affair. However, Paul's past misdeeds eventually pull him back to his wife and the cutthroat world of Wall Street, perhaps even involving a gangster or two.

I'm currently in a bit of a review slump and not up for a detailed recap of events, so I'll keep this brief. Paul and Dinah experience numerous ups and downs and engage in some rather shady dealings. Additionally, he has to deal with his wife, his heir, and his nephew. The book commences in 1922, and the focus on banking provides the reader with a genuine insider's perspective on the stock trading boom of the late 20s, as well as a chilling look at the crash of 1929. Fans of juicy family feuds should add this one to their reading lists. As always, Howatch excels at the alternating first-person point of view. She truly should offer lessons to today's writers.

***Slightly spoilerish ahead, so I'll mark it with the spoiler tag even though I'm not revealing major spoilers.

Readers familiar with Howatch's works know that she often ties her characters and storylines to real historical people and events. In "Penmarric," "Cashelmara," and "Wheel of Fortune," she paralleled the Plantagenets of England. This time around, the parallel is that of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Marc Anthony. How she weaves this sordid little mess together, you'll have to read for yourself.

FTC disclosure: Purchased at a charity book sale.

I read this blockbuster when it was first released. At that time, I was in my twenties. It's really hard to believe that at the age of 20, I managed to read through this extremely dull and uninteresting book. The details in it are insanely tedious, and the characters are not at all likable. Moreover, the whole story is set against a dry and dusty banking background. I only gave it two stars because I managed to finish it when I was in my twenties.

However, this time around, I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief when I finally decided to give up. It seems that as I've grown older, my tolerance for such unappealing literature has decreased. Maybe it's because I've read more and have higher expectations, or maybe it's just that my interests have changed. In any case, I'm glad I had the courage to stop reading and not waste any more of my time on something that no longer holds my attention.

This is an excellent novel that truly stands out.

The story is filled with multiple climaxes, which is a rare and refreshing aspect. It keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, constantly eager to know what will happen next.

The author showcases her writing prowess by presenting the narrative from different perspectives. This not only adds depth and complexity to the story but also allows the readers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the characters and their motives.

Moreover, the author's ability to illustrate human flaws in a deliciously captivating way is truly remarkable. She delves deep into the psyche of the characters, revealing their imperfections and vulnerabilities with great skill and sensitivity.

Overall, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves intelligent and engaging literature. It is a work of art that will leave a lasting impression on the readers' minds.

I highly recommend it!

Wow,

this book was truly remarkable and completely different from any other book I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I am extremely grateful to Megan for the wonderful recommendation to pick up this literary gem.

It is rather challenging to summarize this book in just a few words. At the beginning, I thought the pace was a little sluggish, but as I delved deeper into each page, I found myself becoming more and more captivated. By the end, I was completely hooked and simply could not put it down.

This story revolves around four main characters and is divided into five parts. Each part is narrated by one of the characters, with one character having the privilege of narrating two parts. The novel is set in the 1920s American Investment Banking era, which was marred by greed and corruption. It then progresses through the Great Depression that followed the historic 1929 stock market crash and concludes during the height of World War II.

I am not even certain how to accurately summarize this book. It is a historical fiction that is filled with mystery, suspense, and scandal, leaving me on the edge of my seat, clueless about what was going to happen next. It was an amazing read that I would highly recommend to anyone.