My first encounter with a Susan Howatch novel was truly a remarkable experience.

I had just begun reading this particular story, and before I even reached the halfway point, I was so completely captivated that I couldn't resist purchasing ten more of her novels.

It's astonishing how her writing has this magical charm that hooks you from the very first page.

Her characters are vividly brought to life, and the plots are filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

With each sentence, she weaves a web of intrigue and emotion that draws you deeper into the story.

It's no wonder that I was so eager to explore more of her works.

Susan Howatch is truly a master of her craft, and I can't wait to see what other literary treasures she has in store for her readers.

Well, I finally managed to complete these rather hefty tomes (each one exceeded 700 pages). As you all know, I've been pruning my "To Read" shelf lately, and in the process, I looked up every book on it to assess whether it was worth reading or not. Initially, I only had an old-looking copy of "Sins of the Fathers" (I think it might have belonged to my Aunt). When I searched for information online, I was dismayed to discover that it was the second in a series (I really hate starting a story in the middle), so I almost threw it away. Then I came across a review that pointed out that Susan Howatch bases her fiction on the lives of historical figures, creating parallel characters in a different time period that echo the lives of the past in a new fictional context.

In this case, the Van Zale series is inspired by events from Ancient Rome. Book 1 draws on the lives of Julius Caesar, his wives, and contemporaries (including Cleopatra and Marc Antony), but is set in the United States between World War 1 and World War 2. Book 2 uses Julius Caesar's heir Octavian, and his wives and children, and is set in the years following World War 2 up to the 1960s. That information sounded quite interesting, so it motivated me to obtain a copy of Book 1 in the series and start reading.

First of all, these books are extremely long. There is a great deal of detail, which was well outside my comfort zone. Book 1 is set in the world of high finance in the teens and twenties, with Paul Van Zale rising from poverty and obscurity to a life of wealth, power, and privilege. On the plus side, Howatch managed to make the finance-related content quite engaging, and the historical information was also interesting (particularly the Wall Street crash). However, the downside was that the personal lives of these characters were like a bad soap opera. I could have done without a lot of that.

Another aspect that was both a plus and a possible minus was the way Howatch tells the story from different points of view throughout the novel. This isn't done in the immediate back-and-forth manner that many modern writers use. Instead, several chapters are narrated by one character, and everything in that section is presented from that one perspective. Then suddenly, it would switch, and a new section would begin, and you would see everything from the point of view of a completely different person, who had been perceived differently through the eyes of the previous narrator. I found this fascinating in many ways, but it also made the reading experience a bit strange at times because I would find myself liking someone I hadn't liked much before. (This wasn't always the case, though. Some narrators were still really unpleasant people, and it didn't matter how much you got inside their heads, you still didn't care about them.) Another thing about this experience was that - especially in the case of the second book - there was one whole section that was really not pleasant to read, where the language and much of the subject matter were very off-putting, and I had a hard time getting through it.

I have to say that I'm really glad I read the first book before the second. The second one really depends on the events of the first book to make sense of everything that the characters do in the second book. Paul Van Zale looms large over it all, yet he dies in the first book.

In conclusion, these are rather strange books to review. I went back and forth in my feelings about the books as I was reading them. In the end, I've decided to give two stars to Book 1 - "The Rich are Different". That rating is based on the fascinating life of Paul Van Zale and the drama of his life and death (spoiler alert, Caesar dies). Book 2 is going to get 1 star. I found most of it boring and somewhat gross (too much emphasis on sexual relationships), but Vicki's narration in the last chapter did raise it a bit, so it's probably really 1.5 stars.

I can't really recommend these books unless you're a die-hard fan of Julius Caesar or have a particular interest in the historical world of banking and high finance. I didn't really care for Howatch's style or subject matter, so I won't be reading more of her books, but I'm still glad I read this series if only for the historical interest.

A brilliant read!

Forget the underlying historical basis; that's just the icing on the cake. I didn't find it relevant to the enjoyment of this novel at all. This is a wonderfully written, engaging, and exciting story that shows how each of the major characters views the events in the storyline from their own perspective. You can also see this in Penmarric, which I also loved.

I'm going on to read more of the Howatch novels because, hands down, she is just a brilliant writer. With all the drivel out there masquerading as literature, this was an entertaining novel that I simply could not put down. It's like a breath of fresh air in a world filled with mediocre writing. Howatch has a unique ability to bring her characters to life and make the reader feel fully invested in their stories. Her attention to detail and her skill in crafting a captivating plot are truly remarkable. I can't wait to see what other gems she has in store for us.

I can't help but think that Susan Howatch is at her best in earlier centuries.

The family saga she presents is still utterly fascinating and richly detailed. However, when it comes to the world of banking, it sometimes seems to defeat both her and the reader.

It takes us into places that we might rather not venture. Nevertheless, she remains a master storyteller.

She skillfully uses the voices of several characters to guide us through a web of intrigue, romance, and conflict.

Although this work may not be as outstanding as Cashelmara or Penmarric, it is still infinitely readable.

One can't help but be drawn into the story and keep turning the pages, eager to see how the various plotlines unfold and how the characters will navigate through the challenges and emotions that come their way.

Howatch's ability to create complex and engaging characters and weave a captivating narrative is truly remarkable, even if this particular work has its limitations in certain aspects.

Overall, it is a testament to her talent as a writer that her books continue to be enjoyed by readers around the world.

I have a great appreciation for the author's unique style of seamlessly transitioning from one character to another as the story unfolds.

This approach allows the reader to develop a sense of empathy for each individual, enabling us to understand their perspectives and emotions.

However, it's interesting to note that I didn't initially have a strong liking for most of the characters.

As I delved deeper into the reading, I found myself warming up to them to some extent.

While they do possess depth and are well-rounded, they are primarily not the kind of people I would desire to imitate.

These characters are cut-throat Wall Street bankers with a rather limited moral compass.

Despite their flaws, their complex personalities add an element of intrigue to the story, making it a captivating read.

Overall, the author's skill in creating such diverse and multi-faceted characters is truly remarkable.

I immediately purchased a copy of this book for someone's birthday right after I finished reading it.

The story offers a compelling retelling of the intrigues that took place in ancient Rome. It is truly fascinating to delve into this world and witness the complex web of political machinations and power struggles.

Moreover, reading about the 1920s from a distance of 100 years gives a unique perspective. It allows us to look back and understand the social, cultural, and historical context of that era.

This book has a certain charm that makes it seem timeless. It transcends the boundaries of time and continues to engage readers even after all these years.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for an interesting read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

I first read this book when I was around 20 years old. Then, I read it again in my 30s. And just recently, in my 40s, I re-read it for the third time.

There is truly something special about this story. Each time I read it, I discover different details that I either didn't notice before or didn't fully understand.

Just recently, I realized that this book mirrors the story of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony, but it is set in the 1900s. It's really quite fascinating.

I love this book, but I do wish the author had chosen a different title. The current title is very misleading and doesn't do justice to the depth and complexity of the story within.

Despite the title, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or stories that explore themes of love, power, and politics. It's a captivating read that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

This is a truly rich and enveloping book that I simply found it extremely difficult to put down.

It offers a unique perspective on the investment banking business before the Wall Street crash. What makes it so engaging is that it presents the information in a fascinating manner, completely avoiding the stuffy and boring approach that many similar books tend to take.

The characters within the book are very well drawn, each with their own distinct personalities and motives. The author's writing is excellent, flowing smoothly and captivating the reader from start to finish.

Right up until the last chapter, I remained completely unsure of how the story was going to end, which added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.

In conclusion, this is a wonderful book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in finance, or simply in a good, engaging read.

This book is truly remarkable, much like the energizer bunny. You know, it just keeps going and going, captivating the reader's attention throughout.

One of its interesting features is that it rotates the points of view every few years to another character. This not only adds variety but also effectively conveys the transition from the Victorian years to more modern ideas about class, society, and especially marriage, which were brought in with the advent of WW2.

However, at some points, the author's characterization of the leading figures in the plot was a bit staid and predictable. They seemed to be just the stereotype of their era, lacking in depth and originality.

The relationship between Steve and Dinah was also rather implausible, but somehow, I managed to get over it.

Despite these flaws, I did finish the book, and I have to say that the ending was completely unpredictable and utterly perfect. It tied up all the loose ends in a way that was both satisfying and unexpected, leaving a lasting impression on me.

Overall, this book is a great read, with its engaging plot, interesting characters, and thought-provoking themes.

This was the second novel I ever read.

It was a truly remarkable experience that had a profound impact on my life.

I know it is sad, but it was precisely that sadness that set me on a journey to love books.

The story was so engaging and the characters so vivid that I couldn't help but be drawn in.

One particular element that left an indelible impression on me was the quotation from the Silver Swan song.

It was a beautiful and haunting line that seemed to capture the essence of the novel.

Even now, years later, I can still remember that quotation and the emotions it evoked in me.

Thank you for this wonderful novel that has opened my eyes to the world of literature and given me a love for reading that will last a lifetime.

“I was in London when I first heard of Dinah Slade. She was broke and looking for a millionaire, while I was rich and looking for a mistress. From the start we were deeply compatible.” This opening line immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets the stage for a scandalous and passionate story.

I live for this kind of opening. I love Susan Howatch, and her novels Penmarric and Cashelmara are two of my favorites in the genre of epic family dramas. When I found a copy of The Rich Are Different at a flea market, I knew I had to have it.

Like her other novels, this one is also historically inspired, using the story of Caesar, Cleopatra, and Mark Antony as source material. The novel spans nearly two decades and moves between different points-of-view in sections throughout the text.

Section 1, titled Paul: The Realist, begins in 1922 and focuses on the start of a partnership between Paul Van Zale and Dinah Slade. Paul is an older, married, successful American businessman, while Dinah is a young woman striving to capture his attention. She needs an investor for her proposed cosmetic business and to help her secure her family home, Mallingham. The two begin an affair, but when Dinah falls pregnant, she breaks one of Paul's rules: he has no interest in children. There is a condition in his family that leads to early infant death, which he withholds from Dinah. He also withholds how much he truly wants Mallingham, which Dinah has offered him as a gift until she can afford to buy it back.

Section 2 is told from Sylvia's point of view. As Paul's long-suffering wife, we learn more about his past. I really loved this character! Despite Paul's numerous affairs and warnings against her becoming pregnant, she remains committed to staying married to him and attempting to bear his child. I felt all of the rage and sadness for her when she discovers Dinah has had Paul's child through a receipt from Tiffany's.

Section 3 brings us to Dinah's POV and covers the year 1926. At the end of the prior section, Sylvia suggests that Paul import his mistress from England for a bit of healing. He has suffered a relapse with his epilepsy and is losing confidence. This section highlights Dinah's naivety as she still believes Paul might leave his wife and join her at Mallingham permanently. She doesn't discover that it was Sylvia's idea to invite her to America until Elizabeth, one of Paul's retired mistresses, tells her over tea.

Section 4 introduces the reader to Steve's POV, covering from 1926-1929. Prior to this portion of the story, I didn't care much about Steve. But this section opens with him relaying the news of Paul's death to Dinah and vowing to destroy the men responsible for his death. I was looking forward to the affair between Dinah and Steve, as he seems more suited to her character. Dinah becomes pregnant with twins, and I couldn't help but wonder why she seems determined to have the children of married men.

The fifth section is told from Cornelius' POV. I had hoped he would turn out to be homosexual or have an affair with Sylvia, but neither of those things happened. I was pleased when he married an older woman, Vivienne, but it turns out she was only interested in his money. He eventually shacks up with a pregnant woman, Alicia, but then gets mumps and is rendered sterile.

The final section returns to Dinah's POV and spans from 1933-1940. WWII breaks out and Steve dies in a drunk driving accident. I had some issues with this section, particularly the return to Dinah's POV and the resolution with Mallingham. I found her to be completely insufferable, but I was relieved to see some display of maturity in her character as she reconsidered her mother's death and activism.

Despite my strong dislike of the primary cast (with the exception of Sylvia), I really enjoyed this novel. It met all of my expectations of bonkbustery fun. After nearly 700 pages, I was hoping for a more spectacular finale, but I do think it was a nice touch having Dinah burn down Mallingham rather than hand it over to Cornelius. Howatch knew how to draw a reader into the story, even when it feels like she's info dumping. I can't wait to read the sequel!

I absolutely loved it.

Those sweeping, massive, and screwed up family novels have a certain charm that always manages to draw me in, and this particular one was no exception. It had me completely hooked from start to finish.

I find myself currently on a Susan Howatch tour, exploring her works one by one. Each of her novels seems to offer a unique and captivating look into the complex and often tumultuous lives of different families.

The way she weaves together the stories, the characters, and their relationships is truly masterful. It's as if I'm being pulled into their world, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and dramas right along with them.

I can't wait to see what other literary treasures I'll discover on this tour of Susan Howatch's novels.