Forever Amber (Rediscovered Classics) by Kathleen Winsor
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Book Reviews of Forever Amber (Rediscovered Classics)
Book Review: Best of Breed
Summary: 5 Stars
I must have read it a thousand times in high school, and I picked it up again recently and was surprised how much I still enjoyed it.It's a historical romance, and if you don't like the genre, you probably won't like it despite its compelling sweep and detail. If you do like the genre, this is the grand-daddy of them all, and shouldn't be missed by any means.
The story follows Amber St Clare, foundling daughter of an aristocrat, through her ups and downs in Restoration England. She goes from the dregs to the highest reaches of society, from Newgate prison into the bedroom of Charles II. Her ins and outs and ups and downs take us on the ultimate armchair time traveler's voyage through the period, and her sexual conquests and ruthless ambition reflect the reckless licentiousness of the time.
I never noticed the book's flaws as a teenager, but reading it more recently, I did kind of snicker a few times at cornier moments. But the richness of the detail and the incredible scope of the history more than make up for the cringe-worthy bits. I have seldom read a more evocative portrait of an era.
Book Review: MY LETTER FROM KATHLEEN WINSOR
Summary: 5 Stars
I read FOREVER AMBER back in April of 1967. I was 26 years old. I never read a book that affected me the way this book did! When I finished reading it, I actually felt as if something was missing from my life, because she made the characters come alive and I missed reading about them. I felt I had to write to Kathleen Winsor and ask her if she was ever intending to write a sequel. In a letter dated May 27,1967 she wrote as follows:
Dear Mrs. Bolton, I was pleased to receive your nice letter about FOREVER AMBER. No, I have not considered writing a sequel. That is a very long book, after all, and I have no more to say on the subject.
She goes on to answer a question I had asked her about Amber and Bruce. I cannot write what she wrote. I would ruin the story for those who have not read the book.
For those of you who have wondered if a sequel had ever been written, I have now answered that question for you.
I still have my copy of the book with the letter inside. And now I think I will pick that book up and get back in that beautiful story again!
Book Review: Wow!
Summary: 5 Stars
Of course I am going to read it if it says it was banned in Boston of all places in 1944. It is over 900 pages long---I only read books that long every 7 years or so! But----let me reassure you, there are NO slow or dull parts. Its almost funny how refreshing each new intrigue in 900 pages can be. The story reads like a story written nowadays---however, your imagination is left in full force. There are no graphic descriptions, except for parts about the Plague. The sex and violent scenes are left up to you; oh gentle reader. Also, there is no sequel; the story of Ambers birth is never resolved (does it need to be?) and it is only a slice of her life--say about 10 years.
The point is---nah---gosh, this is a good book. Its about England in the time of King Charles and the 17th century. What a horrible time to be alive and be a conservative! It reads like a modern novel also partly because the time period was just as scandalous then as it is now. Barring a plague and a great fire in the city of London.
Look, its good. They made a movie out of it, right? :)
Book Review: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
I first came upon this book when my grandma left an old copy of it on top of my refrigerator. It was July 4, 2008. I was 17 years old. I assume my grandma left it for me, as my name is Amber. I don't think she knew what it was about, or else she probably wouldn't have left it. (my family is very conservative and modest).
I fell in love with this book straight away. There were so many bits of me I could see in Amber. At times, she did annoy me, and she seemed very foolish, but I admire her strength, and her perseverance. This book is very long, but I wish it were longer! Kathleen Winsor paints a wonderful picture of London in the 1660's. I feel like I was there!
I loved this book because it isn't a "trashy romance novel." For a "bodice ripper," it's relatively mild, there are no sex scenes described at all, and yet you really feel the passion, as a reader.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, or England, or romance novels, or if your name is Amber too. 5 stars!
Book Review: Wildly Addictive
Summary: 5 Stars
A friend of mine recommended "Forever Amber" to me. I can honestly say that otherwise, I would not have read it. Thank God she did tell me about how amazing it was...this is NOT a story to be missed! I could not believe that this was written back in 1944...it felt so fresh and not at all old fashioned.I thought that the authors writing style was brilliant. The book is mainly about the life of a girl called Amber St. Clare. The thing about Amber is that she is not easy to like..in fact..I was appalled by her often, but at the same time I found myself admiring her determination, rooting for her, and pitying her as well. The book goes on for 972 pages and at the end of it all I actually wanted MORE. The descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I could see, smell, TASTE London as it was in the 1660s. I am so happy to have experienced this tale. I plan to look for more of Kathleen Winsors work and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any lover of Historical Fiction.