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The Girl on the Cliff
Grania Ryan returns home to Ireland and forms a close friendship with a young girl whose family history is intertwined with Grania's own.
687 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
2191 people are currently reading
16033 people want to read
About the author
Lucinda Riley
167 books12.1k followersAKA: Lucinda Edmonds
Lucinda Riley was born in Northern Ireland, and after an early career as an actress in film, theatre and television, wrote her first book aged twenty-four. Her books have been translated into thirty-seven languages and sold thirty million copies worldwide. She is a No.1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller.
Lucinda’s The Seven Sisters series, which tells the story of adopted sisters and is inspired by the mythology of the famous star cluster, has become a global phenomenon. The series is a No.1 bestseller across the world with total sales of over fifteen million copies.
Lucinda and her family divided their time between the U.K. and a farmhouse in West Cork, Ireland, where she wrote her books.
Lucinda Riley was born in Northern Ireland, and after an early career as an actress in film, theatre and television, wrote her first book aged twenty-four. Her books have been translated into thirty-seven languages and sold thirty million copies worldwide. She is a No.1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller.
Lucinda’s The Seven Sisters series, which tells the story of adopted sisters and is inspired by the mythology of the famous star cluster, has become a global phenomenon. The series is a No.1 bestseller across the world with total sales of over fifteen million copies.
Lucinda and her family divided their time between the U.K. and a farmhouse in West Cork, Ireland, where she wrote her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,898 reviews
June 27, 2013
I cannot really share all the excitement of the other reviews. It's not like I didn't like the book. I just think it was overly dramatic at times, tended to be a little too unrealistic sometimes and was just very sentimental. Moreover I think that the character of Aurora was just completely unauthentic, I could not connect to her at all. Even though she was supposed to be an 'old soul', her thoughts were way to mature, with the author desperately trying to make her sound like a child.
At times, I think the development of relationships / characters moved way too fast. Granias family pretty much adopting a strange child, that her mother had a lot of reservations against in the beginning, is very unbelievable. Also the whole Aurora-suddenly-calls-everyone-mummy/grandma/uncle-etc-part was just really annoying for me. The author kind of overdid that by calling Grania 'mummy' in pretty much every sentence Aurora uttered.
While in the beginning I thought that this book might get really interesting, especially with the whole issue of Aurora (sleep)walking to the cliffs, trying to get into her mothers room and having bad dreams, the issue is dissolved very easily though. She just stops having bad dreams. And that's the end of it. Grania is her salvation from everything bad in the world. Yeah right ...
The story of Granias great-grandmother Mary, her grandmother Sophia and aunt Anna was definitely the highlight of the book and a lot more interesting. I wish we've had even more on the relationship between Kathleen and Lily, and even more on Anna.
But then, i was really disappointed in the end, when it just turned more and more unbelievable, which was almost the most painful part to read. The Russian revolution and the family of the tsar? REALLY? Ugh, I wanted to put the book down right there. But then there were only a few pages left, so I kept going.
Don't get me wrong, I did not dislike the book. It just had a few parts that were almost painful to read. :/
All in all, it was a quick read though, something I really just needed right now. ;)
At times, I think the development of relationships / characters moved way too fast. Granias family pretty much adopting a strange child, that her mother had a lot of reservations against in the beginning, is very unbelievable. Also the whole Aurora-suddenly-calls-everyone-mummy/grandma/uncle-etc-part was just really annoying for me. The author kind of overdid that by calling Grania 'mummy' in pretty much every sentence Aurora uttered.
While in the beginning I thought that this book might get really interesting, especially with the whole issue of Aurora (sleep)walking to the cliffs, trying to get into her mothers room and having bad dreams, the issue is dissolved very easily though. She just stops having bad dreams. And that's the end of it. Grania is her salvation from everything bad in the world. Yeah right ...
The story of Granias great-grandmother Mary, her grandmother Sophia and aunt Anna was definitely the highlight of the book and a lot more interesting. I wish we've had even more on the relationship between Kathleen and Lily, and even more on Anna.
But then, i was really disappointed in the end, when it just turned more and more unbelievable, which was almost the most painful part to read. The Russian revolution and the family of the tsar? REALLY? Ugh, I wanted to put the book down right there. But then there were only a few pages left, so I kept going.
Don't get me wrong, I did not dislike the book. It just had a few parts that were almost painful to read. :/
All in all, it was a quick read though, something I really just needed right now. ;)
June 4, 2023
EXCERPT: Dunworley Bay, West Cork, Ireland
The small figure was standing perilously close to the edge of the cliff. Her luxuriant, long red hair had been caught by the strong breeze and was flying out behind her. A thin white cotton dress reached to her ankles and exposed her small, bare feet. Her arms were held taut, palms facing out toward the foaming mass of gray sea beneath her, her pale face looking upward, as if she were offering herself as a sacrifice to the elements.
Grania Ryan stood watching her, hypnotized by the wraithlike vision. Her senses were too jumbled to tell her whether what she was seeing before her was real or imagined. She closed her eyes for a split second, then reopened them, and saw that the figure was still there. With the appropriate messages sent to her brain, she took a couple of tentative steps forward.
As she drew nearer, Grania realized the figure was no more than a child; that the white cotton she was wearing was a nightdress. Grania could see the black storm clouds hovering out over the sea and the first saltwater droplets of impending rain stung her cheeks. The frailty of the small human against the wildness of her surroundings made her steps toward the child more urgent in pace.
The wind was whipping around her ears now and had started to voice its rage. Grania stopped ten yards from the girl, who was still unmoving. She saw the tiny blue toes holding her stoically to the rock, as the rising wind whipped and swayed her thin body like a willow sapling. She moved closer to the girl, stopping just behind her, uncertain of what to do next. Grania’s instinct was to run forward and grab her, but if the girl was startled and turned around, one missed footfall could result in unthinkable tragedy, taking the child to certain death on the foam-covered rocks a hundred feet below.
Grania stood, panic gripping her as she desperately tried to think of the best way to remove her from danger. But before she could reach a decision, the girl slowly turned around and stared at her with unseeing eyes.
Instinctively Grania held out her arms. “I won’t hurt you, I promise. Walk toward me and you’ll be safe.”
Still the girl stared at her, not moving from her spot on the edge of the cliff.
“I can take you home if you tell me where you live. You’ll catch your death out here. Please, let me help you,” Grania begged.
She took another step toward the child, and then, as if the girl had woken up from a dream, a look of fear crossed her face. Instantly, she turned to her right and began to run away from Grania along the cliff’s edge, disappearing from view.
ABOUT 'THE GIRL ON THE CLIFF': Walking along the windswept cliffs of Ireland, Grania Ryan meets young Aurora.
Mysteriously drawn to her, Grania discovers that their families are strangely and deeply entwined.
From a bittersweet romance in wartime London, to a troubled relationship in contemporary New York, the two families, past and present, have been entangled for a century.
Can Aurora help Grania understand the past, and change her future?
MY THOUGHTS: Lucinda Riley is my go to for a comfort read, and The Girl on the Cliff didn't disappoint. I wanted to move in with Grania's family on the farm and just bask in the warmth and love that defines them.
But, of course, this being a book by Lucinda Riley, you know it is going to be a moving and emotional read. This is a beautiful read spanning several generations and telling the stories of two families whose destinies are intertwined. It is both heartwarming and heartwrenching, and while I wanted to know what happened, I just didn't want this to end.
There is a lot of death in this read, and I frequently found myself tearing up as death derailed the characters lives.
There is a wonderful mystery of identity running throughout this book with the answer not being revealed until the end.
A beautiful read that moves from wartime Ireland, to war torn London, modern day New York, and finally back to Ireland with references to Russia thrown in.
If you love multi-generational family sagas, this is a fine read.
I listened to the audiobook of The Girl on the Cliff, written by Lucinda Riley and superbly narrated by Gerri Halligan.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheGirlontheCliff
I: @lucindarileybooks @wfhowes
T: @lucindariley @WFHowes
#contemporaryfiction #deathanddying #familysaga #friendship #historicalfiction #irishfiction #mystery #romance
The small figure was standing perilously close to the edge of the cliff. Her luxuriant, long red hair had been caught by the strong breeze and was flying out behind her. A thin white cotton dress reached to her ankles and exposed her small, bare feet. Her arms were held taut, palms facing out toward the foaming mass of gray sea beneath her, her pale face looking upward, as if she were offering herself as a sacrifice to the elements.
Grania Ryan stood watching her, hypnotized by the wraithlike vision. Her senses were too jumbled to tell her whether what she was seeing before her was real or imagined. She closed her eyes for a split second, then reopened them, and saw that the figure was still there. With the appropriate messages sent to her brain, she took a couple of tentative steps forward.
As she drew nearer, Grania realized the figure was no more than a child; that the white cotton she was wearing was a nightdress. Grania could see the black storm clouds hovering out over the sea and the first saltwater droplets of impending rain stung her cheeks. The frailty of the small human against the wildness of her surroundings made her steps toward the child more urgent in pace.
The wind was whipping around her ears now and had started to voice its rage. Grania stopped ten yards from the girl, who was still unmoving. She saw the tiny blue toes holding her stoically to the rock, as the rising wind whipped and swayed her thin body like a willow sapling. She moved closer to the girl, stopping just behind her, uncertain of what to do next. Grania’s instinct was to run forward and grab her, but if the girl was startled and turned around, one missed footfall could result in unthinkable tragedy, taking the child to certain death on the foam-covered rocks a hundred feet below.
Grania stood, panic gripping her as she desperately tried to think of the best way to remove her from danger. But before she could reach a decision, the girl slowly turned around and stared at her with unseeing eyes.
Instinctively Grania held out her arms. “I won’t hurt you, I promise. Walk toward me and you’ll be safe.”
Still the girl stared at her, not moving from her spot on the edge of the cliff.
“I can take you home if you tell me where you live. You’ll catch your death out here. Please, let me help you,” Grania begged.
She took another step toward the child, and then, as if the girl had woken up from a dream, a look of fear crossed her face. Instantly, she turned to her right and began to run away from Grania along the cliff’s edge, disappearing from view.
ABOUT 'THE GIRL ON THE CLIFF': Walking along the windswept cliffs of Ireland, Grania Ryan meets young Aurora.
Mysteriously drawn to her, Grania discovers that their families are strangely and deeply entwined.
From a bittersweet romance in wartime London, to a troubled relationship in contemporary New York, the two families, past and present, have been entangled for a century.
Can Aurora help Grania understand the past, and change her future?
MY THOUGHTS: Lucinda Riley is my go to for a comfort read, and The Girl on the Cliff didn't disappoint. I wanted to move in with Grania's family on the farm and just bask in the warmth and love that defines them.
But, of course, this being a book by Lucinda Riley, you know it is going to be a moving and emotional read. This is a beautiful read spanning several generations and telling the stories of two families whose destinies are intertwined. It is both heartwarming and heartwrenching, and while I wanted to know what happened, I just didn't want this to end.
There is a lot of death in this read, and I frequently found myself tearing up as death derailed the characters lives.
There is a wonderful mystery of identity running throughout this book with the answer not being revealed until the end.
A beautiful read that moves from wartime Ireland, to war torn London, modern day New York, and finally back to Ireland with references to Russia thrown in.
If you love multi-generational family sagas, this is a fine read.
I listened to the audiobook of The Girl on the Cliff, written by Lucinda Riley and superbly narrated by Gerri Halligan.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheGirlontheCliff
I: @lucindarileybooks @wfhowes
T: @lucindariley @WFHowes
#contemporaryfiction #deathanddying #familysaga #friendship #historicalfiction #irishfiction #mystery #romance
March 31, 2013
This is an unforgivably, irredeemably rotten book. "The Girl on the Cliff" is set in Ireland and weaves together both contemporary and historical plot-lines.
The best use of this book is as a drinking game; it is otherwise useless. Truly.
The game: Take a drink every time an American character says "real" instead of "really," and another when an Irish character calls someone "pet." And chug the contents of your glass for the countless malapropisms, e.g. emotions that go *up and down, like a pendulum* or observing that an item was as if preserved in *aspic* (maybe the pathetic writer meant *amber*?). You can take extra drinks for bad manners: characters who should know better asking "Can I?" rather than "MAY I?" Or when supposedly contemporary hipster Manhattanites ask each other "How's it hanging?" Enjoy your game. It's about the only way you will enjoy your time with "The Girl on the Cliff" and her cohorts.
And where/who the hell was the editor of this train-wreck of a book?
I will nevah, evah trust Goodreads.com's reader reviews again.
The best use of this book is as a drinking game; it is otherwise useless. Truly.
The game: Take a drink every time an American character says "real" instead of "really," and another when an Irish character calls someone "pet." And chug the contents of your glass for the countless malapropisms, e.g. emotions that go *up and down, like a pendulum* or observing that an item was as if preserved in *aspic* (maybe the pathetic writer meant *amber*?). You can take extra drinks for bad manners: characters who should know better asking "Can I?" rather than "MAY I?" Or when supposedly contemporary hipster Manhattanites ask each other "How's it hanging?" Enjoy your game. It's about the only way you will enjoy your time with "The Girl on the Cliff" and her cohorts.
And where/who the hell was the editor of this train-wreck of a book?
I will nevah, evah trust Goodreads.com's reader reviews again.
February 23, 2021
Ohjemine, da hat die liebe Lucinda Riley es mit dem Drama doch etwas zu sehr übertrieben. Es gab so viele gute Ideen, die leider komplett übertrieben ausgearbeitet wurden. Schade, ich bin großer Fan dieser Autorin, aber dieses Buch war für mich leider gar nichts.
September 27, 2025
“Every human being has a fascinating existence, with a big cast of good and evil characters in each.”
― Lucinda Riley, The Girl on the Cliff
The girl on the cliff sure has some beautiful cover art I must say.
It’s an ethereal scene on the cover in the book likewise is also quite ethereal.
This was an interesting read. It isn't my favorite book out there but it does tell a compelling story and is both well written and very moving.
I loved the dreamy aspect to this book. The cover is fantastic..
This story takes place on the coast of Ireland which I must say sounds breathtakingly beautiful.
The setting was part of what really made this book interesting.
I also really got drawn in and loved the character of Grania.
The friendship she forms with the girl on the cliff was poignant and it was a very touching story.
And (for me anyway) it is not at all the kind of book you can DNF once you start because you so want to know what happens.
So why a three rating? Well it was a bit difficult to follow at times.
It also does move a bit slowly but at no point did I consider not finishing it.
There were a few events that happened that were a bit out of a soap opera concerning Grania's love life but that really did not detract from the story.
Now the rest of my review contains spoilers, so if you are interested in reading this book, you should stop here.
SPOILERS:
Did not expect that ending and it was quite sad..and I have to say I did not like the ending as I am sure many readers didn't.
It just seemed a bit too much to me. So all things considered, this was was a perfect 3.5 stars for me.
The whole book had a bittersweet quality. I will also say it was slow to start but don't give up on it because it has a nice slow buildup and once you become interested you might find yourself lost in it. I did.
Recommended.
― Lucinda Riley, The Girl on the Cliff
The girl on the cliff sure has some beautiful cover art I must say.
It’s an ethereal scene on the cover in the book likewise is also quite ethereal.
This was an interesting read. It isn't my favorite book out there but it does tell a compelling story and is both well written and very moving.
I loved the dreamy aspect to this book. The cover is fantastic..
This story takes place on the coast of Ireland which I must say sounds breathtakingly beautiful.
The setting was part of what really made this book interesting.
I also really got drawn in and loved the character of Grania.
The friendship she forms with the girl on the cliff was poignant and it was a very touching story.
And (for me anyway) it is not at all the kind of book you can DNF once you start because you so want to know what happens.
So why a three rating? Well it was a bit difficult to follow at times.
It also does move a bit slowly but at no point did I consider not finishing it.
There were a few events that happened that were a bit out of a soap opera concerning Grania's love life but that really did not detract from the story.
Now the rest of my review contains spoilers, so if you are interested in reading this book, you should stop here.
SPOILERS:
Did not expect that ending and it was quite sad..and I have to say I did not like the ending as I am sure many readers didn't.
It just seemed a bit too much to me. So all things considered, this was was a perfect 3.5 stars for me.
The whole book had a bittersweet quality. I will also say it was slow to start but don't give up on it because it has a nice slow buildup and once you become interested you might find yourself lost in it. I did.
Recommended.
July 13, 2015
“I believe that our lives, just like fairy tales - the stories that have been written by us humans, through our own experiences of living - will always have a Hero and a Heroine, a Fairy Godmother and a Wicked Witch.”
A lovely beautiful story with haunting and ethereal tones to it. Grania and Aurora meet by chance on the cliffs and from there unfolds a friendship and connection she didn't expect. She soon learns their families histories are more tangled than either her or Aurora knew.
There are twists and turns in the story and a few surprises along the way. It never felt forced or unrealistic, it sweeps you along and invites you to play witness to what's going on.
It's a dual time narrative (right term?) but it's never confusing going back and forth. Often times it would stop at a point in one of the stories and I would be reading faster to find what happened next but the one I was currently reading held my interest just as much haha.
At times, Grania's stubborness had me throwing up my hands. I can't understand what she was going through but when everything was revealed, the reason made sense but... I can't quite figure out how to word it but.. maybe underwhelmed? I can sort of understand why she felt that way I suppose.
Sometimes how Aurora talked did seem off but to me it felt natural to who she was. An "old soul", as she was called in the book... it did feel as if she had this 'knowledge', 'aura', or 'gift' however you want to say it. She seemed Just my opinion :)
This is a novel to savor, like with Kate Morton and Sarah Jio... there's a bit of magic in the atmosphere so to speak. There was even (although it could be just me)
Ireland is a character itself, vibrant and beautiful... would LOVE to visit there one day *dreamy sigh* There's just.. something about it<3.
Would recommend, happy reading! Will be reading more by Miss Riley.. I will make the time haha.
“We all make decisions as though we will live forever.”
“I am at the stage of my life everyone dreads - that of filling my days with the past, because there is little future left.”
A lovely beautiful story with haunting and ethereal tones to it. Grania and Aurora meet by chance on the cliffs and from there unfolds a friendship and connection she didn't expect. She soon learns their families histories are more tangled than either her or Aurora knew.
There are twists and turns in the story and a few surprises along the way. It never felt forced or unrealistic, it sweeps you along and invites you to play witness to what's going on.
It's a dual time narrative (right term?) but it's never confusing going back and forth. Often times it would stop at a point in one of the stories and I would be reading faster to find what happened next but the one I was currently reading held my interest just as much haha.
At times, Grania's stubborness had me throwing up my hands. I can't understand what she was going through but when everything was revealed, the reason made sense but... I can't quite figure out how to word it but.. maybe underwhelmed? I can sort of understand why she felt that way I suppose.
Sometimes how Aurora talked did seem off but to me it felt natural to who she was. An "old soul", as she was called in the book... it did feel as if she had this 'knowledge', 'aura', or 'gift' however you want to say it. She seemed Just my opinion :)
This is a novel to savor, like with Kate Morton and Sarah Jio... there's a bit of magic in the atmosphere so to speak. There was even (although it could be just me)
Ireland is a character itself, vibrant and beautiful... would LOVE to visit there one day *dreamy sigh* There's just.. something about it<3.
Would recommend, happy reading! Will be reading more by Miss Riley.. I will make the time haha.
“We all make decisions as though we will live forever.”
“I am at the stage of my life everyone dreads - that of filling my days with the past, because there is little future left.”
January 10, 2025
Catching up…
I wasn’t sure I should venture into another book by this author. To be honest, I was disappointed with her book, “The Midnight Rose.”
But…I had ordered the book from my library and when it came in, I decided to read it. Please note, I read this years ago.
And…Just recently I received this book as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, from my dearest friend Verlie in Massachusetts…
So…It reminded me that …It was time to re-visit this book, and post a review.
This is a story of a young woman who moves back to Ireland and befriends a young 8-year-old girl who is mourning the loss of her mother. This friendship leads to her meeting the child’s handsome widowed father.
And…As she grows to spend time at their manor, all sorts of mysteries of the past will be uncovered.
This is a novel that features sweeping countryside views, secrets, skeletons in many closets, and second-chance love. It also takes readers through time to reveal several generations of history among the characters.
Unfortunately…The reader’s engagement with the story is sometimes frustrated by commentary, in which the narrator dispenses life lessons, or attempts to get us to cry…
“Oh dear,” she sobs at one point, “it’s so dreadfully sad.”
Which…For this reader, took away from the full pleasure of the story. I felt it had potential, but didn’t fully realize it.
3.5 stars rounded down.
I wasn’t sure I should venture into another book by this author. To be honest, I was disappointed with her book, “The Midnight Rose.”
But…I had ordered the book from my library and when it came in, I decided to read it. Please note, I read this years ago.
And…Just recently I received this book as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, from my dearest friend Verlie in Massachusetts…
So…It reminded me that …It was time to re-visit this book, and post a review.
This is a story of a young woman who moves back to Ireland and befriends a young 8-year-old girl who is mourning the loss of her mother. This friendship leads to her meeting the child’s handsome widowed father.
And…As she grows to spend time at their manor, all sorts of mysteries of the past will be uncovered.
This is a novel that features sweeping countryside views, secrets, skeletons in many closets, and second-chance love. It also takes readers through time to reveal several generations of history among the characters.
Unfortunately…The reader’s engagement with the story is sometimes frustrated by commentary, in which the narrator dispenses life lessons, or attempts to get us to cry…
“Oh dear,” she sobs at one point, “it’s so dreadfully sad.”
Which…For this reader, took away from the full pleasure of the story. I felt it had potential, but didn’t fully realize it.
3.5 stars rounded down.
March 13, 2013
Two and a half stars, rounded up. I was attracted to this book by elements I typically can't resist - a setting on the coast of Ireland, multiple time frames from the present back to WWI and decades between, two families intricately linked through the generations, an old estate home on a cliff above the sea and another mansion in London, and a bit of a Gothic flavor with mysterious orphaned children, suicide, and hints of ghosts. This definitely falls in the Kate Morton vein of what I call new Gothic. However, I found myself often irritated at what I was reading and debated giving up, but I wanted to find out how the author was going to bring it all together. So, I rounded up for being compelling. The faults are glaring. The story begins on a farm on the Irish coast where Grania Ryan has retreated to the bosom of her family after a heartbreaking miscarriage. Grania left her successful career as a sculptor behind in Manhattan, along with her boyfriend Matt, whom she had refused to marry but was supposedly deeply in love with. Why she so precipitously ran away leaving Matt begging her to explain what he'd done wrong is one of the little mysteries left until the end. It turns out to be an overheard remark that made me think 'so what?' and made the whole escapade upon which the book turned to be nothing but a ludicrous ploy. A simple question and answer would have cleared up the whole thing, which was hardly incriminating to begin with, but no, Grania says the relationship is over, she'll never forgive him, blah, blah, blah. In Ireland, Grania becomes involved with a motherless eight-year-old girl Aurora, who lives in the manor house on the cliff, the home of the Lisle family. In doing so, she echoes the choices of her great-grandmother Mary, who also took on the care of a child in the Lisle family. And thus the generational stories begin.
Both Grania and Mary are portrayed idealistically as nurturing mothers who will do anything to care for and protect their wards. That Grania would wholeheartedly sacrifice her former life and career after only being a nanny to Aurora for a month seems unrealistic, but that is only one of a continuous stream of implausibilities that mar this story (beginning with the one mentioned above). Another glaring one is the heretofore unknown existence of Grania's uncle. In fact, for a close-knit Irish clan who has lived in the same village for at least a hundred years, Grania seems to know nothing of her mother's family's story and their connection to the Lisles. Surely in her years growing up she would have seen family photographs or heard stories in the local village. One would think . . . The author goes in for high melodrama, and we can see from the beginning what the situation with Aurora's handsome father is, though, for the purposes of the plot, Grania is totally blind to it. In fact, Grania is aggravatingly clueless about everything and stubbornly intends to stay that way. That only works for creating the need-to-know for the reader, but is totally contrived.
Another irritating aspect of this book is the dialogue. Matt, the preppy son of a successful New York financial investor, raised in ritzy Connecticut and used to an uptown lifestyle, doesn't in the least talk like a hip Manhattanite. And it set my teeth on edge that in nearly every sentence he speaks to Grania he calls her an endearment like 'baby' or 'honey.' The fact that Matt, who has a doctorate in child psychology, is totally clueless to the manipulations of his one-time girlfriend Charley is another silly inconsistency. Not to mention that by his mid-thirties, he holds a departmental chair at Columbia. Or that he would consider giving up the job he loves and the position he worked hard to attain for the more lucrative family investment business because his girlfriend got pregnant. You might as well suspend all disbelief that this book corresponds remotely to the real world.
Aurora, the eight-year-old "girl on the cliff" narrates introductory segments of the story, and, well, this is confusing at best and maudlin at worst. She is another contrived character that rounds out this cast of caricatures. Maybe I need to round down to two stars. This was not worth the time it took to read the 400 odd pages.
Both Grania and Mary are portrayed idealistically as nurturing mothers who will do anything to care for and protect their wards. That Grania would wholeheartedly sacrifice her former life and career after only being a nanny to Aurora for a month seems unrealistic, but that is only one of a continuous stream of implausibilities that mar this story (beginning with the one mentioned above). Another glaring one is the heretofore unknown existence of Grania's uncle. In fact, for a close-knit Irish clan who has lived in the same village for at least a hundred years, Grania seems to know nothing of her mother's family's story and their connection to the Lisles. Surely in her years growing up she would have seen family photographs or heard stories in the local village. One would think . . . The author goes in for high melodrama, and we can see from the beginning what the situation with Aurora's handsome father is, though, for the purposes of the plot, Grania is totally blind to it. In fact, Grania is aggravatingly clueless about everything and stubbornly intends to stay that way. That only works for creating the need-to-know for the reader, but is totally contrived.
Another irritating aspect of this book is the dialogue. Matt, the preppy son of a successful New York financial investor, raised in ritzy Connecticut and used to an uptown lifestyle, doesn't in the least talk like a hip Manhattanite. And it set my teeth on edge that in nearly every sentence he speaks to Grania he calls her an endearment like 'baby' or 'honey.' The fact that Matt, who has a doctorate in child psychology, is totally clueless to the manipulations of his one-time girlfriend Charley is another silly inconsistency. Not to mention that by his mid-thirties, he holds a departmental chair at Columbia. Or that he would consider giving up the job he loves and the position he worked hard to attain for the more lucrative family investment business because his girlfriend got pregnant. You might as well suspend all disbelief that this book corresponds remotely to the real world.
Aurora, the eight-year-old "girl on the cliff" narrates introductory segments of the story, and, well, this is confusing at best and maudlin at worst. She is another contrived character that rounds out this cast of caricatures. Maybe I need to round down to two stars. This was not worth the time it took to read the 400 odd pages.
August 19, 2013
I was appalled by this book and cannot believe it was published by Penguin.
Luckily I only paid 20p for it at a carboot sale but to be honest I even begrudge paying that.
Some possible spoilers below - but they illustrate just some of the reasons why I found this book so dreadful...
There is a complete lack of cohesion between the multitude of storylines; one is meant to be told through a series of letters, which the heroine is given to read, but is delivered through a hefty piece of narrative with no hint of epistolary writing and thus appears a very poorly used literary device.
The characters are one-dimensional,weakly written and unbelievable. It is hard to care about any of them because they respond to the twists and turns of the implausible plot in equally ridiculous ways. Indeed, the plot (if it can be called that?) is made up of a series of incredible coincidences - would someone truly ask a woman he's only met twice to look after his young daughter for a month with no references, no interview and no one else in the house even though he's a multi-millionaire and could surely have arranged something before hand? Conversely, why would Charley go to such lengths to embroil Matt in a relationship (because fortunately his long-term girlfriend left him just at this point) when she has already decided to have IVF and become a single mother?
And don't even get me started on the tedious and tenuous accents...
Pure, unmitigated drivel - avoid at all costs (even for 20p)!
Luckily I only paid 20p for it at a carboot sale but to be honest I even begrudge paying that.
Some possible spoilers below - but they illustrate just some of the reasons why I found this book so dreadful...
There is a complete lack of cohesion between the multitude of storylines; one is meant to be told through a series of letters, which the heroine is given to read, but is delivered through a hefty piece of narrative with no hint of epistolary writing and thus appears a very poorly used literary device.
The characters are one-dimensional,weakly written and unbelievable. It is hard to care about any of them because they respond to the twists and turns of the implausible plot in equally ridiculous ways. Indeed, the plot (if it can be called that?) is made up of a series of incredible coincidences - would someone truly ask a woman he's only met twice to look after his young daughter for a month with no references, no interview and no one else in the house even though he's a multi-millionaire and could surely have arranged something before hand? Conversely, why would Charley go to such lengths to embroil Matt in a relationship (because fortunately his long-term girlfriend left him just at this point) when she has already decided to have IVF and become a single mother?
And don't even get me started on the tedious and tenuous accents...
Pure, unmitigated drivel - avoid at all costs (even for 20p)!
November 27, 2017
Guau. Maravillosa. ❤️
March 13, 2018
Tipična druga knjiga... dosta lošija od prve... malo autora uspe da drugu knjigu napiše jednako ili približno dobro kao prvu... Lično, ne vidim opravdan razlog za njenu toliku popularnost kod nas (kada su u pitanju stil pisanja i fabula knjige)... Batalila posle sto strana (ostatak knjige mi je majka prepričala)... :)))) Lusinda je definitivno stvar ukusa... (jer vidim da su mnogi od vas oduševljeni ovom knjigom)... :)
August 24, 2016
The only times I've given a 1 star rating was when I disliked a book so much I didn't even finish it. Given that I only finished this one for a challenge and would for sure have abandonded it otherwise, I think I can make an exception. Ah, maybe I should give it 1.5, because I could have stopped reading and didn't. I was just so interested to know what bizarre thing the author would come up with next!
Boy, was this bad, the present-day story at least. For a while I reasoned the storyline set in the past would give me an excuse to give 2 stars, but things just got worse and there was only so little of the past, that I couldn't do it. The present day story was just so implausible that it was almost comical. Just some of the things that made me roll my eyes and snort (read only if you read the book or don't plan on reading it anyway):
So that's a part of it. Other than that, the writing wasn't all that good, way too much drama, it was predictable, the use of the words 'hon' and 'pet' in every other sentence annoyed the crap out of me, the Matt storyline could have been left out completely, and I didn't get those tellings by Aurora in between chapters.
Right now, I think I deserve to read a book I know I will love.
Boy, was this bad, the present-day story at least. For a while I reasoned the storyline set in the past would give me an excuse to give 2 stars, but things just got worse and there was only so little of the past, that I couldn't do it. The present day story was just so implausible that it was almost comical. Just some of the things that made me roll my eyes and snort (read only if you read the book or don't plan on reading it anyway):
So that's a part of it. Other than that, the writing wasn't all that good, way too much drama, it was predictable, the use of the words 'hon' and 'pet' in every other sentence annoyed the crap out of me, the Matt storyline could have been left out completely, and I didn't get those tellings by Aurora in between chapters.
Right now, I think I deserve to read a book I know I will love.
August 12, 2012
oh god I don't know why I'm still reading this , oh yeah the library doesn't open until tuesday.
aurora is annoying, swings from being immature and needy to manipulative. i was rather hoping her father would turn out to be a vampire (pale, grey, skeletal - surely a vampire?) nope just dying and not man enough to tell anyone denying them a chance to come to terms with whats happening.grania/matt/charley just a huge cliche, one of those ones that if they just sat down and talked to each other like grown ups instead of sulky teenagers their problems would be resolved. but then that wouldn't be an interesting book. The irish accents are cringeworthy (but then I live in ireland maybe thats why they sound so bad, its just not real dialogue), so they are, you'll be wanting to turn a blind eye to them so, by god. (sorry couldn't help it!!)
the historical saga part is more interesting, but i just don't think its going to redeem the book for me.
aurora is annoying, swings from being immature and needy to manipulative. i was rather hoping her father would turn out to be a vampire (pale, grey, skeletal - surely a vampire?) nope just dying and not man enough to tell anyone denying them a chance to come to terms with whats happening.grania/matt/charley just a huge cliche, one of those ones that if they just sat down and talked to each other like grown ups instead of sulky teenagers their problems would be resolved. but then that wouldn't be an interesting book. The irish accents are cringeworthy (but then I live in ireland maybe thats why they sound so bad, its just not real dialogue), so they are, you'll be wanting to turn a blind eye to them so, by god. (sorry couldn't help it!!)
the historical saga part is more interesting, but i just don't think its going to redeem the book for me.
August 16, 2022
Avevo alte aspettative per questo libro perché l'autrice è famosa, super acclamata, consigliata da tutti ma, onestamente, ho trovato la storia "tanto fumo e niente arrosto", poca sostanza insomma.
La trama si dipana su diversi piani temporali, ma sia nel presente che nel passato, è un continuo girare in tondo senza mai arrivare al nocciolo della questione e ho trovato la cosa irritante durante la lettura. Può anche darsi, che per conoscere e apprezzare la Riley, abbia scelto il libro sbagliato...
La trama si dipana su diversi piani temporali, ma sia nel presente che nel passato, è un continuo girare in tondo senza mai arrivare al nocciolo della questione e ho trovato la cosa irritante durante la lettura. Può anche darsi, che per conoscere e apprezzare la Riley, abbia scelto il libro sbagliato...
April 27, 2021
Kaip lengvai puikybė, pyktis ir nesaugumo jausmas pražudo galimą laimę.
Taip, viskas galėjo baisiai blogai baigtis, bet kartais reikia padaryti lemtingą žingsnį ir tikėti, kad baigtis gali būti kitokia. Blogiausiu atveju aš bent jau būčiau pabandžiusi, ir šventai tikiu, kad tiek ir tegalime padaryti gyvenime. Nes jis toks trumpas ir, kaip jau žinau žvelgdamas atgal likus nebedaug laiko, geriausia, kai turi kuo mažiau dėl ko gailėti.
Kokia nuostabi knyga ♥️, kiek joje visko, nuo nuostabiausių akimirkų iki pačių liūdniausiu, bet labai labai patiko♥️
Taip, viskas galėjo baisiai blogai baigtis, bet kartais reikia padaryti lemtingą žingsnį ir tikėti, kad baigtis gali būti kitokia. Blogiausiu atveju aš bent jau būčiau pabandžiusi, ir šventai tikiu, kad tiek ir tegalime padaryti gyvenime. Nes jis toks trumpas ir, kaip jau žinau žvelgdamas atgal likus nebedaug laiko, geriausia, kai turi kuo mažiau dėl ko gailėti.
Kokia nuostabi knyga ♥️, kiek joje visko, nuo nuostabiausių akimirkų iki pačių liūdniausiu, bet labai labai patiko♥️
September 23, 2024
Lucinda Riley reușește să mă suprindă din nou cu un roman complex, o saga a doua familii, care se întinde pe parcursul a 100 de ani, încărcată cu emoții și întâmplări care le schimbă destinul iremediabil.
Narațiunea pendulează între prezent și trecut, fiind ușor de parcurs datorită fluidității cu care autoarea reușește să expună povestea celor două familii.
Întoarsă pe plaiurile natale după o lungă suferință, Grania Ryan, întâlnește pe vârful unei stânci o fetiță misterioasă pe nume Aurora, care o atrage ca un magnet. Cele două se împrietenesc și Grania realizează pe parcurs faptul ca poveștile famililor lor sunt legate de un secret ascuns vreme de mai bine de un secol, secret care a schimbat viețile tuturor descendenților celor două familii.
M-a impresionat foarte mult acesta ficțiune istorică datorită complexității poveștii, a personajelor foarte bine conturate și a modului sensibil în care este scrisă. Mi-a plăcut foarte mult personajul Mary, pentru devotamentul și puterea de sacrificiu în favoarea celorlalți.
Narațiunea pendulează între prezent și trecut, fiind ușor de parcurs datorită fluidității cu care autoarea reușește să expună povestea celor două familii.
Întoarsă pe plaiurile natale după o lungă suferință, Grania Ryan, întâlnește pe vârful unei stânci o fetiță misterioasă pe nume Aurora, care o atrage ca un magnet. Cele două se împrietenesc și Grania realizează pe parcurs faptul ca poveștile famililor lor sunt legate de un secret ascuns vreme de mai bine de un secol, secret care a schimbat viețile tuturor descendenților celor două familii.
M-a impresionat foarte mult acesta ficțiune istorică datorită complexității poveștii, a personajelor foarte bine conturate și a modului sensibil în care este scrisă. Mi-a plăcut foarte mult personajul Mary, pentru devotamentul și puterea de sacrificiu în favoarea celorlalți.
January 24, 2019
If you've never read a Lucinda Riley book, don't start with this one! I've read many of her books and have loved them all, but I will never recommend this book to anyone.
It started well. I was really enjoying Mary's story. Then the first tragedy struck with an unreal and totally unnecessary suicide. From that point forward there were several more tragedies that were just unbelievable to me. I finally thought I was getting a somewhat happy ending when the author kills off yet another key character with no real explanation as to why. You don't even know what she died of, just that she dies at the age of 16.
So, I'm not sure what was going on in Lucinda's mind when she wrote this. I'm sure she was trying to communicate something other than tragedy, but that's all I got out of it.
It started well. I was really enjoying Mary's story. Then the first tragedy struck with an unreal and totally unnecessary suicide. From that point forward there were several more tragedies that were just unbelievable to me. I finally thought I was getting a somewhat happy ending when the author kills off yet another key character with no real explanation as to why. You don't even know what she died of, just that she dies at the age of 16.
So, I'm not sure what was going on in Lucinda's mind when she wrote this. I'm sure she was trying to communicate something other than tragedy, but that's all I got out of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2018
3,5 estrellas para una historia que en parte me ha encantado y en otra me ha parecido más del montón, según el momento narrado. El planteamiento ha estado muy bien, invitaba a continuar leyendo para averiguar qué ocurre en torno a la vida de esa niña que la protagonista conoce casi por casualidad; la historia pasado ha sido maravillosa, justo como a mí me gustan y como a mí me han disfrutar; donde ha disminuido un poco mi interés ha sido en el planteamiento final y en ese hilo conector, con un toque de realismo mágico, que hubiera aceptado mejor si se hubiese utilizado desde el primer momento.
Opinión completa en el blog
Opinión completa en el blog
April 20, 2023
De acum o să citesc cat mai des cărțile Lucindei! ⭐
March 10, 2022
Bardzo smutna.
June 8, 2019
Wow.
Ich wollte das Buch eigentlich noch nicht beenden und es mir jetzt über das verlängerte Wochenende aufteilen... es ging nicht anders.
Von Anfang an hat es mich gepackt. Die Geschichte plätschert dann so vor sich hin und es türmt sich dann alles wie bei einer Gewitterwolke auf.
Ich hatte echt ein bisschen Sorge das Buch kurz vor der Gewitterwolke weiter zu lesen. Kennt ihr das?
Du weißt dass das jetzt wichtig für die Geschichte wird. Der große Showdown im Buch.
Echt hammer Geschichte. Ich hatte viele Fragezeichen und hab einiges während dem Lesen nicht so verstanden. Aber ich finde die Personen und ihre erzählten Geschichten haben alles gut abgerundet und alles gut erklärt.
Zum Ende will ich nichts schreiben, es spoilert nur und ich möchte die Rezension nicht mit einem Spoiler Alarm markieren. Aber hat sie gut gemacht 😊 Ein zu großes Happy End wär ja auch unrealistisch bei all der Tragik.
Mein erstes und sicherlich nicht letztes Buch von Lucinda Riley.
Vielen Dank!
Ich wollte das Buch eigentlich noch nicht beenden und es mir jetzt über das verlängerte Wochenende aufteilen... es ging nicht anders.
Von Anfang an hat es mich gepackt. Die Geschichte plätschert dann so vor sich hin und es türmt sich dann alles wie bei einer Gewitterwolke auf.
Ich hatte echt ein bisschen Sorge das Buch kurz vor der Gewitterwolke weiter zu lesen. Kennt ihr das?
Du weißt dass das jetzt wichtig für die Geschichte wird. Der große Showdown im Buch.
Echt hammer Geschichte. Ich hatte viele Fragezeichen und hab einiges während dem Lesen nicht so verstanden. Aber ich finde die Personen und ihre erzählten Geschichten haben alles gut abgerundet und alles gut erklärt.
Zum Ende will ich nichts schreiben, es spoilert nur und ich möchte die Rezension nicht mit einem Spoiler Alarm markieren. Aber hat sie gut gemacht 😊 Ein zu großes Happy End wär ja auch unrealistisch bei all der Tragik.
Mein erstes und sicherlich nicht letztes Buch von Lucinda Riley.
Vielen Dank!
September 22, 2018
Novela con una historia bonita y fácil de leer, sin mas pretensiones que entretener. Justo lo que necesitaba en este momento.
December 17, 2012
Once again I find myself a 1-star girl in a sea of (mostly) 5-star reviews.
Where to begin?
I could maybe forgive the stilted dialogue -- especially when Ms. Riley portrayed young, modern American characters -- and perhaps forgive the blindingly obvious manipulations of Charley. Less forgivable were the Hallmark Channel smarmy/absurd story line (full of convenient coincidences), what an irritating, creepy kid Aurora was (couldn't stand her myself), the childish relationship between Matt and Grania, and the final clincher that had me throwing the book across the room in disgust ... MILD SPOILER ... the pseudo-spiritual, supernatural-y 'twist' ending within the last ten pages. Ugh ugh ugh.
Where to begin?
I could maybe forgive the stilted dialogue -- especially when Ms. Riley portrayed young, modern American characters -- and perhaps forgive the blindingly obvious manipulations of Charley. Less forgivable were the Hallmark Channel smarmy/absurd story line (full of convenient coincidences), what an irritating, creepy kid Aurora was (couldn't stand her myself), the childish relationship between Matt and Grania, and the final clincher that had me throwing the book across the room in disgust ... MILD SPOILER ... the pseudo-spiritual, supernatural-y 'twist' ending within the last ten pages. Ugh ugh ugh.
February 15, 2021
Tai trečia šios autorės knyga, patekusi į mano rankas. Kaip ir būdinga Lucindai, knygos siužetas meistriškai išvingiuotais herojų likimo vingiais aprėpia kelių kartų ypatingus likimus.
Niekas šioje žemėje nevyksta šiaip sau. Granijos netikėtai sutikta mažoji Aurora apverčia jų abiejų gyvenimus aukštyn kojom. Maža to, taip jau buvo prieš šimtą metų!
Pamažu veriasi dviejų skirtingų šeimų susaistyti likimai, pažymėti ne tik gyvenimo meile, bet ir tragiškais likimais bei sutapimais. O kur dar šeštasis jausmas?
Įvykių sūkurys skaitytoją nukelia tai į Airijos pajūrio stačių krantų peizažus, tai į Londono prabangą, tai i Niujorko šurmulį.
Ech, buvo smagu skaityti!
Niekas šioje žemėje nevyksta šiaip sau. Granijos netikėtai sutikta mažoji Aurora apverčia jų abiejų gyvenimus aukštyn kojom. Maža to, taip jau buvo prieš šimtą metų!
Pamažu veriasi dviejų skirtingų šeimų susaistyti likimai, pažymėti ne tik gyvenimo meile, bet ir tragiškais likimais bei sutapimais. O kur dar šeštasis jausmas?
Įvykių sūkurys skaitytoją nukelia tai į Airijos pajūrio stačių krantų peizažus, tai į Londono prabangą, tai i Niujorko šurmulį.
Ech, buvo smagu skaityti!
October 15, 2024
“Every human being has a fascinating existence, with a big cast of good and evil characters in each. And almost always, somewhere along the way, magic.”― Lucinda Riley, The Girl on the Cliff
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Wonderful! Full review to follow.
Audio available on Hoopla. Listened at 1.4 speed.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Wonderful! Full review to follow.
Audio available on Hoopla. Listened at 1.4 speed.
July 28, 2012
A Menina na Falésia é uma história maravilhosa. Adaptada a públicos variados, devido à singularidade e mestria do seu texto, esta narrativa chega a ser encantatória envolvendo totalmente o leitor nos conflitos e amores que tomaram conta de várias gerações entre duas famílias destinadas a estar unidas.
Existe na memória uma força poderosa que faz crescer o medo e, mesmo que essa memória seja tão antiga como os erros e as paixões que dominam estas personagens, é imprescindível aprofunda-la, conhece-la minuciosamente, para que se possa vencer os medos, regressar do passado e, finalmente, viver livremente no presente.
Aurora é sem dúvida a grande personagem deste livro. Embora ainda seja criança, e viva na actualidade, é ela quem nos introduz em cada fase desta complexa história que vai desde a Primeira Grande Guerra aos dias de hoje, com cenários diversificados. Com uma beleza rara, esta menina que Grania conhece na falésia, é dotada de uma grande astucia e inteligência, sendo no entanto carecida de afecto e atenção o que permitirá Grania entrar na sua vida. De mãos dadas estas almas mergulharão no passado, descobrirão que ainda é possível ser-se feliz e, embora existam lágrimas, tentarão encontrar no amor a cura para a tragédia que tomou conta das suas famílias.
Com diversos pontos de interesse, destaco a brilhante Aurora pela forma como agarra o leitor do princípio ao emocionante final deste livro. Através de palavras sinceras, desabafos doces e lembranças fiéis, ela tem a capacidade de provocar um turbilhão emocional em todos os tempos vivenciados. O ambiente místico, a sensação de que algo transcende a realidade credível descrita, é outro dos motivos que intensifica e cativa a percorrer estas páginas que são repletas de personagens variadíssimas e, todas elas, com um papel crucial no enredo.
Este é também um livro muito rico em pormenores, em qualquer data ou local que o leitor esteja a folhear. Da diferença entre classes sociais em Londres no início do século XX, aos problemas actuais de qualquer jovem em ascensão na actual Nova Iorque, passando pela mentalidade de uma Irlanda rural, nada é deixando ao acaso e em cada vida, das muitas exploradas, existe algo que marca pela diferença. Nada é demasiado aprofundado, mas tudo é suficiente mente retractado para que seja possível sentir, enquadrar, o universo ficcional.
Uma história de vida, de vidas, de medos e que conquistas, de paixões e separações. Uma história de guerra e de amor, sobre a família e a sua simplicidade, por vezes complicada, mas sempre, sempre transbordante de sentimentos. A história de uma herança e de Aurora.
Opinião completa: http://historiasdeelphaba.blogspot.pt...
Existe na memória uma força poderosa que faz crescer o medo e, mesmo que essa memória seja tão antiga como os erros e as paixões que dominam estas personagens, é imprescindível aprofunda-la, conhece-la minuciosamente, para que se possa vencer os medos, regressar do passado e, finalmente, viver livremente no presente.
Aurora é sem dúvida a grande personagem deste livro. Embora ainda seja criança, e viva na actualidade, é ela quem nos introduz em cada fase desta complexa história que vai desde a Primeira Grande Guerra aos dias de hoje, com cenários diversificados. Com uma beleza rara, esta menina que Grania conhece na falésia, é dotada de uma grande astucia e inteligência, sendo no entanto carecida de afecto e atenção o que permitirá Grania entrar na sua vida. De mãos dadas estas almas mergulharão no passado, descobrirão que ainda é possível ser-se feliz e, embora existam lágrimas, tentarão encontrar no amor a cura para a tragédia que tomou conta das suas famílias.
Com diversos pontos de interesse, destaco a brilhante Aurora pela forma como agarra o leitor do princípio ao emocionante final deste livro. Através de palavras sinceras, desabafos doces e lembranças fiéis, ela tem a capacidade de provocar um turbilhão emocional em todos os tempos vivenciados. O ambiente místico, a sensação de que algo transcende a realidade credível descrita, é outro dos motivos que intensifica e cativa a percorrer estas páginas que são repletas de personagens variadíssimas e, todas elas, com um papel crucial no enredo.
Este é também um livro muito rico em pormenores, em qualquer data ou local que o leitor esteja a folhear. Da diferença entre classes sociais em Londres no início do século XX, aos problemas actuais de qualquer jovem em ascensão na actual Nova Iorque, passando pela mentalidade de uma Irlanda rural, nada é deixando ao acaso e em cada vida, das muitas exploradas, existe algo que marca pela diferença. Nada é demasiado aprofundado, mas tudo é suficiente mente retractado para que seja possível sentir, enquadrar, o universo ficcional.
Uma história de vida, de vidas, de medos e que conquistas, de paixões e separações. Uma história de guerra e de amor, sobre a família e a sua simplicidade, por vezes complicada, mas sempre, sempre transbordante de sentimentos. A história de uma herança e de Aurora.
Opinião completa: http://historiasdeelphaba.blogspot.pt...
November 11, 2012
Dunworley Bay, West Cork, Ireland, London, parlor maids, orphans, a character with a sixth sense, castles, crashing waves, a family legacy, letters, and secrets....what else could you ask for?
All this and more is wrapped up in THE GIRL ON THE CLIFF. This book takes you away to the magic of life in 1914 in castles, normal households, and into the life of a family that leaves a legacy and many secrets for current-day folks to discover and secrets that reveal the family's history and who Anna really was.
The book begins with and continues at the beginning of different sections with thoughts and comments directed to "Dear Reader" from Aurora, the youngest member of the family, giving reflective insights into what will be coming up and her opinions on situations....very nice touch. You will find yourself in New York, Ireland, and London reliving the life of Aurora and Grania who are the basis of the current-day story and the story that is made up of their ancestry of Mary who was a parlor maid and Anna an orphan in a house where Mary is the only mother she really knew because her mother gave her away. As the book and secrets unfold you are taken back and forth learning the life of the characters in London, 1914, and beyond.
The characters are very well developed, and you will put yourself into their lives and into each emotion they are experiencing as each character makes decisions or manipulates someone. You will feel their passion and relate to each character as the author describes in detail their connection to each other and their part in the family heritage.
You will fall in love with Mary and Anna as they tell their story and feel the pain of Kathleen who doesn't want her daughter Grania to know the family's history but must tell her. You will enjoy the descriptions of the everyday life in Ireland, the landscapes, the views, and the houses.
You will want to know what secret the family has that has affected all its descendants. Will the suitcase owned by Anna's mother tell all? Who will find it? Does anyone remember it is in the attic of Mary and Anna's home where Mary was a parlor maid? Or will Kathleen, Grania's mother and descendant of the Ryan family, know enough for everyone? Aurora is the tie to it all and the final key to the family's secrets.
The theme of the book is my favorite and was difficult to put down. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
All this and more is wrapped up in THE GIRL ON THE CLIFF. This book takes you away to the magic of life in 1914 in castles, normal households, and into the life of a family that leaves a legacy and many secrets for current-day folks to discover and secrets that reveal the family's history and who Anna really was.
The book begins with and continues at the beginning of different sections with thoughts and comments directed to "Dear Reader" from Aurora, the youngest member of the family, giving reflective insights into what will be coming up and her opinions on situations....very nice touch. You will find yourself in New York, Ireland, and London reliving the life of Aurora and Grania who are the basis of the current-day story and the story that is made up of their ancestry of Mary who was a parlor maid and Anna an orphan in a house where Mary is the only mother she really knew because her mother gave her away. As the book and secrets unfold you are taken back and forth learning the life of the characters in London, 1914, and beyond.
The characters are very well developed, and you will put yourself into their lives and into each emotion they are experiencing as each character makes decisions or manipulates someone. You will feel their passion and relate to each character as the author describes in detail their connection to each other and their part in the family heritage.
You will fall in love with Mary and Anna as they tell their story and feel the pain of Kathleen who doesn't want her daughter Grania to know the family's history but must tell her. You will enjoy the descriptions of the everyday life in Ireland, the landscapes, the views, and the houses.
You will want to know what secret the family has that has affected all its descendants. Will the suitcase owned by Anna's mother tell all? Who will find it? Does anyone remember it is in the attic of Mary and Anna's home where Mary was a parlor maid? Or will Kathleen, Grania's mother and descendant of the Ryan family, know enough for everyone? Aurora is the tie to it all and the final key to the family's secrets.
The theme of the book is my favorite and was difficult to put down. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2012
The Girl on the Cliff published by Penguin ticks all of my favourites in a book. It's a story told in a dual time narrative, it's a story of family relationships, it's a romance and at times it's a tragedy. With almost 450 pages in the paperback edition, it's a hefty read but I found myself flying through it.
There are three main female characters; Aurora - the Girl on the Cliff; Grania - the modern-day heroine and Mary, who was Grania's Great-Grandmother.
Grania has fled her life in New York after a miscarriage, she is back home in Ireland on the family farm and meets eight year old Aurora one day as she is taking a walk. Aurora is a strange, mysterious child - friendly and warm, yet older than her years and very lonely. As Grania and Aurora's friendship grows, Grania's mother becomes more and more uneasy. There is old history between the two families - things that have happened long ago that cannot be forgiven, yet Aurora is a bewitching child and soon wins over the hardest of hearts.
The story then goes back and forth, revealing the past deeds that have shaped the family as it is today.
The story, the writing and the characters reminded me so much of books by some of my favourite authors; the Harte series from Barbara Taylor-Bradford, the family dynasty tales by Penny Vincenzi and the dramatic family relationships that Lesley Pearse writes so well. I am delighted to be able to add Lucinda Riley to this stable of wonderful favourite authors. I had a very tiny criticism of some of the dialogue between Grania's family members, I though the 'Irishness' was a little overdone at times, but that's forgiven as I loved the story so much.
There are three main female characters; Aurora - the Girl on the Cliff; Grania - the modern-day heroine and Mary, who was Grania's Great-Grandmother.
Grania has fled her life in New York after a miscarriage, she is back home in Ireland on the family farm and meets eight year old Aurora one day as she is taking a walk. Aurora is a strange, mysterious child - friendly and warm, yet older than her years and very lonely. As Grania and Aurora's friendship grows, Grania's mother becomes more and more uneasy. There is old history between the two families - things that have happened long ago that cannot be forgiven, yet Aurora is a bewitching child and soon wins over the hardest of hearts.
The story then goes back and forth, revealing the past deeds that have shaped the family as it is today.
The story, the writing and the characters reminded me so much of books by some of my favourite authors; the Harte series from Barbara Taylor-Bradford, the family dynasty tales by Penny Vincenzi and the dramatic family relationships that Lesley Pearse writes so well. I am delighted to be able to add Lucinda Riley to this stable of wonderful favourite authors. I had a very tiny criticism of some of the dialogue between Grania's family members, I though the 'Irishness' was a little overdone at times, but that's forgiven as I loved the story so much.
August 20, 2012
This will appeal to many different types of reader. This is a family saga, with secrets, fates entwined all against a historical background. Many years are covered and the layers are slowly pealed away to reveal what these two families in Ireland meant to each other. I liked the majority of the characters, but did feel that the portrayal of Aurora as a child, mostly because of her speech patterns and the ways she viewed things, did not quite ring true. The novel though has a somewhat dreamy quality to it that I liked and I am sure others will too.
January 28, 2023
Viskas patiko šioje knygoje. Tai dviejų šeimų saga. Neįtikėtinos meilės ir pasiaukojimo istorijos. Drąsios moterys, kurios visada klausė savo širdies ir intuicijos 🤍
🖋 Kiekvienas vis kitaip kapanojamės iš sunkumų, ir negali sakyt, kad vienas tai daro teisingai, kitas ne.
🖋 ..žmonės retai dairosi į praeitį, kol nepridaro klaidų.
🖋 Ji tarsi keleivis įlaipinimo aikštelėje laukė, ką atsiųs likimas.
🖋 .."nereikalingumo" jausmas buvo nemalonus atradimas.
🖋 Kaip lengvai puikybė, pyktis ir nesaugumo jausmas pražudo galimą laimę.
🖋 Visi mes priimame tokius sprendimus, lyg gyventume amžinai.
🖋 Kiekvienas vis kitaip kapanojamės iš sunkumų, ir negali sakyt, kad vienas tai daro teisingai, kitas ne.
🖋 ..žmonės retai dairosi į praeitį, kol nepridaro klaidų.
🖋 Ji tarsi keleivis įlaipinimo aikštelėje laukė, ką atsiųs likimas.
🖋 .."nereikalingumo" jausmas buvo nemalonus atradimas.
🖋 Kaip lengvai puikybė, pyktis ir nesaugumo jausmas pražudo galimą laimę.
🖋 Visi mes priimame tokius sprendimus, lyg gyventume amžinai.
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