Sabrina: A novel

by Madeleine A. Polland

A novel by Madeleine A. Polland - Designed by Giorgetta Bell McRee - Delacorte Press - 1979 Copyright - Stated First Printing

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Ireland, Historical, 20th Century, Irish Literature

353 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Madeleine Polland (who also wrote as Frances Adrian) was born in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland, on May 31, 1918.

Madeleine was educated at Hitchin Girls' Grammar School, Herfordshire, from 1929 to 1937.

After leaving school, she served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, and shortly after leaving married Arthur Joseph Polland in 1946.

Madeleine Polland has written several books for children and many novels for adults. Her first book for young readers, CHILDREN OF THE RED KING, was published in the UK by Constable in 1960.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was talking about this book on the weekend(couldn't remember the author) and then wondered if I ever had written a review. Fixing that now! I read and reread this book when I was a teenager. Set during the first part of the 20th century, Sabrina, the title character has dreams. But her mother's dreams are even bigger. While Sabrina craves a husband and children of her own; the only veil her mother envisions for her second eldest daughter is that of a Bride of Christ.

I can still remember the big plan that this woman had for each of her children and how as Sabrina tells the story, it is revealed each of her brother and sisters didn't exactly want the role granted to them but that Sabrina was the rebel for actually fighting her on it. The author does have this really great scene where Sabrina gets a glimpse into her mother's pain and I can still feel that empathy even today when remembering that episode.

This book is probably the reason that I adore mother daughter stories so much.

Goodreads review published 15/09/19

[Dorcas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars

Sabrina is a girl torn between love and duty in pre WW1 Ireland. While Sabrina and her siblings have many dreams for their futures, it is "the Mama " who holds the cards and deals their hands, one for the land, one for a wife, two for the church etc etc.

I did like this but I didn't love it. I won't say its depressing exactly, but it is frustrating, so be warned. And yet I can see why a lot of people really love this story, the plot is excellent and really holds a lot of potential.

For those who care, yes, there is a HEA but it came at a point where I had been frustrated for so long I was like, "whatever. good. I don't care anymore."

In saying that, I think it would make a pretty good movie if it didn't dwell too much on the nunnery (which was probably the biggest "Nooooooo!!!"" of the book) and if it allowed us a few more tender moments. I think Sabrina and Gerrard had great chemistry and I wanted to see them together more.

CONTENT:

SEX: None
VIOLENCE: None
PROFANITY: Religious cussing (G, JM,&J, J, JG etc)
PARANORMAL ELEMENTS: None

MY RATING: PG (for profanity)

[Beccie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite books. I re-read this probably once a year. I love Sabrina's strength through everything and the fact that love endures. Highly recommend this book - if you can find it.

[CLM · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a big estate in Ireland just prior to WWI, Sabrina has led a happy but restricted life with her mother dictating every move. When she meets Gerard (son of her mother's best friend) at her sister's wedding and falls in love, the bomb drops for Sabrina as she learns that her mother decided when Sabrina was born that she would be dedicated to the Catholic Church and become a nun.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sort of a cross between Victoria Holt and Rosamunde Pilcher. Good character development. Good descriptions. Good “show not tell”. Good plot. Good setting. I was drawn into the story on the first page and read it in a day. I really cared about all the characters. I like this author and want to find more of her books.

[Patricia Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in County Cork, Ireland, just before before the start of WWII...a beautiful novel of tradition, love, war, and family duty. Lush prose, vivid period details, a strong story and wonderful characters that breathe. A favorite book since I was a young woman, it was lovely to revisit with an old friend.

[Debbie Gascoyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. Every bit as good as I remembered it. I don't know why someone hasn't made it into a movie or TV series. It's a wonderful story with vivid and believable characters.

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabrina is a lively, feisty 15 year old, the second oldest girl in a large Irish family. She is astonished to find out that the son of her mother's unattractive, judgemental old school chum (hated by all the children)is both handsome and personable, and due to come into an inheritance at age 21. So why would her mother be unalterably opposed to their relationship? Sabrina finds that Mama has relentlessly laid out the futures for all her children--and for Sabrina that future does not include marriage!
This is a well-written historical romance, a good page-turner. Interesting insight on Irish Catholic family and religious life, and World War I from the point of view of the Irish.