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Roses #1
Somerset
One hundred fifty years of Roses' Tolivers, Warwicks, and DuMonts! We begin in the antebellum South on Plantation Alley in South Carolina, where Silas Toliver, deprived of his inheritance, joins up with his best friend Jeremy Warwick to plan a wagon train expedition to the "black waxy" promise of a new territory called Texas. Slavery, westward expansion, abolition, the Civil War, love, marriage, friendship, tragedy and triumph — all the ingredients (and much more) that made so many love Roses so much — are here in abundance.
624 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
485 people are currently reading
9309 people want to read
About the author
Leila Meacham
18 books1,370 followersLeila Meacham was a writer and former teacher who lived in San Antonio, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 761 reviews
February 2, 2018
This was a wonderful book in many ways, but mostly because it took me by surprise.
“Somerset” is not a book that I would normally fall in love with, and I can clearly see myself hating it if I had read it at a wrong point in time. However, I didn’t! It seems I read it at the perfect time because I was able to oversee the silliness of this book’s characters and their decisions, and I was able to completely fall in love with the story gradually as I got more and more into it.
I still think that Silas’ decision in the very beginning was unbelievable, and much of what happened afterwards was as well. However, I believe that if you read this book with an open mind, you’ll be able to see that it delivers so much warmth, growth and tenderness that makes it possible for you to ignore those weak points.
“Somerset” is a story of generations and it spans over almost all of the 19th century in the USA. Furthermore, it’s a prequel to “Roses” which I’ll most definitely be diving into sooner rather than later, just because I’m in the mood for these sort of endearing kind of stories that Leila Meacham provides us with.
“Somerset” is not a book that I would normally fall in love with, and I can clearly see myself hating it if I had read it at a wrong point in time. However, I didn’t! It seems I read it at the perfect time because I was able to oversee the silliness of this book’s characters and their decisions, and I was able to completely fall in love with the story gradually as I got more and more into it.
I still think that Silas’ decision in the very beginning was unbelievable, and much of what happened afterwards was as well. However, I believe that if you read this book with an open mind, you’ll be able to see that it delivers so much warmth, growth and tenderness that makes it possible for you to ignore those weak points.
“Somerset” is a story of generations and it spans over almost all of the 19th century in the USA. Furthermore, it’s a prequel to “Roses” which I’ll most definitely be diving into sooner rather than later, just because I’m in the mood for these sort of endearing kind of stories that Leila Meacham provides us with.
August 21, 2013
Lelia Meacham is my favorite romance/saga writer of these times. She stole my heart in her huge novel some years ago, "Roses," and continued to do so with this continuation of the families in "Somerset." If you love a big and heart-wrenching story with every twist and knife-edged turn of love and adventure...you'll love this book. It's a stand alone, but if you read "Roses" first, you'll love it even more.
Meacham's characters are so engaging you could just eat them up. Jessica, the main female character, is strong willed, bigger than life, and exasperating; but, she's so lovable and identifiable as the matriarch of a dynasty. I sometimes wanted to reach out and shake her, and sometimes just cried with and for her as she matured. Her love interest/husband, and one of the male central figures of the story, Silas, was definitely the Rhett Butler of the story. So unattainable at first, and so exhaustively desirable in the end even to me! In fact, I loved all the characters (Jeremy, Tippy and Joshua, and all the descendants of Jessica and Silas, and their friends...) and I couldn't get enough of each of their stories through the years.
"Somerset" is a book I couldn't wait to get back to every day. I had a lot of things going on this weekend, and didn't get to everything, but I made my way back to my ebook to finish this novel, nevertheless. It's addictive, touching, a tear-jerker, and so strong and beautiful a story it just keeps you on tender hooks. I was sad to see it end.
If you're looking for a wonderful historical fiction/romance saga for the summer's end, this is the one. You'll always remember it and the beautiful characters that fill its pages.
5 stars Deborah/TheBookishDame
Meacham's characters are so engaging you could just eat them up. Jessica, the main female character, is strong willed, bigger than life, and exasperating; but, she's so lovable and identifiable as the matriarch of a dynasty. I sometimes wanted to reach out and shake her, and sometimes just cried with and for her as she matured. Her love interest/husband, and one of the male central figures of the story, Silas, was definitely the Rhett Butler of the story. So unattainable at first, and so exhaustively desirable in the end even to me! In fact, I loved all the characters (Jeremy, Tippy and Joshua, and all the descendants of Jessica and Silas, and their friends...) and I couldn't get enough of each of their stories through the years.
"Somerset" is a book I couldn't wait to get back to every day. I had a lot of things going on this weekend, and didn't get to everything, but I made my way back to my ebook to finish this novel, nevertheless. It's addictive, touching, a tear-jerker, and so strong and beautiful a story it just keeps you on tender hooks. I was sad to see it end.
If you're looking for a wonderful historical fiction/romance saga for the summer's end, this is the one. You'll always remember it and the beautiful characters that fill its pages.
5 stars Deborah/TheBookishDame
January 18, 2015
Not being a fan of white flowers I picked up and read this book despite its cover of white roses. I enjoyed this novel which tells the story of three families the Tolivers, Warwicks, and DuMonts over a span of years. The time period covers such issues as migration to Texas, slavery and the Underground Railway as well as the Civil War.
Jessica is a spirited woman. Her unconventional views get her into trouble with her father who is a slave owner and sets her life on a course different than she imagined. But no matter what life throws at her, she copes. Without doubt, Jessica was my favourite character although I also liked Jeremy and Tippy.
I struggled to understand Silas Toliver and the decisions he makes all geared towards furthering what is most important to him, owning and establishing his plantation in Texas. He names this plantation Somerset. I did warm to him somewhat by the end. I found the story a bit less engaging as it moved away from the story of Jessica and Silas to other generations.
This is apparently a prequel to Roses. I had not read the first book but it didn’t matter. This is a story of family, tragedy, love and loss but also of obsession and the price people are prepared to pay and what they are prepared to sacrifice to achieve their dream. Inducing both anger and tears at times, this historical novel, for the most part, had me thoroughly engaged. At times though, I thought we could have done without quite so much description which would have cut it down a bit as it is a big book. But I certainly never considered giving up on it. An enjoyable read that gave this Australian a better appreciation of American history. A book to lose yourself in for a while.
Jessica is a spirited woman. Her unconventional views get her into trouble with her father who is a slave owner and sets her life on a course different than she imagined. But no matter what life throws at her, she copes. Without doubt, Jessica was my favourite character although I also liked Jeremy and Tippy.
I struggled to understand Silas Toliver and the decisions he makes all geared towards furthering what is most important to him, owning and establishing his plantation in Texas. He names this plantation Somerset. I did warm to him somewhat by the end. I found the story a bit less engaging as it moved away from the story of Jessica and Silas to other generations.
This is apparently a prequel to Roses. I had not read the first book but it didn’t matter. This is a story of family, tragedy, love and loss but also of obsession and the price people are prepared to pay and what they are prepared to sacrifice to achieve their dream. Inducing both anger and tears at times, this historical novel, for the most part, had me thoroughly engaged. At times though, I thought we could have done without quite so much description which would have cut it down a bit as it is a big book. But I certainly never considered giving up on it. An enjoyable read that gave this Australian a better appreciation of American history. A book to lose yourself in for a while.
December 11, 2021
Vos prieš metus skaityta Leilos knyga "Rožės" tiesiog pavergė mano širdį ❤️ Be galo apsidžiaugiau pamačiusi, jog bus išleista ir "Rožių" priešistorė. "Nemarinavau" šios knygos lentynoje ir pasinėriau į jausmingą, skausmingą bei kupiną išgyvenimų istoriją.
1835 - ieji metai. Sailo Toliverio karščiausia svajonė - išvykti į Teksasą bei įkurti savo medvilnės plantaciją. Viskas atrodo beveik paruošta, tačiau likimas Sailui numatęs ką kitą.. Mirdamas tėvas visą turtą palieka Sailo broliui. Taip jaunas vyras susiduria su finansiniais sunkumais ir suvokia, jog savo svajonės teks išsižadėti..
Džesika Vindhem - drąsi bei savo nuomonės besilaikanti mergina. Deja, tačiau kartais tai gali būti pražūtinga.. Jauna mergina pastato savo šeimą į nepavydėtiną situaciją.. Jos tėvas nemato kitos išeities kaip tik išleisti savo dukterį už garbingo vyro. Jis pasiūlo Sailui Toliveriui dosnų pasiūlymą.. Kurį jis pasiryžęs priimti.
Dar viena puiki knyga atskleidžianti šios autorės talentą, kuriant šeimos sagas. Viskas aprašyta be galo vaizdingai bei įtraukiančiai. Nors iš pat pradžių man reikėjo laiko norint "įsivažiuoti" į šį pasakojimą, tačiau kiek vėliau sunkiai galėjau atsiplėšti.
"Somersete" autorė mus geriau supažindina su Vorikų, Toliverių bei Diumontų gimine. Man buvo tikrai labai įdomu leistis į šią kelionę ir nei kiek neabejoju, jog ši knyga patiks tiems, kurie mėgsta šeimų sagas. Būtent šioje knygoje rasite skaudžių išgyvenimų, meilės, džiaugsmo ašarų, išdavysčių bei besąlygiškos draugystės. Kam patiko "Rožės" rekomenduoju perskaityti ir šią knygą 🤍
1835 - ieji metai. Sailo Toliverio karščiausia svajonė - išvykti į Teksasą bei įkurti savo medvilnės plantaciją. Viskas atrodo beveik paruošta, tačiau likimas Sailui numatęs ką kitą.. Mirdamas tėvas visą turtą palieka Sailo broliui. Taip jaunas vyras susiduria su finansiniais sunkumais ir suvokia, jog savo svajonės teks išsižadėti..
Džesika Vindhem - drąsi bei savo nuomonės besilaikanti mergina. Deja, tačiau kartais tai gali būti pražūtinga.. Jauna mergina pastato savo šeimą į nepavydėtiną situaciją.. Jos tėvas nemato kitos išeities kaip tik išleisti savo dukterį už garbingo vyro. Jis pasiūlo Sailui Toliveriui dosnų pasiūlymą.. Kurį jis pasiryžęs priimti.
Dar viena puiki knyga atskleidžianti šios autorės talentą, kuriant šeimos sagas. Viskas aprašyta be galo vaizdingai bei įtraukiančiai. Nors iš pat pradžių man reikėjo laiko norint "įsivažiuoti" į šį pasakojimą, tačiau kiek vėliau sunkiai galėjau atsiplėšti.
"Somersete" autorė mus geriau supažindina su Vorikų, Toliverių bei Diumontų gimine. Man buvo tikrai labai įdomu leistis į šią kelionę ir nei kiek neabejoju, jog ši knyga patiks tiems, kurie mėgsta šeimų sagas. Būtent šioje knygoje rasite skaudžių išgyvenimų, meilės, džiaugsmo ašarų, išdavysčių bei besąlygiškos draugystės. Kam patiko "Rožės" rekomenduoju perskaityti ir šią knygą 🤍
February 8, 2018
A trecut ceva vreme de când nu am mai citit un roman așa bun. Somerset mi-a întrecut așteptările și sunt bucuroasă că am trecut peste titlu, copertă și alte aspecte nesemnificative și am citit romanul. E o poveste foarte frumoasă, cu o galerie de personaje impresionantă, care te învață multe lecții și care cu siguranță îți rămâne în suflet. Am suferit și m-am bucurat alături de Jessica și Silas și i-am judecat pentru alegerile lor, dar în final i-am înțeles și acceptat. Sunt genul de personaje care îți intră pe sub piele de la prima pagină. Silas mi-a amintit de Ion, pentru că arată aceeași iubire pentru pământ. Însă Jessica e absolut specială, o femeie pe cinste, care ajunge să își vadă nepoții și strănepoții și să lase posterității istoria familiei lor, în Trandafiri. Somerset e o saga de familie impresionantă ce se desfășoară în contextul Războiului Civil și abolirii sclaviei. Autoarea nu se pierde în detalii politice și istorice, cărora le dedică doar câteva pagini, suficient cât să te familiarizezi cu contextul și să înțelegi atitudinea personajelor. Accentul se pune pe mentalitatea vremii, prejudecățile oamenilor, diferențele între Nord și Sud, dragostea față de pământ ca unică sursă de venit, păstrarea tradițiilor și permiterea lor să conducă viața. Însă e și despre schimbare, despre acceptarea valului de nou adus de Nord, despre dragoste și îndrăzneala de a lupta pentru ea, despre înțelegerea morții ca parte din viață, și nu blestem străvechi și despre legăturile de familiei, care sunt guvernate de mai mult decât sânge. E un roman ce merită citit și chiar inclus în bibliografia literaturii Americane, pe lângă Huckleberry Finn și alte clasice.
July 14, 2014
Overall, I liked this. It was a solid 3 stars for me. But I did the audio on this and that was a mistake on my part. I do NOT recommend the audio. The reader poured on the southern accent. It was a little much. I would have enjoyed this so much more if I had actually turned the pages. One of the main characters was a strong southern female, but the audio reader kept trying to make her into a cheesy damsel in distress. That was so hard to overcome for me. It was a struggle to tune out the voice so that I could focus solely on the story.
For the most part, I liked the characters. They all seemed different enough and made strides forward as they evolved. The main romance did not work for me. It felt forced as the author abandoned reality in an effort to paint a pretty picture. But I didn’t buy it.
When reading long sweeping multi- generational stories, I love a great pace. There were very few moments that felt stagnant. The story moved along consistently, sometimes a little too much so. The author glossed over a lot of events. She seemed completely dedicated to romanticizing southern living pre and post civil war. Which isn’t really such a bad thing, but the actions of some didn’t seem to carry accurate consequences. It just seemed light when it could have been an opportunity to add depth. The author seemed determined to keep the picture pretty, but I kept wishing it felt a little more real since it was historical fiction.
For the most part, I liked the characters. They all seemed different enough and made strides forward as they evolved. The main romance did not work for me. It felt forced as the author abandoned reality in an effort to paint a pretty picture. But I didn’t buy it.
When reading long sweeping multi- generational stories, I love a great pace. There were very few moments that felt stagnant. The story moved along consistently, sometimes a little too much so. The author glossed over a lot of events. She seemed completely dedicated to romanticizing southern living pre and post civil war. Which isn’t really such a bad thing, but the actions of some didn’t seem to carry accurate consequences. It just seemed light when it could have been an opportunity to add depth. The author seemed determined to keep the picture pretty, but I kept wishing it felt a little more real since it was historical fiction.
February 28, 2023
This Prequel though written second should definitely be read first... I have read and loved Roses and reading this makes me want to read it again. While Roses follows three families through pretty much the entirety of the 20th century, Somerset follows the same three families through the 19th century. Their migration to Texas, Slavery, the Undergrad Railroad, Texas Independence, The Civil War, all the way up to Galveston's hurricane of 1900 there is so much history that is beautifully included in this saga.
October 29, 2017
Romanul ''Somerset'' de Leila Meacham a apărut la editura Litera în colecția '' Cele mai frumoase romane de dragoste '' în anul 2017, în traducerea lui Oana Celia Ghiorghiu care a asigurat și notele explicative din subsol, extrem de necesare și interesante. Am citit cu foarte multă plăcere acest roman chiar dacă este anterior ca evenimente povestite romanului ''Trandafiri'' care continua actiunea din ''Somerset'' De altfel chiar scriitoarea le-a scris in ordine inversă. Romanul '' Somerset'' este mai mult decât o poveste de dragoste sau mai multe povești de dragoste intinse de-a lungul secolului 19. Este o poveste de dragoste împletită strâns cu evenimente majore din istoria Statelor Unite de la războiul cu Mexicul și independența statului Texas, epoca de glorie a plantațiilor de bumbac din statele din sud pe baza muncii sclavilor negri, tragedia războiului de secesiune și dezvoltarea rapidă de după 1870. Pe acest fundal istoric se desfășoara viața lui Jessica Wyndham născută în Carolina de sud pe plantația prosperă a tatălui ei în 1818. Interesantă fără a fi cu adevărat o frumusețe clasică a acelor timpuri, plină de viață și inteligentă Jessica este o apărătoare a drepturilor negrilor încă de când era copil. Educația la Boston i-a întărit convingerile și întoarsă acasă ideile și convingerile ei pe care nu le ascunde sunt privite cu dușmănie și dispreț și riscă să creeze probleme întregii ei familii care este total contra atitudinii rebelei lor fiice. În urma unei acțiuni de salvare a unui tânar scalv fugit de pe altă plantație, tatăl ei decide să-i dea de ales între două soluții: ori se căsătorește ci Silas Toliver care, dezmoștenit de tatăl lui, vrea să plece în Texas să-și facă propria plantație dar nu are banii necesari pentru asta, ori se duce la o mănăstire de carmelite din Anglia. Jessica alege căsătoria cu Silas Toliver. Iar acesta de dragul de a-și vedea visul împlinit al unei plantații proprii prospere în Texas se desparte de logodnica lui,frumoasa Lettie și se căsătorește cu Jessica pornind împreună la drum spre Texas. În afară de visele proprii, de prietenia deosebită cu Jeremy Warwick care merge împreună cu el, de tânăra și neobișnuita sa soție, Silas Toliver duce cu el și blestemul propriei sale mame care nu a putu suporta despărțirea acestuia de Lettie pentru a avea banii necesari plecării. Va avea efect blestemul asupra familiei Toliver? Vor descoperi Silas și Jessica iubirea? Vor ajunge să aibă plantația mult visată? Acestea toate constituie povestea atât de frumos spusă de Leila Meacham în romanul ''Somerset'' , un roman care chiar dacă nu este la același nivel cu '' Pe aripile vântului'' este totuși un roman foarte bun și interesant.
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June 1, 2014Try as I might, I can't enjoy a book that calls slaves "servants" in one paragraph and then, just a few paragraphs later, discusses which of the sons of the manor inherited which "servant" upon the death of the plantation owner.
Had the characters been more interesting I might have put up with it. But romanticising slavery and, by extension, antebellum lifestyles is something I don't enjoy.
Had the characters been more interesting I might have put up with it. But romanticising slavery and, by extension, antebellum lifestyles is something I don't enjoy.
May 10, 2022
Ko gero ši priešistorė patiko labiau, nei "Rožės". Daug įvykių, daug veikėjų, daug metų aprašyta. Taip, kaip ir turi būti šeimos sagoje. Viskas ryšku ir vaizdinga, tarsi žiūrėtum kokį serialą ar filmą.
August 18, 2017
Jako mi se svidjela i ova saga spisateljice Leile Meacham. Neki dijelovi su mi bili zbrzani, neki pak usporeni, no to nije pokvarilo ukupan dojam same knjige. I ova i knjiga Ruže su mi bile jako dobre, ali se sjećam da su Ruže ostavile bolji utisak na mene. Možda se to desilo jer nisam znala šta očekivati, a sada jesam.
Prateći Jessicino odrastanje, pratimo i generacije porodica koje se zasnivaju. Njenim umiranjem knjiga završava, a čitatelj zna da će tako i biti. Iako znamo šta će biti na kraju, neminovna smrt protagonista, svejednako nastavljamo čitati. Pod dojmom smo upoznavajući se sa novim naraštajima, njihovim izazovima i odlukama. Svjesni smo da sudbina uvijek umiješa svoje prste dok posmatramo kako se odluke likova u knjizi stapaju sa njenom odredbom.
Ovdje pronalazimo ljubav, prijateljstvo, radost, ali i mnoge žrtve, gubitke i razočaranja. Učimo, na zanimljiv način, o tadašnjem vremenu u Americi, 19. vijeku, kada je još vladalo robovlasništvo, a potom i njegovom ukidanju. Čitamo o novim otkrićima i shvatamo koliko danas sve uzimamo zdravo za gotovo. Koliko su samo ljudi morali da se trude oko dosta toga, dok mi danas tome ne pridajemo značaj.
Volim čitati kako su se tada odvijale stvari, a potom i mijenjale. Nova otkrića, promjena mode, ponašanja. Zanimljivo je koliko su stvari tada bile drukčije, a koliko su se, postepeno, promijenile i danas su ovakve kakve jesu. Zanimljivo je vidjeti, kroz fiktivne likove, sve te činjenice i učiti o njima. A ova priča nam sve to nudi i ja je od srca preporučujem.
Prateći Jessicino odrastanje, pratimo i generacije porodica koje se zasnivaju. Njenim umiranjem knjiga završava, a čitatelj zna da će tako i biti. Iako znamo šta će biti na kraju, neminovna smrt protagonista, svejednako nastavljamo čitati. Pod dojmom smo upoznavajući se sa novim naraštajima, njihovim izazovima i odlukama. Svjesni smo da sudbina uvijek umiješa svoje prste dok posmatramo kako se odluke likova u knjizi stapaju sa njenom odredbom.
Ovdje pronalazimo ljubav, prijateljstvo, radost, ali i mnoge žrtve, gubitke i razočaranja. Učimo, na zanimljiv način, o tadašnjem vremenu u Americi, 19. vijeku, kada je još vladalo robovlasništvo, a potom i njegovom ukidanju. Čitamo o novim otkrićima i shvatamo koliko danas sve uzimamo zdravo za gotovo. Koliko su samo ljudi morali da se trude oko dosta toga, dok mi danas tome ne pridajemo značaj.
Volim čitati kako su se tada odvijale stvari, a potom i mijenjale. Nova otkrića, promjena mode, ponašanja. Zanimljivo je koliko su stvari tada bile drukčije, a koliko su se, postepeno, promijenile i danas su ovakve kakve jesu. Zanimljivo je vidjeti, kroz fiktivne likove, sve te činjenice i učiti o njima. A ova priča nam sve to nudi i ja je od srca preporučujem.
May 27, 2022
Perskaitęs šį ilgą romaną, pasijutau tarsi būčiau žiūrėjęs meksikietišką serialą, labai artimą „muilo operai“. Autorė pasirinko nelengvą uždavinį: pavaizduoti keleto dešimtmečių trukmės šeimų istorijas, nes, norint aprėpti daug, tokio pobūdžio knygose dažnai nepavyksta psichologiškai tiksliai, meniškai, įtikinamai atvaizduoti atskirus veikėjų gyvenimo epizodus. Ir šiuo atveju, siekiant aprėpti neaprėpiama, dalyje romano autorei grožinės literatūros metodus teko pakeisti publicistika arba skubotu pasakojimu. Man tai nebuvo priimtina.
Kai romano veiksmas, herojų poelgiai naivūs, nelogiški, skaitytojas už tai atleidžia tik vienu atveju – jei knygos epizodai emociškai svarūs, sukelia asociacijas, o poveikis į širdį nuslopina proto pasipriešinimą; ilgoje knygoje tai nelengvai pasiekiama. Ir „Somerseto“ atveju labai trūksta įtikinamumo, emocijos (kai kurie epizodai jas tikrai sukelia!) vis dėlto nenugali logikos.
Be abejo, autorę varžė tai, kad „Somersetas“ vaizduoja anksčiau parašyto romano „Rožės“ priešistorę, ribojo galimybes pasitelkti naujus, su romanu „Rožės“ nesusijusius herojus, nes ir taip, kaip minėta, romanas gavosi labai ilgas. Tas „pritempimas“ prie „Rožių“, man, neskaičiusiam šio romano, buvo suvokiamas blogąja prasme, nors – galbūt – tiems, kurie jau skaitė „Rožes“, ir visai priimtinas...
Kitas – mano subjektyvia nuomone – romano minusas: menkas įtikinamumas, gan schematiški veikėjų charakteriai, psichologinių gelmių stoka.
Ar sužinojau ką nors naujo? Nelabai. Bet romanas puikiai priminė tai, kad vergija JAV panaikinta vos prieš 160 metų, t.y. kai kurių dabartinių amerikiečių proseneliai buvo vergvaldžiai. Malonu, kad autorei užteko drąsos atvirai parašyti apie juodą dėmę JAV istorijoje.
Ką įsiminiau? Autorės paaiškinimą, kodėl jaunikis stovi nuotakos dešinėje: kad galėtų, reikalui esant, apginti nuotaką nuo priešų, nes taip stovint, dešinė ranka yra laisva, galima greit sugriebti kardą ar pistoletą.
Autorė plačiai žinomą posakį „Žmogus planuoja, Dievas juokiasi“ priskyrė vokiečių mąstytojui Tomui Kempiečiui. Tai man irgi nauja...
Nė kiek nesistebiu matydamas prieštaringus romano vertinimus: suprantu ir tuos, kurie rašo penketus, ir tuos, kurie rašo dvejetus. Mano vertinimas – trejetukas.
Kai romano veiksmas, herojų poelgiai naivūs, nelogiški, skaitytojas už tai atleidžia tik vienu atveju – jei knygos epizodai emociškai svarūs, sukelia asociacijas, o poveikis į širdį nuslopina proto pasipriešinimą; ilgoje knygoje tai nelengvai pasiekiama. Ir „Somerseto“ atveju labai trūksta įtikinamumo, emocijos (kai kurie epizodai jas tikrai sukelia!) vis dėlto nenugali logikos.
Be abejo, autorę varžė tai, kad „Somersetas“ vaizduoja anksčiau parašyto romano „Rožės“ priešistorę, ribojo galimybes pasitelkti naujus, su romanu „Rožės“ nesusijusius herojus, nes ir taip, kaip minėta, romanas gavosi labai ilgas. Tas „pritempimas“ prie „Rožių“, man, neskaičiusiam šio romano, buvo suvokiamas blogąja prasme, nors – galbūt – tiems, kurie jau skaitė „Rožes“, ir visai priimtinas...
Kitas – mano subjektyvia nuomone – romano minusas: menkas įtikinamumas, gan schematiški veikėjų charakteriai, psichologinių gelmių stoka.
Ar sužinojau ką nors naujo? Nelabai. Bet romanas puikiai priminė tai, kad vergija JAV panaikinta vos prieš 160 metų, t.y. kai kurių dabartinių amerikiečių proseneliai buvo vergvaldžiai. Malonu, kad autorei užteko drąsos atvirai parašyti apie juodą dėmę JAV istorijoje.
Ką įsiminiau? Autorės paaiškinimą, kodėl jaunikis stovi nuotakos dešinėje: kad galėtų, reikalui esant, apginti nuotaką nuo priešų, nes taip stovint, dešinė ranka yra laisva, galima greit sugriebti kardą ar pistoletą.
Autorė plačiai žinomą posakį „Žmogus planuoja, Dievas juokiasi“ priskyrė vokiečių mąstytojui Tomui Kempiečiui. Tai man irgi nauja...
Nė kiek nesistebiu matydamas prieštaringus romano vertinimus: suprantu ir tuos, kurie rašo penketus, ir tuos, kurie rašo dvejetus. Mano vertinimas – trejetukas.
June 23, 2023
Kaip man patinka tokios šeimų sagos! Norėjosi kad knyga niekada nesibaigtų, nes parašyta taip įtraukiančiai, jog mano vaizduotė kaip reikiant pasileido plaukus, galvoje piešdama neįtikėtinas kostiumines dramas
April 9, 2017
Pročitala sam prvih 150 stranica i odustala.
"Ruže" i "Nošeni vjetrom" su knjige iste autorice koje obožavam. Toliko sam se veselila ovoj knjizi i onda PAF. To mi se uvijek dogodi, kad se nekoj knjizi jako veselim i puno očekujem dogodi se baš suprotno.
Prvih 150 stranica sadrži toliko opisivanja, na široko i na dugačko se upoznajemo s likovima i njihovim obiteljima. Mislim da je to nepotrebno jer smo se kroz prošli roman "Ruže" upoznali s tradicijom tih obitelji.
Nisam se nikako uživjela u likove, nisu me zainteresirali njihovi postupci, razmišljanja i osjećaji. Pomalo sam iščekivala što će se dogoditi, a kad sam prolistala knjigu i tu i tamo pročitala neke dijelove, shvatila sam da će se radnja prebaciti na još jednu generaciju obitelji. Na početku me nisu oduševili likovi i radnja stoga nisam željela potrošiti svoje dragocjeno vrijeme kako bih dovršila ovu knjigu.
"Ruže" i "Nošeni vjetrom" su knjige iste autorice koje obožavam. Toliko sam se veselila ovoj knjizi i onda PAF. To mi se uvijek dogodi, kad se nekoj knjizi jako veselim i puno očekujem dogodi se baš suprotno.
Prvih 150 stranica sadrži toliko opisivanja, na široko i na dugačko se upoznajemo s likovima i njihovim obiteljima. Mislim da je to nepotrebno jer smo se kroz prošli roman "Ruže" upoznali s tradicijom tih obitelji.
Nisam se nikako uživjela u likove, nisu me zainteresirali njihovi postupci, razmišljanja i osjećaji. Pomalo sam iščekivala što će se dogoditi, a kad sam prolistala knjigu i tu i tamo pročitala neke dijelove, shvatila sam da će se radnja prebaciti na još jednu generaciju obitelji. Na početku me nisu oduševili likovi i radnja stoga nisam željela potrošiti svoje dragocjeno vrijeme kako bih dovršila ovu knjigu.
could-not-finish
August 6, 2016After reading Somerset half way through I came to the conclusion that I just didn't care what happens to these characters. The family sage didn't evoke any emotions in me. I didn't HAVE to see how this plays out because the characters didn't have that emotional pull. The story was some what engaging but I found it choppy and full of uninteresting details. I wanted more hardship working the farm or setting up life in Texas but once they got there time began to skim 5 or so years per chapter.
This is my first book by Miss Meacham and I don't know if i'll read another. This just wasn't a good fit for me.
ARC courtesy of Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Miss Meacham and I don't know if i'll read another. This just wasn't a good fit for me.
ARC courtesy of Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I am so glad that I did. Reminiscent of big sweeping novels such as Gone With the Wind or North and South, covering generations of families. A genre that seems not so often written today. The Toliver and Warwick men come from a lineage of English heritage and wealth. Jeremy Warwick and Silas Toliver leave the family plantations to start their own plantations in the new state of Texas. Silas is coerced into marrying Jessica Wyndham to relieve the Wyndham family of scandal. Silas's mother predicts that a curse will haunt the Toliver family due to Silas's choice of Jessica over his fiancé. Despite the circumstances Silas grows to love and admire Jessica. Yet it seems the curse does haunt them in the deaths of the children they love so dearly. Through the saga of the family is also deftly portrayed the history of Texas and the country. Travel with Silas, Jessica and Jeremy on the wagon trains through the prairie. Find an understanding of what plantation life was like and the effect of the civil war on the slave labor utilized by the plantation owners. Imagine yourself as the mistress of the manor living in opulence. I plan to read Roses to continue the story of the families and people I so enjoyed getting to know.
February 20, 2014
Somerset follows the life of a Charleston woman as she marries, relocates to East Texas and establishes a cotton plantation with her husband in the early 19th century. Historical fiction and romance would best describe this novel. Covering over 75 years and three generations I found the writing somewhat predictable and not incredibly imaginative.
April 15, 2021
*sob* So good, really liked this one.
July 14, 2023
4.5⭐️
September 6, 2017
Imi plac foarte mult romanele de tip saga - poveștile mai multor generații, modul în care secretele si greselile unora ii afectează pe urmatorii, trecerea prin mai multe perioade de timp si posibilitatea de a trai acele timpuri alaturi de personaje.
Am ramas placut impresionata de Somerset si de stilul autoarei (nu am citit Trandafiri, urmează). Mi-a plăcut complexitatea romanului, perioada aleasă si mai ales personajul feminin principal - Jessica. Povestea se intinde pe 65 de ani si cuprinde perioada sclavagismului in partea de Sud a SUA in anii 1800, viata pe o plantatie si modul in care erau tratati sclavii, colonizarea Texasului si formarea acestuia ca republica, Războiul civil american in urma caruia s-a abolit sclavia, numeroase descoperiri ale vremii.
Autoarea sare cu ușurință peste mai mulți ani, dar povestea isi pastreaza ritmul si te pastreaza si pe tine, ca cititor.
Asadar, mi-a plăcut foarte mult. Eu una il privesc mai mult decat ca pe un roman de dragoste. Din punctul meu e un roman istoric din care dragostea, evident, nu avea cum să lipsească!
Recomand!! 👍
Am ramas placut impresionata de Somerset si de stilul autoarei (nu am citit Trandafiri, urmează). Mi-a plăcut complexitatea romanului, perioada aleasă si mai ales personajul feminin principal - Jessica. Povestea se intinde pe 65 de ani si cuprinde perioada sclavagismului in partea de Sud a SUA in anii 1800, viata pe o plantatie si modul in care erau tratati sclavii, colonizarea Texasului si formarea acestuia ca republica, Războiul civil american in urma caruia s-a abolit sclavia, numeroase descoperiri ale vremii.
Autoarea sare cu ușurință peste mai mulți ani, dar povestea isi pastreaza ritmul si te pastreaza si pe tine, ca cititor.
Asadar, mi-a plăcut foarte mult. Eu una il privesc mai mult decat ca pe un roman de dragoste. Din punctul meu e un roman istoric din care dragostea, evident, nu avea cum să lipsească!
Recomand!! 👍
February 25, 2014
I am so sad to be done with this book .I wanted to continue with this beautiful family saga .Leila Meacham is a superb writter .I really felt so many emotions I cried I laughed and just plan could not wait to pick it back up again .
I have a signed copy coming from texas from my mother she had the great fortune to meet ms meacham on 2/15 at a bookstore in houston area.I can truly see movie coming with roses and somerset.
I picked up roses when borders was closing just browsing thru books and the beautiful cover caught my attention .I am infinitely glad that I judged the book by its cover ..lucky me!!!
I have a signed copy coming from texas from my mother she had the great fortune to meet ms meacham on 2/15 at a bookstore in houston area.I can truly see movie coming with roses and somerset.
I picked up roses when borders was closing just browsing thru books and the beautiful cover caught my attention .I am infinitely glad that I judged the book by its cover ..lucky me!!!
January 4, 2015
Changing my rating from 4 to 5 stars only because I still am thinking about Jessica. If I find I'm missing a character in a book I liked I think it deserves 5 stars!
August 6, 2018
Classic historical fiction set in the south. This covers it all - wagon trains, plantations, cotton, civil war - I loved every page.
July 3, 2022
Kaip man patinka tokios šeimos sagos! Romanas "Somersetas" mano mylimos knygos "Rožės" priešistorė, kuri pasakoja apie Toliverių, Vorikų ir Diumontų draugystės pradžią. Ir Hautbakerio susikūrimą bei lemtingojo "Toliverių prakeiksmo" kilmę. Pradėjus skaityti šią knygą kiek sunerimau, nes prireikė laiko, kol įsivažiavau, nes iš pradžių istorija taip neįtraukė, kaip galvojau, kad įtrauks. Tačiau pamažu "Somersetas" pavergė mano širdį ir nesinorėjo atsitraukti nuo šios istorijos, tol kol jos nepabaigiau!
Romanas apima labai ilgą laikotarpį, tad ir reikšmingų įvykių jame daug. Vienas svarbiausių - vergovė, kaip ji vystėsi, kaip su metais keitėsi požiūris į ją ir kokią įtaką tai darė visuomenei. Kartu, šioje knygoje daug skausmo, neišsakytų minčių, neparodytų jausmų ir išdavysčių, paslapčių ir melo, tačiau nežinia ar vardan gero tikslo. Tačiau autorė rado puikų balansą tarp tamsių ir nemalonių emocijų bei draugystės, kuri šioje knygoje taip pat labai svarbi. Tokia, kuri tęsiasi dešimtmečius, iš kartos į kartą, tokia, kuri kartais nebereikalauja žodžių, nes draugai, kurie tampa šeima, supranta vienas kitą be žodžių.
Man labai patiko ir knygos formatas, nes, kaip minėjau autorė pasakojo apie ilgą laikotarpį, tad kertais įsiterpę dienoraščio puslapių motyvai labai čia tiko! Patiko, labai patiko! Nenurungė mano meilės "Rožėms", tačiau vėl sugrįžtį į medvilnės plantacijas, narplioti šeimos paslaptis, sužinoti kaip viskas klostėsi ir džiaugtis arba liūdėti kartu su veikėjais man labai patiko! Puiki knyga ieškantiems tokių šeimos istorijų - intrigų daug, įtampos tiek, kiek reikia, o skaitymo džiaugsmas garantuotas! Beabejo, jeigu skaitėte "Rožes" rekomenduoju ir šią, o dar svartantiems pažintį su autore - imkit pabandyti, manau, kad turėtų patikti!
Romanas apima labai ilgą laikotarpį, tad ir reikšmingų įvykių jame daug. Vienas svarbiausių - vergovė, kaip ji vystėsi, kaip su metais keitėsi požiūris į ją ir kokią įtaką tai darė visuomenei. Kartu, šioje knygoje daug skausmo, neišsakytų minčių, neparodytų jausmų ir išdavysčių, paslapčių ir melo, tačiau nežinia ar vardan gero tikslo. Tačiau autorė rado puikų balansą tarp tamsių ir nemalonių emocijų bei draugystės, kuri šioje knygoje taip pat labai svarbi. Tokia, kuri tęsiasi dešimtmečius, iš kartos į kartą, tokia, kuri kartais nebereikalauja žodžių, nes draugai, kurie tampa šeima, supranta vienas kitą be žodžių.
Man labai patiko ir knygos formatas, nes, kaip minėjau autorė pasakojo apie ilgą laikotarpį, tad kertais įsiterpę dienoraščio puslapių motyvai labai čia tiko! Patiko, labai patiko! Nenurungė mano meilės "Rožėms", tačiau vėl sugrįžtį į medvilnės plantacijas, narplioti šeimos paslaptis, sužinoti kaip viskas klostėsi ir džiaugtis arba liūdėti kartu su veikėjais man labai patiko! Puiki knyga ieškantiems tokių šeimos istorijų - intrigų daug, įtampos tiek, kiek reikia, o skaitymo džiaugsmas garantuotas! Beabejo, jeigu skaitėte "Rožes" rekomenduoju ir šią, o dar svartantiems pažintį su autore - imkit pabandyti, manau, kad turėtų patikti!
February 7, 2022
Somerset este povestea a trei familii, pe mai multe generatii : Toliver, Warwick si DuMont, care calatoresc peste 2000 de km , in 1836 , din Carolina de Sud in Texas, pentru a ocupa terenurile noi, virgine, si pentru a face din acele locuri noi, acasa. Actiunea din carte se petrece intre anii 1806-1900, si cuprinde povestea parintilor fondatori, ajungand pana in perioada stranepotilor acestora.
Povestea incepe cu Silas, un tanar de 29 de ani care doreste sa plece de acasa dupa ce tatal lui a lasat plantatia de bumbac a familiei, fratelui mai mare. Silas doreste sa aiba propria lui plantatie, si de aceea doreste sa se mute in Texas pentru a construi Somerset si a intemeia o familie alaturi de logodnica lui, Tillie *parca asa o chema*. si de fiul dintr o casatorie anterioara, Joshua, in varsta de 6 ani. Din diverse motive obiective, Silas ajunge sa nu isi poata permite plecarea anul respectiv, insa salvarea vine de unde banuia mai putin, de la cel mai bogat barbat din Carolina, care gata sa ii ofere totul, contra unui mic favor.
In Carolina sclavii de culoare sunt puterea de munca, si desi se port discutii cum ca acestia ar trebui sa fie liberi, putini detinatori de plantatii impartasesc aceasta idee. Jesssica, o tanara de 18 ani ajunge sa faca parte din retetaua Underground railroad , cara ajuta oameniii de culoare sa scape de la stapanii lor. Cand tatal Jessicai afla ca aceasta este una din sustinatorii abolirii scalviei, considerand ca si a tradat familia si distrus reputatia, ii da de ales: fie o duce la o manastire unde o sa traiasa tot restul vietii in condiitii reu de imaginat, fie se marita si pleaca in alt stat. Mirele Jessicai este nimeni altul decat Silas, care decide sa renunte la propria logodnica pentru a primi banii necesari finantarii drumului catre Texas si ridicarii Somerset.
Pana aici, povestea e plina de alte detalii cu privire la personaje, sclavie, astfel ca ajungem la 40 % din carte si eroii inca nu au ajuns in Texas. Cei trei prieteni, capii familiilor Toliver, Warwick si DuMont intentioneaza fiecare sa aiba parte de un nou inceput. Drumul e plin de primejdiii, mai ales ca Texasul e invadat de Mexic iar indienii nu vor sa plece. Jessica si Silas devin prietei si in final ajung, dupa cca 4 luni, sa isi consume casnicia, fapt care duce la nasterea primului si singurului lor fiu, Thomas.
Mi-a placut extraordinar de mult cartea pana la calatoria in Texas, insa dupa am fost dezamagita sa vad ca nu sunt multe dezvaluiri cu privire la felul in care s -a ridicat orassul Howbutker. Fiecare " tata fondator" isi deschide propria afacere, cei trei ramanand cei mai buni prieteni si zeci de ani mai tarziu. Familia Toliver pare bantuita de un blestem, spus inca de cand Silas a plecat de acasa iar mama lui l-a avertizat ca nimic bun nu o sa iasa daca o sa renunte la tot in numele Somerset. Joshua, primul fiu al lui Silas moare cazand de pe cal.
Anii trec usor in carte, si as fi vrut sa aflu mai multe despre ei, despre ce au facut, cum au crescut copiii, cum Jeremy Warwick si a cunsocut nevasta, cum Somerset a inceput sa fie o plantatie de mare succes etc, insa totul e pe repede inainte, punandu-se mai mult accent pe problemele geo-politice din zona.
In ultimii 30% din carte , eroi principali nu mai sunt Silas si Jessica, ci fiul acestuia si sotia lui, apoi nepoti si stranepotii lor, si de acolo recunosc ca mi am pierdut un pic interesul si nu pt ca nu ar fi fost o poveste interesanta, c pentru ca fiecare in parte merita mai mult: fiecare merita propria carte, cu doar cateva capitole din cartea Jessicai si al lui Silas, asa cum o vad eu.
Cartea se termina cu o moarte si cu un final deschis care nu cere neaparat o continuare. Eu am continuat sa citesc Roses doar pentru ca o aveam deja in Kindle, si pentru ca stiam ca altadata nu o sa ma apuc de ea, cand o sa imi iasa din minte toate increngaturile din familiile celor 3.
Sentimentul pe care Somerset mi l a lasat a fost unul deosebit, am simtit ca am citit o carte buna, care insa pentru a fi una extraordinara, avea nevoie de inca ceva n plus, Scriitoarea s -a documentat foarte bine cand a scris-o, insa pentru mine, povestea ar fi fost mai buna daca fiecare cuplu ar fi avut propria poveste, daca am fi avut mai mult timp cu eroii fiecarei familii..
Povestea incepe cu Silas, un tanar de 29 de ani care doreste sa plece de acasa dupa ce tatal lui a lasat plantatia de bumbac a familiei, fratelui mai mare. Silas doreste sa aiba propria lui plantatie, si de aceea doreste sa se mute in Texas pentru a construi Somerset si a intemeia o familie alaturi de logodnica lui, Tillie *parca asa o chema*. si de fiul dintr o casatorie anterioara, Joshua, in varsta de 6 ani. Din diverse motive obiective, Silas ajunge sa nu isi poata permite plecarea anul respectiv, insa salvarea vine de unde banuia mai putin, de la cel mai bogat barbat din Carolina, care gata sa ii ofere totul, contra unui mic favor.
In Carolina sclavii de culoare sunt puterea de munca, si desi se port discutii cum ca acestia ar trebui sa fie liberi, putini detinatori de plantatii impartasesc aceasta idee. Jesssica, o tanara de 18 ani ajunge sa faca parte din retetaua Underground railroad , cara ajuta oameniii de culoare sa scape de la stapanii lor. Cand tatal Jessicai afla ca aceasta este una din sustinatorii abolirii scalviei, considerand ca si a tradat familia si distrus reputatia, ii da de ales: fie o duce la o manastire unde o sa traiasa tot restul vietii in condiitii reu de imaginat, fie se marita si pleaca in alt stat. Mirele Jessicai este nimeni altul decat Silas, care decide sa renunte la propria logodnica pentru a primi banii necesari finantarii drumului catre Texas si ridicarii Somerset.
Pana aici, povestea e plina de alte detalii cu privire la personaje, sclavie, astfel ca ajungem la 40 % din carte si eroii inca nu au ajuns in Texas. Cei trei prieteni, capii familiilor Toliver, Warwick si DuMont intentioneaza fiecare sa aiba parte de un nou inceput. Drumul e plin de primejdiii, mai ales ca Texasul e invadat de Mexic iar indienii nu vor sa plece. Jessica si Silas devin prietei si in final ajung, dupa cca 4 luni, sa isi consume casnicia, fapt care duce la nasterea primului si singurului lor fiu, Thomas.
Mi-a placut extraordinar de mult cartea pana la calatoria in Texas, insa dupa am fost dezamagita sa vad ca nu sunt multe dezvaluiri cu privire la felul in care s -a ridicat orassul Howbutker. Fiecare " tata fondator" isi deschide propria afacere, cei trei ramanand cei mai buni prieteni si zeci de ani mai tarziu. Familia Toliver pare bantuita de un blestem, spus inca de cand Silas a plecat de acasa iar mama lui l-a avertizat ca nimic bun nu o sa iasa daca o sa renunte la tot in numele Somerset. Joshua, primul fiu al lui Silas moare cazand de pe cal.
Anii trec usor in carte, si as fi vrut sa aflu mai multe despre ei, despre ce au facut, cum au crescut copiii, cum Jeremy Warwick si a cunsocut nevasta, cum Somerset a inceput sa fie o plantatie de mare succes etc, insa totul e pe repede inainte, punandu-se mai mult accent pe problemele geo-politice din zona.
In ultimii 30% din carte , eroi principali nu mai sunt Silas si Jessica, ci fiul acestuia si sotia lui, apoi nepoti si stranepotii lor, si de acolo recunosc ca mi am pierdut un pic interesul si nu pt ca nu ar fi fost o poveste interesanta, c pentru ca fiecare in parte merita mai mult: fiecare merita propria carte, cu doar cateva capitole din cartea Jessicai si al lui Silas, asa cum o vad eu.
Cartea se termina cu o moarte si cu un final deschis care nu cere neaparat o continuare. Eu am continuat sa citesc Roses doar pentru ca o aveam deja in Kindle, si pentru ca stiam ca altadata nu o sa ma apuc de ea, cand o sa imi iasa din minte toate increngaturile din familiile celor 3.
Sentimentul pe care Somerset mi l a lasat a fost unul deosebit, am simtit ca am citit o carte buna, care insa pentru a fi una extraordinara, avea nevoie de inca ceva n plus, Scriitoarea s -a documentat foarte bine cand a scris-o, insa pentru mine, povestea ar fi fost mai buna daca fiecare cuplu ar fi avut propria poveste, daca am fi avut mai mult timp cu eroii fiecarei familii..
March 31, 2014
An epic family saga
A prequel to Leila Meacham’s ‘Roses’……
’Somerset’ tells the story of three generations of Tolivers, Warwicks and DuMonts as they first move to Texas and begin to build their respective empires and establish the town of Howbutker, TX. It covers six decades beginning with Silas and Jessica Toliver, Jeremy Warwick and Henri DuMont as they travel west to Texas, then follows with 2 generations of their offspring.
Though some complain it is too long, I enjoyed the extensive character building and historical details. The first generation was fleshed out and covered in much more detail than the latter two generations. But then the story was theirs to tell….. they were the founding fathers and mothers of Howbutker. Slavery, abolition, the civil war and the Toliver family curse make for an incredibly good story!
My favorite character was Jessica Toliver. She was an amazingly woman for the times…. she was an abolitionist despite the fact that her husband was a slave owner. Their love story, the triumphs, tragedies, heartaches, losses and friendships they experience throughout their lives are brought to life with Meacham’s excellent storytelling.
When Leila Meacham wrote ‘Roses’, it was intended to be a stand-alone book. I’m so glad she changed her mind and decided to write the prequel. I have read ‘Roses’ and I did like it, but ‘Somerset’ is even better!
I received a free digital copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
A prequel to Leila Meacham’s ‘Roses’……
’Somerset’ tells the story of three generations of Tolivers, Warwicks and DuMonts as they first move to Texas and begin to build their respective empires and establish the town of Howbutker, TX. It covers six decades beginning with Silas and Jessica Toliver, Jeremy Warwick and Henri DuMont as they travel west to Texas, then follows with 2 generations of their offspring.
Though some complain it is too long, I enjoyed the extensive character building and historical details. The first generation was fleshed out and covered in much more detail than the latter two generations. But then the story was theirs to tell….. they were the founding fathers and mothers of Howbutker. Slavery, abolition, the civil war and the Toliver family curse make for an incredibly good story!
My favorite character was Jessica Toliver. She was an amazingly woman for the times…. she was an abolitionist despite the fact that her husband was a slave owner. Their love story, the triumphs, tragedies, heartaches, losses and friendships they experience throughout their lives are brought to life with Meacham’s excellent storytelling.
When Leila Meacham wrote ‘Roses’, it was intended to be a stand-alone book. I’m so glad she changed her mind and decided to write the prequel. I have read ‘Roses’ and I did like it, but ‘Somerset’ is even better!
I received a free digital copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
July 3, 2018
Am ajuns cu cartea asta la noi limite de inepție. Mi-a luat aproape un secol sa ajung până la final, iar deja de la jumătatea cărții credeam că o să trebuiască să părăsesc barca inainte să ajung la mal. Cartea e groasă cât o Biblie, de aceea măcar o pot folosi ca ceva armă albă, că altfel nu îşi are vreun scop.
Totul se petrece înaintea războiului de secesiune, războiul civil din State purtat (ca scop principial) penru abolirea sclaviei. Nu aş fi ştiut aproape nimic despre acel eveniment dacă nu ar fi fost cartea ,,Pe aripile vântului" care oferă o sublimă perspectivă în acea perioadă, adică îşi îndeplineşte rolul de ficțiune istorică!!! Ceea ce mă aşteptam şi de la cartea de față, dar în schimb am primit o poveste care ar trebui să fie de dragoste, fondată pe nişte circumstanțe dubioase, dintre nişte personaje care nu au destulă coloană vertebrală măcar cât să se prezinte la doctor pentru un ajutor. Am citit aproape 1000 de pagini şi am ieşit mai prostită decât am intrat.
Serios. Un copil se naşte, apoi moare, doar doar să nu devină un personaj relevant, pentru că aparent, de ceea ce se teme autoarea e ca cartea asta să aibă sens. E aşa o dezordine în ea şi o platitudine de evenimente forțate să se întâmple şi yacc. Citiți cartea pe propriul risc.
Totul se petrece înaintea războiului de secesiune, războiul civil din State purtat (ca scop principial) penru abolirea sclaviei. Nu aş fi ştiut aproape nimic despre acel eveniment dacă nu ar fi fost cartea ,,Pe aripile vântului" care oferă o sublimă perspectivă în acea perioadă, adică îşi îndeplineşte rolul de ficțiune istorică!!! Ceea ce mă aşteptam şi de la cartea de față, dar în schimb am primit o poveste care ar trebui să fie de dragoste, fondată pe nişte circumstanțe dubioase, dintre nişte personaje care nu au destulă coloană vertebrală măcar cât să se prezinte la doctor pentru un ajutor. Am citit aproape 1000 de pagini şi am ieşit mai prostită decât am intrat.
Serios. Un copil se naşte, apoi moare, doar doar să nu devină un personaj relevant, pentru că aparent, de ceea ce se teme autoarea e ca cartea asta să aibă sens. E aşa o dezordine în ea şi o platitudine de evenimente forțate să se întâmple şi yacc. Citiți cartea pe propriul risc.
July 26, 2019
If this book would have ended about pg 400 I think it would have been a 5 star. I really enjoyed it and I felt closure at that point. The last 200 pages just dragged a bit on. That being said, I still love this author and the way she tells a story...and of course love a book set in Texas!
May 2, 2019
I wanted to like this book, but just couldn’t. The writing was incompetent with predictable plots and an attempt to throw in bits of historical fact here and there.
May 16, 2014
Silas Toliver is a second son in the South during the pre-Civil war years. As such, he has inherited nothing from his father’s plantation holdings, and, to put it mildly, Silas is ‘land-hungry’. He wants to run a plantation and build it up, and seems to have the talents and gifts, but no means, to do it. Right off the bat Meacham has created a character whose frustration impels him to take action, and his guilt and justification of that pursuit haunt him for much of the duration of the novel.
Silas decides to migrate to Texas, but the timing for him will be extremely dangerous. Texas is being invaded by not only Mexico, who does not want to give up the land themselves, but also the Comanches who are defending their own rights to hang on to land.
Jessica, Silas’ wife, also takes center stage through much of the novel. Her pro-abolitionist sympathies do not endear her to her Southern neighbors and her husband occasionally has to jump in to protect her from the results of her words and actions. The novel attempts to give a portrait of marraige and choice, with lesser themes of fidelty and child-rearing (for one example, how society viewed and treated both white and black children), as much as the times of the period.
Silas (along with two other wagon train leaders), has to find a route into Texas, avoiding Santa Anna’s armies, and also the marauding bands of Indians.
This book by Leila Meacham, a retired public school teacher, cannot be called ‘classical’ literature per se (such as “Gone with the Wind” might be). I feel (as do others who have reviewed the book), that it is a little light to be categorised as such. Meacham does not delve too deeply into her character’s motivations or personalities, but she does question the attitudes behind their decisions just enough to give the reader a desire to pursue reading to find out if they change throughout the course of the novel.
As the novel continues we are taken through the heartaches and struggles of the Civil War and Reconstruction era, the arguments for and against a way of life in the South that ultimately had to change, and the founding of a state destined to survive and see many many changes over some of the most significant years of America’s history. “Somerset” is about one plantation family’s struggles to survive during these years, and their friendship and interactions with two other Texas families who become influential state founders over this time.
“It had been Henri’s idea for Silas and Jeremy to plant both the York and Lancaster roses in each other’s gardens as a symbol of unity between their houses….
Henry would grow both his friends’ roses as well, he announced to Silas and Jeremy in one of their meetings. It was his feeling that, when disagreements arose among them, as they invevitably would, the roses should serve as tokens to express what men of pride such as they could not bring themselves to articulate in speech.
“So if ever I should offend you, I will send a red rose to ask forgiveness,” he said, “and if ever I receive one tendered for that purpose, I will return a white rose to say that all is forgiven.”
Although the characters themselves were interesting, they did not draw me as much as the events of this period did. The history was fascinating for me to read and the author’s ‘teacher’ background was evident in the writing:
“I was reminded of Thomas Jefferson’s words in 1782 in his Notes on Virginia when I read that abominable tripe,” Jessica said, speaking to Tippy of the Compromise of 1850 when her friend finished reading its articles reprinted in the Democratic Telegraph and Register of Houston.
Tippy reached to take a sandwich from the plate Jessica offered. “And they were?”
“Jefferson said, “Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.’”
“Amen to that,” Tippy said. “It’s only a matter of a few years before the South feels the whip of that justice for enslaving the black man. All this compromise does is to buy time until war is declared between the North and the South.”
With themes such as slavery, fidelity in marraige, betrayal and loyalty (abolitionists, “Night Riders”, and such), women’s rights, and family name and place in society, Leila Meacham has written a novel that spans the years of 1806-1900 in the South and done it very competently! Although sometimes her plot devices and personal conflicts are a bit overused (in my estimation), she still did a fantastic job of portraying views from both sides of the pre-Civil war era and displayed them through the lives of her characters. Even though the last eighty or so pages of the novel were a bit too ‘soap-opera-ish’ for my taste, on the whole, “Somerset” is a great reminder to me of why I read historical fiction, and I look forward now to continuing with Meacham’s sequel, “Roses”.
“Cotton production, and subsequently Somerset and the planter culture, flourished in the 1850′s, despite the Panic of 1857 when the era of prosperity in the western and northern parts of the country came to an abrupt if temporary end. Demand for cotton in the United States, Mexico, and Great Britain was at an all-time high, ushering in the golden age of the plantation system and sparing the South and East Texas from the recession that affected other unrelated industries.
Somerset had led the region in feeding the jaws of the ever-increasing number of northern factories and textile mills that chewed up the raw bales of “white gold” and spun them into cloth. The phrase “Cotton is king” was coined in the middle of the decade, an apt description of a cash crop that accounted for one-half of all U.S. exports and strengthened Silas Toliver’s belief that war would never come.”
Silas decides to migrate to Texas, but the timing for him will be extremely dangerous. Texas is being invaded by not only Mexico, who does not want to give up the land themselves, but also the Comanches who are defending their own rights to hang on to land.
Jessica, Silas’ wife, also takes center stage through much of the novel. Her pro-abolitionist sympathies do not endear her to her Southern neighbors and her husband occasionally has to jump in to protect her from the results of her words and actions. The novel attempts to give a portrait of marraige and choice, with lesser themes of fidelty and child-rearing (for one example, how society viewed and treated both white and black children), as much as the times of the period.
Silas (along with two other wagon train leaders), has to find a route into Texas, avoiding Santa Anna’s armies, and also the marauding bands of Indians.
This book by Leila Meacham, a retired public school teacher, cannot be called ‘classical’ literature per se (such as “Gone with the Wind” might be). I feel (as do others who have reviewed the book), that it is a little light to be categorised as such. Meacham does not delve too deeply into her character’s motivations or personalities, but she does question the attitudes behind their decisions just enough to give the reader a desire to pursue reading to find out if they change throughout the course of the novel.
As the novel continues we are taken through the heartaches and struggles of the Civil War and Reconstruction era, the arguments for and against a way of life in the South that ultimately had to change, and the founding of a state destined to survive and see many many changes over some of the most significant years of America’s history. “Somerset” is about one plantation family’s struggles to survive during these years, and their friendship and interactions with two other Texas families who become influential state founders over this time.
“It had been Henri’s idea for Silas and Jeremy to plant both the York and Lancaster roses in each other’s gardens as a symbol of unity between their houses….
Henry would grow both his friends’ roses as well, he announced to Silas and Jeremy in one of their meetings. It was his feeling that, when disagreements arose among them, as they invevitably would, the roses should serve as tokens to express what men of pride such as they could not bring themselves to articulate in speech.
“So if ever I should offend you, I will send a red rose to ask forgiveness,” he said, “and if ever I receive one tendered for that purpose, I will return a white rose to say that all is forgiven.”
Although the characters themselves were interesting, they did not draw me as much as the events of this period did. The history was fascinating for me to read and the author’s ‘teacher’ background was evident in the writing:
“I was reminded of Thomas Jefferson’s words in 1782 in his Notes on Virginia when I read that abominable tripe,” Jessica said, speaking to Tippy of the Compromise of 1850 when her friend finished reading its articles reprinted in the Democratic Telegraph and Register of Houston.
Tippy reached to take a sandwich from the plate Jessica offered. “And they were?”
“Jefferson said, “Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.’”
“Amen to that,” Tippy said. “It’s only a matter of a few years before the South feels the whip of that justice for enslaving the black man. All this compromise does is to buy time until war is declared between the North and the South.”
With themes such as slavery, fidelity in marraige, betrayal and loyalty (abolitionists, “Night Riders”, and such), women’s rights, and family name and place in society, Leila Meacham has written a novel that spans the years of 1806-1900 in the South and done it very competently! Although sometimes her plot devices and personal conflicts are a bit overused (in my estimation), she still did a fantastic job of portraying views from both sides of the pre-Civil war era and displayed them through the lives of her characters. Even though the last eighty or so pages of the novel were a bit too ‘soap-opera-ish’ for my taste, on the whole, “Somerset” is a great reminder to me of why I read historical fiction, and I look forward now to continuing with Meacham’s sequel, “Roses”.
“Cotton production, and subsequently Somerset and the planter culture, flourished in the 1850′s, despite the Panic of 1857 when the era of prosperity in the western and northern parts of the country came to an abrupt if temporary end. Demand for cotton in the United States, Mexico, and Great Britain was at an all-time high, ushering in the golden age of the plantation system and sparing the South and East Texas from the recession that affected other unrelated industries.
Somerset had led the region in feeding the jaws of the ever-increasing number of northern factories and textile mills that chewed up the raw bales of “white gold” and spun them into cloth. The phrase “Cotton is king” was coined in the middle of the decade, an apt description of a cash crop that accounted for one-half of all U.S. exports and strengthened Silas Toliver’s belief that war would never come.”
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