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The Decision by Penny Vincenzi
It all comes down to love or money in a harrowing custody battle over a little girl, set against the glossy backdrop of the magazine and advertising worlds in 1960s London. A privileged girl from a privileged class, Eliza has a dazzling career in the magazine world of the 1960s. But when she falls deeply in love with Matt, an edgy working-class boy, she gives up her ritzy, fast-paced lifestyle to get married. By the end of the decade, however, their marriage has suffered a harrowing breakdown, culminating in divorce and a dramatic courtroom custody battle over their little girl. Also at risk is Eliza's gorgeous family home, a pawn in the game, which she can't bear to give up. True to form, Penny Vincenzi introduces a devious cast of characters seemingly plucked from the pages of sixties- and seventies-era magazines, as she deftly maneuvers between the glamorous, moneyed worlds of fashion and advertising, and a heart-wrenching custody battle going on in the courtroom where the social mores of the time are on full display.
Unknown Binding
First published September 15, 2011
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About the author
Penny Vincenzi
65 books923 followersPenny was nine years old when she embarked on her storytelling career. She wrote her own magazine called “Stories”, which she copied out three times on carbon paper and sold for two pence at school. So began a career in writing which has seen 7 million copies sold, and 17 bestselling novels.
After secretarial college, Penny worked as a junior secretary at Vogue and Tatler magazines, before moving to the Daily Mirror as personal assistant to Marje Proops, Britain's legendary agony aunt.
Marje encouraged her to write, and she became fashion editor and beauty writer at the Mirror, working for the women's editor in what was irreverently known as the "fragrant department". Penny’s journalistic career as a celebrated writer and columnist spanned several decades working for many of the leading newspapers and magazines of the time.
She once asked bestselling British author Jilly Cooper for advice on writing a novel while interviewing her for a magazine profile. Jilly put Penny in touch with her own agent, who promptly auctioned off her (then unwritten) first novel. It was quickly snapped up and the rest, as they say, is history.
Penny died in 2018. She was the proud and much-loved mother of four equally proud daughters, and grandmother to nine grandchildren.
After secretarial college, Penny worked as a junior secretary at Vogue and Tatler magazines, before moving to the Daily Mirror as personal assistant to Marje Proops, Britain's legendary agony aunt.
Marje encouraged her to write, and she became fashion editor and beauty writer at the Mirror, working for the women's editor in what was irreverently known as the "fragrant department". Penny’s journalistic career as a celebrated writer and columnist spanned several decades working for many of the leading newspapers and magazines of the time.
She once asked bestselling British author Jilly Cooper for advice on writing a novel while interviewing her for a magazine profile. Jilly put Penny in touch with her own agent, who promptly auctioned off her (then unwritten) first novel. It was quickly snapped up and the rest, as they say, is history.
Penny died in 2018. She was the proud and much-loved mother of four equally proud daughters, and grandmother to nine grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
September 4, 2022
Another fantastic book by Penny Vincenzi. Her books are tomes but I'm absolutely here for them, if it's a family saga you're looking for, she's got your back.
Eliza is from old money spanning back generations, brought up in the family home Summercourt which hosts a mere ten bedrooms but is rotted to the core. The family money is very old, nothing remains in the current accounts.
Matt is working class, has come from a very humble background and he's had to hustle his entire life, for every penny.
When their worlds collide it really is an unstoppable whirlwind. A whirlwind of love, hate, aggression, compassion, contradiction. The highs are high, the lows are heart-breaking. A roundabout of extremes.
This is everything I love in a family saga that only Vincenzi can pull together. The era of the 60's & 70's, the socialites, the designer labels, the Vidal Sassoon 5 point bob. The era of women finding their voices, their strengths, the internal struggles of their pasts, societies expectations and their ambitions.
I adore all female characters Vincenzi writes, they are complex, have a well of depth and come alive on the page.
Five glamorous stars.
Eliza is from old money spanning back generations, brought up in the family home Summercourt which hosts a mere ten bedrooms but is rotted to the core. The family money is very old, nothing remains in the current accounts.
Matt is working class, has come from a very humble background and he's had to hustle his entire life, for every penny.
When their worlds collide it really is an unstoppable whirlwind. A whirlwind of love, hate, aggression, compassion, contradiction. The highs are high, the lows are heart-breaking. A roundabout of extremes.
This is everything I love in a family saga that only Vincenzi can pull together. The era of the 60's & 70's, the socialites, the designer labels, the Vidal Sassoon 5 point bob. The era of women finding their voices, their strengths, the internal struggles of their pasts, societies expectations and their ambitions.
I adore all female characters Vincenzi writes, they are complex, have a well of depth and come alive on the page.
Five glamorous stars.
April 23, 2012
Really, I wanted to give this one star, but since I like Vincenzi so much normally, I bumped it up.
What a disappointment! After waiting and waiting for her new book, I could not believe the drivel I was reading. The 2 main characters, Matt and Eliza, were both so unsympathetic. His character enraged me; he was such a misogynistic asshole. And Eliza completely let him treat her like utter crap. For someone who was working so high up in the fashion world before her marriage, this was a pretty big character change and I found it hard to swallow. I know it was partially because of the times they lived in, but it didn't leave much room for caring about either of them. the supporting characters were flat, and rather uninteresting. They didn't really add much to the story at all.
Hopefully the next book will be back up to the author's normal standards!
What a disappointment! After waiting and waiting for her new book, I could not believe the drivel I was reading. The 2 main characters, Matt and Eliza, were both so unsympathetic. His character enraged me; he was such a misogynistic asshole. And Eliza completely let him treat her like utter crap. For someone who was working so high up in the fashion world before her marriage, this was a pretty big character change and I found it hard to swallow. I know it was partially because of the times they lived in, but it didn't leave much room for caring about either of them. the supporting characters were flat, and rather uninteresting. They didn't really add much to the story at all.
Hopefully the next book will be back up to the author's normal standards!
September 19, 2019
This book was a good read, albeit rather long with many subplots that did confuse me at times! I would recommend it for anyone to simply give it a go!
December 5, 2022
I have grown to love this author, whom I discovered this year.
Set in the sixties, the characters in "The Decision" are wonderful and fascinating, and the topics are very serious, women's rights, a wink at gay rights, abortion, employment, class systems, and the inner life of marriages. I absolutely loved it.
The narrator, Sandra Duncan, added a definite sprinkle of magic as she got into character without fault for the very wide cast of wonderful people that I feel utterly sad leaving. Highly recommended!
Set in the sixties, the characters in "The Decision" are wonderful and fascinating, and the topics are very serious, women's rights, a wink at gay rights, abortion, employment, class systems, and the inner life of marriages. I absolutely loved it.
The narrator, Sandra Duncan, added a definite sprinkle of magic as she got into character without fault for the very wide cast of wonderful people that I feel utterly sad leaving. Highly recommended!
July 11, 2015
Also called 'the decision', this book disgusted me. I normally really enjoy Penny Vincenzi but this was beyond the pale. The entire book seemed to condone an incredibly abusive man and made for very uncomfortable reading. I would not recommend.
January 14, 2019
Just like the first Vincenzi novel I read, this large tome (nearly 900 pages!) starts out with a character list. Not wanting to be daunted, I ploughed ahead anyway and found myself enjoying this novel that reminded me in many ways of 'A Question of Trust'.
Once again, this is an example of “safe”, pretty light-hearted fiction. Following a very similar vein to her other novel, we focus on several characters over a span of about twenty years: 1950s-1970s. Very quickly you feel close to the characters, so that in the end, you feel like you are reading about family! This reflects the depth and focus of Vincenzi’s writing, whilst also allowing for again, such a long novel.
Eliza, one of the main protagonists, is involved in the fashion industry. The attention to detail shows a dedication to research on the topic and for me, this helped bring this decade alive for me, particularly as I have limited knowledge of London during the ‘Swinging 60s’. Indeed, it is an interesting portrayal of women’s role in the workplace at this time: a conflict between the traditional belief of stay at home mothers, versus a radical concept of career-driven women. The conflicts that Eliza, Scarlett and Louise encounter made me feel so frustrated but I cannot imagine how it felt to be living in such a time where patriarchy dominated! As such, I found these women to be generally admirable characters, especially Louise – having to persevere in a male-dominated industry. On the other hand, Matt’s traditional, narrow views are frustrating to a modern audience, making it easy for him to become the disliked character of the story.
The characters are generally very likeable and Vincenzi has a spectrum of personalities that should appeal to a wide audience. The opening of each chapter is cleverly ambiguous because you are not sure which character it is focusing on. I always assumed it followed straight on from the end of the previous chapter but this was not always the case. A clever way of writing and a way to keep such a long novel feeling fresh and appealing.
During moments of tension and excitement, the plot breaks become more frequent, thereby quickening the pace significantly. I even found myself sobbing during the second part of the novel, because it was so sad. So well-written, the story really got to me on an emotional level and, well, crying over a book is not something I do very often, so it’s definitely a credit to the writer.
Eliza, one of the main characters, faces many changing times over the course of the novel. The final part of the story, titled ‘The Divorce’ is a very dark time as the divorce case becomes very gritty. I found the final settlement quite unbelievable and disappointing and found that, after all that had preceded it, the author could have written something more believable and encouraging. That being said, whilst the final thirty-odd pages post-divorce settlement felt like Vincenzi was padding out the plot, it was a happy ending for all, albeit slightly forgettable.
A four star rating to reflect such a enjoyable story, despite some of its flaws. I had a few gripes with how Vincenzi developed the story (I could not get in to Mariella’s storyline and felt that Charles became “dumped” from the story unfairly), but on the whole, liked reading this. Reminding me of the genre that my lovely, amazing Nan used to read, I certainly will find another Vincenzi…. just maybe next time it will be a little shorter!
Once again, this is an example of “safe”, pretty light-hearted fiction. Following a very similar vein to her other novel, we focus on several characters over a span of about twenty years: 1950s-1970s. Very quickly you feel close to the characters, so that in the end, you feel like you are reading about family! This reflects the depth and focus of Vincenzi’s writing, whilst also allowing for again, such a long novel.
Eliza, one of the main protagonists, is involved in the fashion industry. The attention to detail shows a dedication to research on the topic and for me, this helped bring this decade alive for me, particularly as I have limited knowledge of London during the ‘Swinging 60s’. Indeed, it is an interesting portrayal of women’s role in the workplace at this time: a conflict between the traditional belief of stay at home mothers, versus a radical concept of career-driven women. The conflicts that Eliza, Scarlett and Louise encounter made me feel so frustrated but I cannot imagine how it felt to be living in such a time where patriarchy dominated! As such, I found these women to be generally admirable characters, especially Louise – having to persevere in a male-dominated industry. On the other hand, Matt’s traditional, narrow views are frustrating to a modern audience, making it easy for him to become the disliked character of the story.
The characters are generally very likeable and Vincenzi has a spectrum of personalities that should appeal to a wide audience. The opening of each chapter is cleverly ambiguous because you are not sure which character it is focusing on. I always assumed it followed straight on from the end of the previous chapter but this was not always the case. A clever way of writing and a way to keep such a long novel feeling fresh and appealing.
During moments of tension and excitement, the plot breaks become more frequent, thereby quickening the pace significantly. I even found myself sobbing during the second part of the novel, because it was so sad. So well-written, the story really got to me on an emotional level and, well, crying over a book is not something I do very often, so it’s definitely a credit to the writer.
Eliza, one of the main characters, faces many changing times over the course of the novel. The final part of the story, titled ‘The Divorce’ is a very dark time as the divorce case becomes very gritty. I found the final settlement quite unbelievable and disappointing and found that, after all that had preceded it, the author could have written something more believable and encouraging. That being said, whilst the final thirty-odd pages post-divorce settlement felt like Vincenzi was padding out the plot, it was a happy ending for all, albeit slightly forgettable.
A four star rating to reflect such a enjoyable story, despite some of its flaws. I had a few gripes with how Vincenzi developed the story (I could not get in to Mariella’s storyline and felt that Charles became “dumped” from the story unfairly), but on the whole, liked reading this. Reminding me of the genre that my lovely, amazing Nan used to read, I certainly will find another Vincenzi…. just maybe next time it will be a little shorter!
July 10, 2016
I love Penny Vincenzi, though I can’t tell you exactly why.
Part of it is the rich world she delivers. I know little about London in the 1960s, or about fashion magazines, or about real estate, but I was immediately drawn into Eliza and Matt’s lives. I enjoyed reading about how they flit in and out of each others’ lives before they marry. I also liked seeing the social changes happening in the world during that time period.
A larger part of it is the dialogue. Vincenzi relies heavily upon dialogue to tell her story, with some sections having no exposition at all. It can get confusing at times — there were a few sections where it took a paragraph or two before I was certain who was speaking — but her dialogue is so natural and effortless that I couldn’t summon a care.
As for the characters, there are definitely a lot. Not only are there Eliza and Matt and their respective families, but several friends, acquaintances, and coworkers. Each of them works to show a different aspect of the story; no one is superfluous. I liked both Eliza and Matt, and could see each of their points of view, but I definitely thought Matt was a bit too boorish. I understand that Vincenzi was trying to root him solidly in out-dated mid-century views, but sometimes his bull-headedness was a bit overdone. But I guess it balances out when you consider how ridiculously helpless Eliza is at times. You can see why they were attracted to each other, but you can also see that it was doomed from the start.
That all may sound like I really have a beef with the book, but I definitely did not. I loved this, from beginning to end. It was an absolute joy to read. It made me think, and it made me feel, and I’m not sure what more you can ask for.
Part of it is the rich world she delivers. I know little about London in the 1960s, or about fashion magazines, or about real estate, but I was immediately drawn into Eliza and Matt’s lives. I enjoyed reading about how they flit in and out of each others’ lives before they marry. I also liked seeing the social changes happening in the world during that time period.
A larger part of it is the dialogue. Vincenzi relies heavily upon dialogue to tell her story, with some sections having no exposition at all. It can get confusing at times — there were a few sections where it took a paragraph or two before I was certain who was speaking — but her dialogue is so natural and effortless that I couldn’t summon a care.
As for the characters, there are definitely a lot. Not only are there Eliza and Matt and their respective families, but several friends, acquaintances, and coworkers. Each of them works to show a different aspect of the story; no one is superfluous. I liked both Eliza and Matt, and could see each of their points of view, but I definitely thought Matt was a bit too boorish. I understand that Vincenzi was trying to root him solidly in out-dated mid-century views, but sometimes his bull-headedness was a bit overdone. But I guess it balances out when you consider how ridiculously helpless Eliza is at times. You can see why they were attracted to each other, but you can also see that it was doomed from the start.
That all may sound like I really have a beef with the book, but I definitely did not. I loved this, from beginning to end. It was an absolute joy to read. It made me think, and it made me feel, and I’m not sure what more you can ask for.
April 21, 2020
Omg! How do I always fall for such eye catching covers, without fail?! 👀😂🙈 I don't feel too great about investing my whole time into this book which ended up taking so long to get over with🙄 Moreover, the font was so small that it actually slowed my pace, making it a bit annoying to get through the whole thing. I usually like such stories of families and their histories, but this was not the usual kind I expected😒
The rating is largely for the book cover, the vocabulary used and the heart-wrenching drama and emotions attached to couples fighting in court to make sure that their plea for divorce goes through.💔
This story starts off with a fashionable girl, for whom handsome boys in town are always fighting to gain a place next to her. But then she goes on to enter into what seems like a serious, lasting relationship. Quite expectantly for such a genre, differences arise between the two after having their first baby and the fierce passion that they felt when they first met is now completely put out😶
There were numerous characters where I couldn't keep a count on and my head was spinning on the things they mentioned so highly of such as their community and civilization! I cannot be honest and tell you that this is an interesting story line at the same time, mainly because of the kind of predictability throughout the book is what we usually see in movies of the same genre🙄 This basically disappointed me in the fact that the enthusiasm any of us would carry while looking forward to a new book and it's journey, was not given enough justice🥀
For more reviews do check out our Instagram!!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxxbOHPgeg_/
The rating is largely for the book cover, the vocabulary used and the heart-wrenching drama and emotions attached to couples fighting in court to make sure that their plea for divorce goes through.💔
This story starts off with a fashionable girl, for whom handsome boys in town are always fighting to gain a place next to her. But then she goes on to enter into what seems like a serious, lasting relationship. Quite expectantly for such a genre, differences arise between the two after having their first baby and the fierce passion that they felt when they first met is now completely put out😶
There were numerous characters where I couldn't keep a count on and my head was spinning on the things they mentioned so highly of such as their community and civilization! I cannot be honest and tell you that this is an interesting story line at the same time, mainly because of the kind of predictability throughout the book is what we usually see in movies of the same genre🙄 This basically disappointed me in the fact that the enthusiasm any of us would carry while looking forward to a new book and it's journey, was not given enough justice🥀
For more reviews do check out our Instagram!!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxxbOHPgeg_/
July 29, 2023
Penny Vincenzi books it’s like a cozy evening with a cup of tea and some biscuits, gives you a good story, many different characters and couple of plot twists. Particularly this book it could be a wonderful tv series, I was reading and imagining how wonderfully it would look on tv screen! Maybe one day!
So if you want to relax and just have that warm feeling in you while you are reading I would highly recommend this and all the others books written by Penny. Enjoy!
So if you want to relax and just have that warm feeling in you while you are reading I would highly recommend this and all the others books written by Penny. Enjoy!
May 15, 2021
Good and easy reading but very long. Last one of hers to read.
March 1, 2012
Posh fashion editor Eliza Clark defies beginning to crumble class barriers by falling hard for working class, self-made property developer Matt Shaw in the trendy London of the swinging 60s and early 70s. It’s a passionate relationship that ends in divorce and a fearsome custody battle—this isn’t a spoiler because the book opens on the day before the judge’s decision in 1971, then hops back to 1958 when Eliza, in mid-curtsey to the Queen, decides it’s time to rid herself of her virginity. Eliza is in the last batch of debutants to be presented at court, and in her the old traditions of pomp, country homes, and privilege collide, often knottily, with stylishly bold new ways of thinking and living.
Weaving in several plot streams and thickly populated with characters that range from glamorously rich to loo-on-the-next-floor poor, More Than You Know could be hard to navigate without the helpful Cast of Characters list at the beginning of the book. Author Penny Vincenzi is very good about giving redeeming characteristics, good intentions and sympathy-inducing back stories to even the most infuriating characters, and the many charming characters are not free from weaknesses and flaws. This book is an indulgent pleasure, a little history of mod era England mixed with generous spoonfuls of sugar and cream.
Weaving in several plot streams and thickly populated with characters that range from glamorously rich to loo-on-the-next-floor poor, More Than You Know could be hard to navigate without the helpful Cast of Characters list at the beginning of the book. Author Penny Vincenzi is very good about giving redeeming characteristics, good intentions and sympathy-inducing back stories to even the most infuriating characters, and the many charming characters are not free from weaknesses and flaws. This book is an indulgent pleasure, a little history of mod era England mixed with generous spoonfuls of sugar and cream.
September 5, 2012
I have read several of Penny Vincenzi books and am yet to be disappointed by them. When I first read the back of her new one, I didn't know if I could read it as I wasn't sure of the fighting over the child element, I am a bit sensitive about things like that. I need not have worried. As usual with Penny Vincenzi, she tells you the story of the characters involved and very usually goes right back to the beginning of where that relationship started which was the case here. In my opinion she is one of the best writers because her characters become almost real to you, after reading her books I often catch myself wondering how they are, forgetting that they are fictional characters in a book and not people I have heard about or met. It doesn't seem to matter what emotional subject she tackles, her stories of how different people's relationships cope with it are compelling. She also keeps you turning page after page which is good because her books are normally over 800 pages long. Don't let this put you off though, you just get more brilliant writing for the same price as a smaller book!
January 24, 2013
I loved this book and all the complexity it delivered. Its set in an era where wives are little more than babysitters, and the girl (I read this book quite some time ago, forgot her name) wants to break stereotypes and hold a high-profile job in a field where no one is irreplacable-and does so, well, until she meets her husband, Matt, who confines her to the house of duties of taking care of their child. Push comes to shove, and they file for divorce.
This book infuriated me because I am a self-proclaimed feministm, and it portrayed the nondescript housewive back then. I'm so glad things have changed. Matt is belligerent and one-dimmensional, refusing to see the girl's perspective. He belittles her and her duties, and attempts to portray himself as the one doing all the work. Really, all he makes himself look like what he is-selfish and stubborn.
For that reason, I present this book with only 3 stars. That being said, Penny Vincenzi painted a rich and multidimmensional backstory: however, I wish she had just deleted Matt.
This book infuriated me because I am a self-proclaimed feministm, and it portrayed the nondescript housewive back then. I'm so glad things have changed. Matt is belligerent and one-dimmensional, refusing to see the girl's perspective. He belittles her and her duties, and attempts to portray himself as the one doing all the work. Really, all he makes himself look like what he is-selfish and stubborn.
For that reason, I present this book with only 3 stars. That being said, Penny Vincenzi painted a rich and multidimmensional backstory: however, I wish she had just deleted Matt.
June 9, 2012
The thing I love about Penny Vincenzi is that her characters are so real and believable. I can't stand books where the characters are ultra rich and pages are dedicated to their designer clothes, expensive jewellery, flashy cars and the type of champagne they drink. Sure there are people like that but not in the circles I move in. In this book Matt made money, but he was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth - he worked for it and was therefore a believable character. I also liked that Eliza's family, although "upper class" were poor as church mice. A very enjoyable book. Penny Vincenzi is really at the top the field.
March 31, 2013
yet another page turner from penny, her books never disappoint
December 17, 2013
Another awesome book by Penny...one of my favorite authors
April 3, 2020
Wish i’d never started this book. Wasted do much time!
May 1, 2017
This is a legacy book where we start following the characters straight out of school and follow them for a decade or so as they meet romantic partners and those relationships end or lead to marriage, kids and divorce.
I found this a tough read, not that the content was difficult, but there were a lot of characters to keep straight and it was slow going compared to many of the books I read.
This is not a book full of sex, in fact, the sex scenes that did happen were very tame and gentle so if you are looking for scorching words, this is not the book for you.
I found this a tough read, not that the content was difficult, but there were a lot of characters to keep straight and it was slow going compared to many of the books I read.
This is not a book full of sex, in fact, the sex scenes that did happen were very tame and gentle so if you are looking for scorching words, this is not the book for you.
January 12, 2022
Great family saga. It was a hefty read could have been shorter. Most of the characters were likeable and detestable but the author kept you intrigued.
February 4, 2022
I had to keep reminding myself that all this happened in the 60s as the story is so unnerving with women merely seen as wombs
November 26, 2022
Great! I always enjoy a Penny V book!
July 31, 2013
More Than You Know (Vincenzi, 2012) spans two decades in the lives of Matt, Eliza, and their families in and about London. Quickly, I would describe this book to be a complex, witty reflection not only on the two decades presented (1950's through 1970's) but also a glimpse at how many of the issues plaguing society fifty years ago still rear their ugly heads.
This book has come at an immensely fortunate time, as much good writing does, and I found myself absolutely unable to put it down for the past three evenings. What a wonderful way to start my book review calendar again! Vincenzi writes with subtlety and style. Characters are carefully crafted and expressed through their behaviors, and thus the reader comes to know each character as a the reader would know their own friends or acquaintances.
A central theme, one of particular interest to me, was watching how carefully Vincenzi draws distinctions of class throughout the novel. As I have often experienced, class distinctions are not firm lines in the sand, but rather shifting boundaries to be navigated or observed in different situations. Even minor characters here play with these distinctions, as some of Charles' army buddies faked being in public school so as to appear more 'tough' for service. Matt struggled always to be moving onward and upward, while holding strong beliefs stemmed from his working class parents; Eliza's thoughts reveal her distinct desire for a 'classless' society, an irony and belief that can only be strongly held by someone who has not experienced poverty.
Another area that Vincenzi explores is the area of romantic relationships; characters are entangled in various situations, all realistic and relatable to most readers. The nature of the relationships evolves, gradually, over the course of the novel, as Matt, Eliza, and others inevitably grow and change in their lives. Perhaps a most impressive aspect of this writing is that there is no judgement of the characters' behaviors from the book itself; Vincenzi simply lays out the behaviors and their surrounding complexities, and allows readers to judge for themselves. I find this lack of judgement from the author to be rare - she has not decided what is 'good' or 'bad' but simply shares events and the characters' reflections upon themselves. Many authors cannot resist placing their own morality or philosophy on their characters or in their stories. The fact that we can grow to both love and dispise Matt and Eliza at various times is a testament to their rich development.
Overall, I highly recommend More Than You Know. While the book looks long and logs in at almost 600 pages, it is quick, sharp, and well worth the experience.
*reviews of this and other books available on blog.jessnickel.com*
This book has come at an immensely fortunate time, as much good writing does, and I found myself absolutely unable to put it down for the past three evenings. What a wonderful way to start my book review calendar again! Vincenzi writes with subtlety and style. Characters are carefully crafted and expressed through their behaviors, and thus the reader comes to know each character as a the reader would know their own friends or acquaintances.
A central theme, one of particular interest to me, was watching how carefully Vincenzi draws distinctions of class throughout the novel. As I have often experienced, class distinctions are not firm lines in the sand, but rather shifting boundaries to be navigated or observed in different situations. Even minor characters here play with these distinctions, as some of Charles' army buddies faked being in public school so as to appear more 'tough' for service. Matt struggled always to be moving onward and upward, while holding strong beliefs stemmed from his working class parents; Eliza's thoughts reveal her distinct desire for a 'classless' society, an irony and belief that can only be strongly held by someone who has not experienced poverty.
Another area that Vincenzi explores is the area of romantic relationships; characters are entangled in various situations, all realistic and relatable to most readers. The nature of the relationships evolves, gradually, over the course of the novel, as Matt, Eliza, and others inevitably grow and change in their lives. Perhaps a most impressive aspect of this writing is that there is no judgement of the characters' behaviors from the book itself; Vincenzi simply lays out the behaviors and their surrounding complexities, and allows readers to judge for themselves. I find this lack of judgement from the author to be rare - she has not decided what is 'good' or 'bad' but simply shares events and the characters' reflections upon themselves. Many authors cannot resist placing their own morality or philosophy on their characters or in their stories. The fact that we can grow to both love and dispise Matt and Eliza at various times is a testament to their rich development.
Overall, I highly recommend More Than You Know. While the book looks long and logs in at almost 600 pages, it is quick, sharp, and well worth the experience.
*reviews of this and other books available on blog.jessnickel.com*
September 24, 2016
For more reviews, please visit http://fortheloveoftheread.blogspot.com
I am a die-hard fan of Vincenzi's novels, and this one was no exception. Her characters are always so well fleshed out, even the minor characters, that they feel more like real people than so many other characters in other novels. Vincenzi also fleshes out her plot lines well, leaving no detail out and covering even the most tedious parts of a story.
This book had all of the qualities that I so love about Vincenzi. One thing that did stick out to me in this one is that Matt, the "hero" of the story, is not quite as likeable as other characters in the novel. He has moments when he is so surprisingly generous and sweet, but often he is buried under the chip on his shoulder from being brought up poor, which never leaves him. Even as he becomes successful and makes oodles of money, he still holds onto his grudges about having to be self-made. He was often grumpy and unbending, constantly giving Eliza a hard time throughout their marriage for wanting to maintain some of her own identity, even after becoming a mother. I found him hard to like.
Emmie was written to be a spoiled, manipulative child who knew what strings to tug to get her way every time. Towards the end of the book, when the divorce and custody case is being worked out, I was almost surprised at how much both Eliza and Matt wanted to have Emmie live solely with them. As a character, Emmie wasn't written to seem particularly wonderful, and there aren't many times in the book when either of her parents seemed overly taken with her, with the exception of the end. Matt often expressed his feelings that it was Eliza's job to take care of Emmie, leaving me with the feeling that he was disinterested in being an active father.
Despite the inconsistencies I felt there were in each parent's relationship with Emmie, and my general dislike of Matt as a character, I still loved the book. Vincenzi used this book to focus on marriages, the ways in which they work and the slow ways in which they can crumble. While Eliza and Matt are the focus of the book, other relationships are explored. Scarlett, Matt's sister, has an inability to meet single men and often gets entangled with married ones instead. Mariella, Eliza's good friend, is married to a man who is twice her age and exceptionally rich, causing questions as to why she married him in the first place.
All of these relationships are well-explored, making this another big hit with me. I love Vincenzi's delicious writing and the ways in which she can make me think about relationships.
I am a die-hard fan of Vincenzi's novels, and this one was no exception. Her characters are always so well fleshed out, even the minor characters, that they feel more like real people than so many other characters in other novels. Vincenzi also fleshes out her plot lines well, leaving no detail out and covering even the most tedious parts of a story.
This book had all of the qualities that I so love about Vincenzi. One thing that did stick out to me in this one is that Matt, the "hero" of the story, is not quite as likeable as other characters in the novel. He has moments when he is so surprisingly generous and sweet, but often he is buried under the chip on his shoulder from being brought up poor, which never leaves him. Even as he becomes successful and makes oodles of money, he still holds onto his grudges about having to be self-made. He was often grumpy and unbending, constantly giving Eliza a hard time throughout their marriage for wanting to maintain some of her own identity, even after becoming a mother. I found him hard to like.
Emmie was written to be a spoiled, manipulative child who knew what strings to tug to get her way every time. Towards the end of the book, when the divorce and custody case is being worked out, I was almost surprised at how much both Eliza and Matt wanted to have Emmie live solely with them. As a character, Emmie wasn't written to seem particularly wonderful, and there aren't many times in the book when either of her parents seemed overly taken with her, with the exception of the end. Matt often expressed his feelings that it was Eliza's job to take care of Emmie, leaving me with the feeling that he was disinterested in being an active father.
Despite the inconsistencies I felt there were in each parent's relationship with Emmie, and my general dislike of Matt as a character, I still loved the book. Vincenzi used this book to focus on marriages, the ways in which they work and the slow ways in which they can crumble. While Eliza and Matt are the focus of the book, other relationships are explored. Scarlett, Matt's sister, has an inability to meet single men and often gets entangled with married ones instead. Mariella, Eliza's good friend, is married to a man who is twice her age and exceptionally rich, causing questions as to why she married him in the first place.
All of these relationships are well-explored, making this another big hit with me. I love Vincenzi's delicious writing and the ways in which she can make me think about relationships.
December 27, 2011
I really like Penny Vincenzi’s books – you know that you are guaranteed an interesting plot, well written characters and an element of surprise. The Decision is no exception. It is slightly unusual in that you know what will happen to the main characters Eliza and Matt ultimately – it’s no secret that they will get divorced. But it is an interesting reflection on what leads to a marriage and then its downfall. All but the epilogue is revealed by the blurb on the back cover. Is it still worth reading? Of course.
Like Vincenzi’s other books, The Decision is quite weighty (and the large format paperback was still cheaper than the ebook). It is a tome to carry around, so I’d suggest that the ebook may be easier for portability (and anonymity if that’s what you’d prefer). The story is very engaging, and as always, there is a lot of skill involved in creating the supporting characters – they are all memorable from the horrid Juliet to Jenny, the biscuit-wielding receptionist. Each has their quirks which makes such a long list of characters (thoughtfully summarised at the beginning of the book) unique and unforgettable.
Surprisingly, much of the book focuses on the earlier, happier days of Matt and Eliza – how they met, their romance and early marriage. Emmie, their daughter, is thoroughly precocious (to illustrate, she gets lost and is found trying on shoes in a department store!) but lovable. It’s easy to see how Matt and Eliza both want custody of her. The divorce itself is fraught with tension and I found it hard to decide which team to ‘bat for’ – Matt or Eliza? Both had obvious faults to their claim for custody (even in 1960s London, adultery was still frowned upon). I found the ultimate decision a little strange and perhaps a bet each way, even though it’s probably a logical conclusion. The ending tied up a little too neatly for my tastes, but it also ensures the reader knows exactly what happens to each character.
Although this book is set in 1950s-70s London predominantly, there is not too much use made of the setting. The Swinging Sixties gets a glimpse, but the plot could be set anywhere, anytime. This is not a criticism, just a comment.
This is still a lovely, warming read, leaving you satisfied with some brain stimulation. It’s easy to imagine the characters and the settings – Penny Vincenzi does these types of characters (generally middle to upper class British) so well.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Like Vincenzi’s other books, The Decision is quite weighty (and the large format paperback was still cheaper than the ebook). It is a tome to carry around, so I’d suggest that the ebook may be easier for portability (and anonymity if that’s what you’d prefer). The story is very engaging, and as always, there is a lot of skill involved in creating the supporting characters – they are all memorable from the horrid Juliet to Jenny, the biscuit-wielding receptionist. Each has their quirks which makes such a long list of characters (thoughtfully summarised at the beginning of the book) unique and unforgettable.
Surprisingly, much of the book focuses on the earlier, happier days of Matt and Eliza – how they met, their romance and early marriage. Emmie, their daughter, is thoroughly precocious (to illustrate, she gets lost and is found trying on shoes in a department store!) but lovable. It’s easy to see how Matt and Eliza both want custody of her. The divorce itself is fraught with tension and I found it hard to decide which team to ‘bat for’ – Matt or Eliza? Both had obvious faults to their claim for custody (even in 1960s London, adultery was still frowned upon). I found the ultimate decision a little strange and perhaps a bet each way, even though it’s probably a logical conclusion. The ending tied up a little too neatly for my tastes, but it also ensures the reader knows exactly what happens to each character.
Although this book is set in 1950s-70s London predominantly, there is not too much use made of the setting. The Swinging Sixties gets a glimpse, but the plot could be set anywhere, anytime. This is not a criticism, just a comment.
This is still a lovely, warming read, leaving you satisfied with some brain stimulation. It’s easy to imagine the characters and the settings – Penny Vincenzi does these types of characters (generally middle to upper class British) so well.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
March 14, 2012
More Than You Know
By
Penny Vincenzi
What's it all about?
Matt and Eliza and their long long road to unhappiness...their story is the heart of this book but there are many other key characters and their stories that intertwine with Matt and Eliza's.
What are my thoughts?
My thoughts are everywhere...so many characters and so much to think about while so much is going on!!!
I loved every word of this lovely long English novel. It was my perfect cup of English tea although most of the characters were coffee drinkers...with some pints and some bottles of champagne tossed in.
The book takes place in the 60's where women were expected to stay home and have babies...Eliza loves her career in fashion and does not want to give it up for any reason. However...she gets pregnant and gives up her life to be a good wife and mother. She does not marry the kind of person she is expected to marry but rather a sort of working class self made bloke/man. Matt is deliriously in love with Eliza but is narrow minded and imposes his will on her throughout their marriage. She acquicses because she wants to please him and keep the peace. Of course this takes its toll on their marriage.
There are other stories in this book that involve characters known or related to Matt and Eliza. All of them are absorbing and fascinating. Eliza's parents and their quest to keep the incredibly lovely yet rundown family home, Matt's sister Scarlett and her relationships, Jeremy...the man Eliza was supposed to marry and many many more characters that only contribute beautifully to the immensity and plots within this novel.
Even Emmie...Matt and Eliza's daughter...is a strong willed complex character and later becomes what Matt and Eliza will fight for in a nail biting court trial.
The book is fierce...it regales stories of fashion shoots and fashion shows and a budding industry. It made me scream at Matt's recklessness and stupidity about a woman's role in a marriage...Eliza, too, can be the sort of victim you love to hate...there were quite a few characters of this ilk within the pages of this book!!!
I loved this book...it is a long leisurely reading experience with tons of lovely twists and turns.
By
Penny Vincenzi
What's it all about?
Matt and Eliza and their long long road to unhappiness...their story is the heart of this book but there are many other key characters and their stories that intertwine with Matt and Eliza's.
What are my thoughts?
My thoughts are everywhere...so many characters and so much to think about while so much is going on!!!
I loved every word of this lovely long English novel. It was my perfect cup of English tea although most of the characters were coffee drinkers...with some pints and some bottles of champagne tossed in.
The book takes place in the 60's where women were expected to stay home and have babies...Eliza loves her career in fashion and does not want to give it up for any reason. However...she gets pregnant and gives up her life to be a good wife and mother. She does not marry the kind of person she is expected to marry but rather a sort of working class self made bloke/man. Matt is deliriously in love with Eliza but is narrow minded and imposes his will on her throughout their marriage. She acquicses because she wants to please him and keep the peace. Of course this takes its toll on their marriage.
There are other stories in this book that involve characters known or related to Matt and Eliza. All of them are absorbing and fascinating. Eliza's parents and their quest to keep the incredibly lovely yet rundown family home, Matt's sister Scarlett and her relationships, Jeremy...the man Eliza was supposed to marry and many many more characters that only contribute beautifully to the immensity and plots within this novel.
Even Emmie...Matt and Eliza's daughter...is a strong willed complex character and later becomes what Matt and Eliza will fight for in a nail biting court trial.
The book is fierce...it regales stories of fashion shoots and fashion shows and a budding industry. It made me scream at Matt's recklessness and stupidity about a woman's role in a marriage...Eliza, too, can be the sort of victim you love to hate...there were quite a few characters of this ilk within the pages of this book!!!
I loved this book...it is a long leisurely reading experience with tons of lovely twists and turns.
April 10, 2012
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com...
More Than You Know is a saga of a family and the people who surround them. It is set in 1960s London in the world of high fashion and real estate. It is the story of Eliza, a woman from the "upper" class of London, and Matt, a working-class man making his own way in the world. It is the story of how they come together, the family they create, and how that family falls apart and comes together.
More Than You Know is also the story of societal class lines and the struggle to find your own identity in the world regardless of those lines and where you come from. Being told where you "belong" or thinking where you belong, yet striving for something different.Eliza sets out to not follow the expected debutant path but to create her own identity in the fashion industry. Matt sets out to reinvent himself away from his working-class roots into the life of a real estate tycoon.
Surrounding them are varied characters who also walk this path in some way. Some do it with success and grace; some less so. All these stories are told in the context of Matt and Eliza's relationship - through meeting, courtship, marriage, parenthood, divorce, and beyond.
More Than You Know was an okay book. The story is told in almost 600 pages. The first quarter of the book seemed to be introducing the characters and setting up the main plot line of Matt and Eliza. It got a little long. Some of the characters were interesting, and some of the side stories were interesting. However, there are a lot of them! Overall, not a bad book but not a great book either.
***Reviewed for LibraryThing Early Reviewers program***
More Than You Know is a saga of a family and the people who surround them. It is set in 1960s London in the world of high fashion and real estate. It is the story of Eliza, a woman from the "upper" class of London, and Matt, a working-class man making his own way in the world. It is the story of how they come together, the family they create, and how that family falls apart and comes together.
More Than You Know is also the story of societal class lines and the struggle to find your own identity in the world regardless of those lines and where you come from. Being told where you "belong" or thinking where you belong, yet striving for something different.Eliza sets out to not follow the expected debutant path but to create her own identity in the fashion industry. Matt sets out to reinvent himself away from his working-class roots into the life of a real estate tycoon.
Surrounding them are varied characters who also walk this path in some way. Some do it with success and grace; some less so. All these stories are told in the context of Matt and Eliza's relationship - through meeting, courtship, marriage, parenthood, divorce, and beyond.
More Than You Know was an okay book. The story is told in almost 600 pages. The first quarter of the book seemed to be introducing the characters and setting up the main plot line of Matt and Eliza. It got a little long. Some of the characters were interesting, and some of the side stories were interesting. However, there are a lot of them! Overall, not a bad book but not a great book either.
***Reviewed for LibraryThing Early Reviewers program***
May 11, 2013
This book has been languishing on my TBR shelf for a few months now. I have picked it up started it and then stopped and picked up something else to read. Well I finally broke down and decided to stop procrastinating and read MORE THAN YOU KNOW by Penny Vincenzi. Now I know why it took me so long to read this tome. The story is akin to a rehash of an old Jeffrey Archer or Danielle Steel plot from their halcyon days in the 1970’s and 80’s. Both Archer and Steel’s writing formulas were fairly consistent, often involving rich families facing a crisis, threatened by elements such as financial mismanagement, infidelity, fraud, class warfare, child custody and any number of other factors. Other storylines explored by this pair involved working class men and women overcoming insurmountable odds to rise to the pinnacle of success in their chosen fields.
Penny Vincente has drawn on these proven, but time worn, scenarios and added a couple of her own in the story of Eliza and Matt, the mismatched uncommunicative couple whose marriage has been strained to the breaking point. Set in London beginning in the 1950’s and moving forward 20 years in time the story is populated by an extensive ensemble of supporting players with a narrative embracing subjects like abortion, drug use, women in the workforce, child custody and unrequited love.
For readers who have enjoyed the writings of Sidney Shelton or the aforementioned Jeffrey Archer and Danielle Steel, this tale of a woman from old money and a man with a chip on his shoulder the size of the rock of Gibraltar is a book you will find entertaining, if not original. 2 1/2 STARS
Penny Vincente has drawn on these proven, but time worn, scenarios and added a couple of her own in the story of Eliza and Matt, the mismatched uncommunicative couple whose marriage has been strained to the breaking point. Set in London beginning in the 1950’s and moving forward 20 years in time the story is populated by an extensive ensemble of supporting players with a narrative embracing subjects like abortion, drug use, women in the workforce, child custody and unrequited love.
For readers who have enjoyed the writings of Sidney Shelton or the aforementioned Jeffrey Archer and Danielle Steel, this tale of a woman from old money and a man with a chip on his shoulder the size of the rock of Gibraltar is a book you will find entertaining, if not original. 2 1/2 STARS
July 14, 2013
"And how had that happened, that her marriage, her really rather amazing marriage, entered into with such happiness and love and hope, had become Shaw v. Shaw . . . " Funny, this "amazing marriage" must have been from a different novel because I sure as hell didn't see Eliza and Matt's marriage as "amazing." Emotionally abusive, yes. Parents playing off one another to raise a young girl who is inevitably going to turn out to be a horribly spoiled, self-centered brat, yes. I missed the intense passion that was supposed to be present in the marriage too. A few hasty love scenes, nothing overly special, does not a passionate marriage make.
So, I couldn't stand Matt. Or his whiny, manipulative daughter. But the supporting characters were fascinating - especially Scarlett. I'd love to read a book her in fact - she didn't change who she was for the man she loved. And he didn't ask her to. The scene with her facing down her future mom-in-law was one of the best in the book. I also loved Vincenzi's way of starting off a section without immediately divulging which characters were involved, so you thought you were reading about so-and-so . . . but you (or maybe it was just me!) turned out to be incorrect more often than not.
My final thoughts. . . the back of the novel says Eliza falls for Matt Snow, yet in the pages of the book he's Matt Shaw. Perhaps she would've had better luck with Mr. Snow? ;)
So, I couldn't stand Matt. Or his whiny, manipulative daughter. But the supporting characters were fascinating - especially Scarlett. I'd love to read a book her in fact - she didn't change who she was for the man she loved. And he didn't ask her to. The scene with her facing down her future mom-in-law was one of the best in the book. I also loved Vincenzi's way of starting off a section without immediately divulging which characters were involved, so you thought you were reading about so-and-so . . . but you (or maybe it was just me!) turned out to be incorrect more often than not.
My final thoughts. . . the back of the novel says Eliza falls for Matt Snow, yet in the pages of the book he's Matt Shaw. Perhaps she would've had better luck with Mr. Snow? ;)
October 22, 2012
This is one of those times that if there was a 1/2 star option, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars. And, quite frankly, it would depend at what point in the book I was asked to rate it. I have read one other Vincenzi book, and loved it. This one took a lot longer to get into, and even then, there where several points when I really did consider giving up on it, which is quite rare for me. The main issue that I kept coming back to was that frankly, I couldn't stand either of the main characters, Matt and Eliza. He was just a sexist, arrogant wanker, as the British would say, and she was just an idiot for getting involved with him (their kid is a brat too, adding more evidence to my claim that authors of adult books have absolutely no idea how to write realistic children). The supporting characters save this book, and their story lines are frankly more enjoyable than the main plot. And lastly, though I won't give any spoilers, the decision in the custody case is completely ridiculous, and would never happen in any courtroom. I'll probably still read another Vincenzi book, since I did enjoy the other one so much, but I wouldn't recommend this one.
November 3, 2020
Eliza Clark has a brilliant career as a fashion editor in 1960s London. Matt Shaw is a working class man who meets Eliza through her brother Charles with whom he shared time in military service. They embark on a passionate affair that results in a pregnancy. Eliza and Matt marry though both sides of the family have concerns. The marriage is passionate and difficult because Matt believes Eliza should give up her career and stay with their child Emmeline. As their daughter grows she proves to be a challenging and strong willed child who easily plays one parent against the other to get her way. In the mix also is Eliza's family home, a wonderful moderate size mansion called Summercourt that having been in the family for generations is now showing signs of decay and decline. Penny Vincenzi's More Than You Know is filled with many other colorful and vibrant characters all that bring unique perspectives and complexities that make this an engrossing and challenging reading experience. The author has a gift for making multifaceted characters both likable and unlikable and yet still have you rooting for them.
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