The Gate House by Nelson DeMille
|
List Price: Our Price: $0.97 You Save: $27.02 (97%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Gate House
Book Review: Nobody should miss a good Nelson DeMille book, and THE GATE HOUSE is his newest best
Summary: 5 Stars
Ten years ago, Susan Stanhope Sutter killed her lover, Mafia don Frank Bellarosa. One night, she just left her estate, Stanhope Hall, and headed across the connecting acreage to Frank's mansion, Alhambra, where he delivered a message that Susan took umbrage to, so she shot him. She escaped prosecution --- and the wrath of the don's family --- but lost her husband, her home and her lover all in one night. Now she has returned from a period of self-imposed exile and has settled in the Guest Cottage of Stanhope Hall. That may have been an unwise choice, for there are still people in the area who carry a grudge. Like Frank's son.
Ethel Allard, a friend of the Stanhope family, now lay dying in a hospice house. Because Ethel's time is fast running out, John Whitman Sutter, Ethel's attorney and Susan's ex-husband, has returned from London, his home since that fateful night.
In the intervening decade, John divorced his wife, sailed around the world, left his New York law practice for one in England, and found at least one girlfriend --- in short, imposed his own sort of self-exile. Now back on Long Island, staying in Stanhope Hall's gatehouse, John reflects on the distant past and wonders about his immediate future with an uneasy feeling.
"Time had stood still here in this gatehouse as the changing world encroached on the walls of Stanhope Hall. In fact, life within the walls had changed, too, and time was about to catch up to this place and to the people who lived here, past and present."
As John works to wrap up Ethel's affairs, he is painfully aware of Susan's close proximity. After all, they share a driveway. Does he want to see her? More importantly, does she want to see him? While pondering the possible answers, which may have life-altering repercussions, Frank Bellarosa's son Anthony makes an unannounced visit to the gatehouse.
John isn't too excited to see Anthony, considering that John's ex-wife murdered Anthony's father, leaving Anthony as head of the family business, which isn't a thriving security and limo service, unless you consider whacking your enemies a form of security. Well, in a nutshell, the Sutters and the Bellarosas become intertwined once again, and not because John has any desire for mob involvement. His love for Susan has a tendency to get in the way of good decision making, but he feels he must protect the mother of his children. Besides, she's as beautiful as ever. And outrageously sexy, having discovered some new ways to keep a relationship, shall we say, exciting.
Nelson DeMille explores the clash of the old money of the Gold Coast with the newly rich invaders. Susan Stanhope epitomizes the spoiled trust fund daughter while John Sutter provides the perfect parental nightmare for the elder Stanhopes as the two fall in love again. Their children are thrilled; why can't the in-laws be, too? Ah, well, maybe it's the money. Whatever the reason, John and Susan are the type of people one cannot help but envy, despite the downside of a possible hit man hot on their heels.
You don't have to read THE GOLD COAST to enjoy THE GATE HOUSE, but why not double your fun? DeMille's look into the world of the rich and snobbish back in 1990 gave his readers a chance to experience that world vicariously through his story, leaving us all feeling a bit higher on the social scale for having read it. His wit and humor were well-honed then, but they have had nearly 20 years to sharpen even more --- and sharpen they have. John Sutter, too, has had nearly two decades to sharpen his wit. What was, at the time of THE GOLD COAST, a wry humor and a wonderful tendency to sarcastic comebacks has become a portfolio of laugh-out-loud parries and feints. Nobody should miss a good Nelson DeMille book, and THE GATE HOUSE is his newest best.
--- Reviewed by Kate Ayers
Book Review: A pleasure to read
Summary: 5 Stars
I think Nelson DeMille's writing is truly some of the most enjoyable I have come across. I always look forward to reading one of his books because I know I will immediately feel transported to whatever world or situation he is creating and that his authentic writing and mastery of dialogue will make his characters and their struggles real and fascinating. I can't imagine that he has written anything that is not worth reading. I would bet that even his address book makes for good reading.
As an inhabitant of the so-called "Gold Coast" of Long Island (not so "gold" anymore by the way), I was intrigued by the title and concept of this novel. When the worlds of the moneyed un-titled nobility and the nouveau riche (especially when their riches are of suspect origin) collide, there is inevitably going to be tension and perhaps even mayhem. In this case, John and Susan Stanhope Sutter find themselves (after the fastest, most unexpected reconciliation in history) caught between her lord of the manor parents and their world, in which Susan has been a willing participant, the world of organized crime (compliments of their neighbor the mob don whose father, also a mob don, was murdered by Susan some years ago when he broke off their affair) and the security-obsessed current lord of the manor, an extraordinarily wealthy Persian (with the distinct disadvantage of having been a supporter of the Shah) who has made his money dealing in "information" and who currently fears retaliation by persons unknown. With that cast of characters it might seem like this book would be a thriller of sorts. But it is less a thriller (except for the last 50 or so pages) than a truly engrossing tale of John Sutter's efforts to move between and among these worlds while attempting to put his (and his ex-wife's) lives back together, some ten years after the life-shattering events that tore them apart, and to keep them both alive in the process.
John Sutter is a witty tax lawyer (sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?) whose penchant for doing the right thing lands him in more trouble and with more notoriety than any lawyer would ordinarily experience. His brains and his wit are his main strengths in this tale of forgiveness and redemption. His soul-searching and his willingness to admit and accept the blame for the things he has done wrong made him a truly likable character. His once and future wife Susan, is a less likable or understandable characater, perhaps because of her blue-blood origins, which Johns thinks have made her a bit nutty or because of her controlling, evil, gin-soaked parents whose parenting might actually be responsible for the "nutty" factor. In any event, John's show-down with Susan's parents is one of the most satisfying scenes in this book. When information from an unlikely source exposes Susan's father for what he really was, you just have to give a small cheer even though it just means that he'll end up a little less wealthy and Susan will not lose her own entitlements. It's not exactly David vs. Goliath, but still satisfying on many levels.
There was some repetition in this book (which is quite lengthy) but mostly of themes from the prequel novel. I did not feel that it detracted at all from the main story line or its subplots. It was an extremely well put together book with truly enjoyable writing. Give it a try; I don't hink you will be disappointed.
Book Review: Worked for me
Summary: 5 Stars
In this sequel to The Gold Coast, it's now ten years later and after leaving his job, his wife and his past behind; taking a 3 year solo sail around the world and then moving to London, John Sutter is returning home. A client of his - John is a tax lawyer most of the time - is dying and he needs to put the woman's affairs in order. Said client is also a life-long "house servant" of his ex-wife's family and until her final illness, resided in the "gate house" on his former in-laws former estate. (Got that?) Our hero is stepping right back into the maelstrom he left 10 years earlier - and he knows it. The question being - Is he prepared for it?
First a word on this book's predecessor, The Gold Coast, an excellent book, which is somewhat of a departure for this author, i.e. it was not a mystery or a thriller although there are definitely some tense moments. The Gold Coast is more the story of a man who due to boredom or middle-age angst - remember he's a tax lawyer for God's sakes - involves himself and his family with a New York crime boss which leads to some not so happy results.
Regardless of this plot-line departure, John Sutter, the main character in both books, more than a little resembles DeMille's previous protagonists - Paul Brenner (The General's Daughter) and John Corey, (Plum Island and Night Fall). To say that Sutter is sarcastic or acerbic is a bit like saying Sumo Wrestlers are husky - a gross understatement. Sutter's quips, observations and off the cuff comments fly fast and furiously in both books - sometimes a half dozen per page and are often laugh out loud funny. Just his comments on his (ex) in-laws are worth the price of the books.
That being said The Gate House reviews in detail much of what occurred in The Gold Coast, which if you haven't read the previous book is a shame, because in a sense it does ruin it for you. On the other hand, if like me it's been a few years since reading The Gold Coast this recap helps immensely. I remembered the plot but not all the sordid details and characters. Point here is I would recommend reading both books - and obviously The Gold Coast first.
Having read some previous reviews on The Gate House it appears readers either loved it or hated it. I loved it and it's not clear to me why folks who enjoyed The Gold Coast didn't enjoy this sequel. This book picks up in the same vein and rolls from start to finish with our hero back in the environs of Long Island with all its "customs" and pretenses, while reacquainting himself with many of the same characters. There are some twists and surprises, a love story, a fairly happy ending and a whole lot of laughs - courtesy of Mr. Sutter - throughout.
Book Review: DeMille Knows Fiction Writing
Summary: 5 Stars
THE GATE HOUSE
Nelson DeMille
Grand Central Publishing
Hachette Book Group
ISBN: 978-0-446-53342-3
$27.99
674 pages
Reviewer: Annie Slessman
Nelson DeMille has written fifteen works of fiction and The Gate House, his latest work could prove to be one of his best. DeMille knows how to weave a tight story of intrigue, humor and characterizations that are so believable they seem familiar to its readers.
John Sutter, the main character of The Gate House lives the life of the Gold Coast crowd while married to his aristocratic wife, Susan Stanhope. When Susan kills Frank Bellarosa, their neighbor and Susan's lover, the marriage ends. John divorces Susan and takes a three-year sojourn on his sailboat before moving to London.
He returns to New York when a Stanhope family servant, Ethel Allard, is placed under hospice care. As Allard's attorney, Sutter must put Allard's affairs in order and support her daughter, Elizabeth, as they await Ethel's pending death.
Staying at the former gatehouse of the Stanhope mansion, Sutter finds himself only yards from his former wife. Ultimately, they meet again and this is the point where the story really takes off.
Anthony Bellarosa, son of the deceased, Frank Bellarosa, has a vendetta he must enact and attempts to solicit Sutter in his plans. The relationship that develops between Sutter and the younger Bellarosa takes on a new dimension when Sutter refuses to go along with Bellarosa's plans and a reader is taken on a roller coaster ride of suspense.
When this work arrived at my door, its size seemed somewhat intimidating. However, let me assure readers, you will savor each page and want more when you finish the last page. DeMille gives his readers true value for their money. If you liked The Gold Coast, you'll love The Gate House.
Nelson DeMille attended Hofstra University, served in the Army. He earned the Air Medal, Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He has authored #1 New York Times bestsellers Night Fall and Plum Island and New York Times bestsellers Wild Fire, The Lion's Game, The Gold Coast and The General's Daughter.
Book Review: DeMille Excels
Summary: 5 Stars
This novel by DeMille, the sequel to the outstanding Gold Coast, is not a thriller, a mystery or even a morality play. It is, however, a superbly crafted character study and, ultimately, a very real story about human relationships. DeMille is one of the best contemporary American authors and this book demonstrates his skill. If you love excellent writing, you will treasure this book.
DeMille has written some truly memorable books. Word of Honor, Gold Coast and Up Country are three of the best novels I have read. The Gate House ranks on the same level. DeMille is that rare writer who can create a detailed world in the reader's imagination without describing virtually anything in detail. His characters are so complete, his dialogue so engaging, that it is impossible to read this book without feeling as though you are actually there, watching this slice of life unfold.
The criticisms that some reviewers have identified -- the book is too long; no action or plot twists occur for hundreds of pages -- are not reasons to find fault with the book. DeMille is the quintessential craftsman when it comes to writing about the relationships in which flawed human beings engage. Although there is a lot of ego in DeMille's protagonist, John Sutter, so too are there flaws and foibles. I don't want to say that the plot is irrelevant, but this is not a book that is plot driven. It is character and relationship driven, and no one does either better than DeMille.
This is not a perfect book. There is none of the nuance in the relationship between Anthony Bellarosa and John Sutter that there was between Frank Bellarosa and Sutter. The resolution of the antagonism between Sutter and his in-laws was far too convenient. These are minor points, however. This is a book about John and Susan Sutter. DeMille writes of their relationship with such style and panache that a few minor flaws are gladly overlooked.