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The Dreaming Stones
In second century AD, Claudia leaves Rome for the far northern province of Britain where her new husband, Publius, is commander of a frontier garrison. But for their love, she is isolated in a strange land. In the late twentieth century, Miranda Tattersall - the iconic model 'Rags' - becomes the third wife of her great love, Lord Frederick Stratton, so beginning a love affair with the Strattons' great house, Ladycross, near Northumbria's great Wall. When her husband dies, Rags must decide between honouring the past and embracing the future. Roberta Govan, long divorced after a brief and disastrous marriage, finally buys a place her own, away from all past attachments and associations. Or so she thinks. Claudia, Rags their stories are linked by a wild and beautiful place; the events that brought them to it, and the powerful loves that made it 'home'.
592 pages, Hardcover
First published July 21, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 12, 2022
The only part I found interesting was Claudia from the second century AD, even though the other two modern storylines eventually intertwined which was a nice touch overall I found that the book just dragged on and found myself forcing myself to continue to read on.
August 22, 2023
An interesting story, telling about the lives of 3 different women, who all happened to live in the same place, but in different time periods. Claudia lived in the 2nd century AD and followed her husband from Rome to the fort he commanded in Northern England, by Hadrian's Wall. She finds it very difficult to adapt to the colder climate and the less sophisticated life style, but develops a strong love for her husband , Publius and is a dutiful wife.
The 2nd woman, Miranda, begins her story in the 1960s, when she is expelled from school for having her picture published in the local paper as part of a Brigitte Bardot lookalike competition. It might have been the end of her formal education, but the photo does lead to her becoming a top supermodel. Her move to the north of England occurs when she falls in love with and weds Fred Montclere, Lord Stratton, whose family estate, Ladycross is in the very place where Claudia & Publius had built their home 1700 years earlier.
The 3rd main character, Bobby (Roberta), was actually at school with Miranda, but a few years younger. In the 1990s, she has bought herself a house in the village below Ladycross, totally unaware that Miranda will be a near neighbour.
The narrative moves in turn through the stories of these 3 women, often leaving the reader up in the air at a crisis, and when you turn the page, the story of the next woman continues. But each life is equally interesting, so you don't jump ahead to continue the story which left you hanging. There are joys and tragedies, plus the mystery of the dog, which only certain people can see, and only the reader knows the truth of it.
It is one of those stories that you can read a small section at a time, but don't feel impelled to finish a chapter each time, as it will still be there next time you pick up the book. A slow pace, but it holds your interest and is a worthwhile read.
The 2nd woman, Miranda, begins her story in the 1960s, when she is expelled from school for having her picture published in the local paper as part of a Brigitte Bardot lookalike competition. It might have been the end of her formal education, but the photo does lead to her becoming a top supermodel. Her move to the north of England occurs when she falls in love with and weds Fred Montclere, Lord Stratton, whose family estate, Ladycross is in the very place where Claudia & Publius had built their home 1700 years earlier.
The 3rd main character, Bobby (Roberta), was actually at school with Miranda, but a few years younger. In the 1990s, she has bought herself a house in the village below Ladycross, totally unaware that Miranda will be a near neighbour.
The narrative moves in turn through the stories of these 3 women, often leaving the reader up in the air at a crisis, and when you turn the page, the story of the next woman continues. But each life is equally interesting, so you don't jump ahead to continue the story which left you hanging. There are joys and tragedies, plus the mystery of the dog, which only certain people can see, and only the reader knows the truth of it.
It is one of those stories that you can read a small section at a time, but don't feel impelled to finish a chapter each time, as it will still be there next time you pick up the book. A slow pace, but it holds your interest and is a worthwhile read.
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January 19, 2023Dit boek vond ik heel erg mooi.
June 20, 2025
my advice to readers is - read this as separate stories because it is not easy to relate the time periods & make connections across them. a greyhound toy does not do it!
January 11, 2017
Mooi boek maar spijtig van de vele spelfouten in deze versie.
February 16, 2009
“The thought of failure, through ignorance, immaturity, or some deep-seated but unforeseen deficiency, was abhorrent to her.”
This book started out great, went a bit weak, then had me at the end.
I loved the style and the wording. It’s the story of three women - two of them from the 60’s - the 90’s, and a Roman living in Britain in 130 AD. All very different stories, mixed together in the form of a chapter for one, then the next and the next. I didn’t feel much of a connection with the character’s until the middle of the book… but by the end I was drawn in completely.
This book started out great, went a bit weak, then had me at the end.
I loved the style and the wording. It’s the story of three women - two of them from the 60’s - the 90’s, and a Roman living in Britain in 130 AD. All very different stories, mixed together in the form of a chapter for one, then the next and the next. I didn’t feel much of a connection with the character’s until the middle of the book… but by the end I was drawn in completely.
May 5, 2011
Having trouble getting into this - got distracted by Bill Bryson after starting it...
But when I got going, I really enjoyed it. I liked the way the two more modern day storylines eventually intersected, and the relationship with the Roman period storyline eventually came clear and was a nice touch. A strong sense of place and well developed characters.
But when I got going, I really enjoyed it. I liked the way the two more modern day storylines eventually intersected, and the relationship with the Roman period storyline eventually came clear and was a nice touch. A strong sense of place and well developed characters.
September 15, 2009
This book was ok at the beginning. Then boring, boring, boring but towards the end I couldn't put the book down! I loved it and for that reason I would definitly read on of Sarah Harrison's books again.
March 23, 2014
Although I generally don't like stories that begin at the end and then jump back, the main characters in each of the three story lines were engrossing. Although nearly 600 pages, I finished it in less than a day.
November 6, 2010
this book is very good i have it at my house if you won to read it
my class is 6b my number is 604 533 2812 if you wont to call me
my class is 6b my number is 604 533 2812 if you wont to call me
July 2, 2015
3.5ish, a decent saga-type book with some pretty writing.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews