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The Far Side of the Sun
Bahamas, 1943. Twenty-two-year-old Dodie Wyatt has escaped her turbulent past and now lives in a shack on a beach near downtown Nassau, where she works in a hotel. But one night her peace is shattered when she tries to help a man she finds stabbed in an alleyway.
On the other side of town, wealthy diplomat's wife Ella Stanford is content keeping her husband out of Britain and away from his Nazi friends in Germany while she throws herself into charitable work for the town's poverty-stricken community and entertainment for the military troops.
But when one of the richest men in the world is found killed in his Nassau mansion, these two very different women - Dodie, a shy introvert, and Ella, a confident socialite - are drawn together. The gruesome death spirals the already unstable island into violence, deceit, greed and death, and Dodie and Ella have only each other to rely on as their ordered lives are blown apart...
On the other side of town, wealthy diplomat's wife Ella Stanford is content keeping her husband out of Britain and away from his Nazi friends in Germany while she throws herself into charitable work for the town's poverty-stricken community and entertainment for the military troops.
But when one of the richest men in the world is found killed in his Nassau mansion, these two very different women - Dodie, a shy introvert, and Ella, a confident socialite - are drawn together. The gruesome death spirals the already unstable island into violence, deceit, greed and death, and Dodie and Ella have only each other to rely on as their ordered lives are blown apart...
384 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2001
86 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read
About the author
Kate Furnivall
22 books999 followersKate Furnivall was raised in Penarth, a small seaside town in Wales. Her mother, whose own childhood was spent in Russia, China and India, discovered at an early age that the world around us is so volatile, that the only things of true value are those inside your head and your heart. These values Kate explores in The Russian Concubine.
Kate went to London University where she studied English and from there she went into publishing, writing material for a series of books on the canals of Britain. Then into advertising where she met her future husband, Norman. She travelled widely, giving her an insight into how different cultures function which was to prove invaluable when writing The Russian Concubine.
It was when her mother died in 2000 that Kate decided to write a book inspired by her mother's story. The Russian Concubine contains fictional characters and events, but Kate made use of the extraordinary situation that was her mother's childhood experience - that of two White Russian refugees, a mother and daughter, stuck without money or papers in an International Settlement in China.
Kate went to London University where she studied English and from there she went into publishing, writing material for a series of books on the canals of Britain. Then into advertising where she met her future husband, Norman. She travelled widely, giving her an insight into how different cultures function which was to prove invaluable when writing The Russian Concubine.
It was when her mother died in 2000 that Kate decided to write a book inspired by her mother's story. The Russian Concubine contains fictional characters and events, but Kate made use of the extraordinary situation that was her mother's childhood experience - that of two White Russian refugees, a mother and daughter, stuck without money or papers in an International Settlement in China.
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March 16, 2023
4,5 sterren - Nederlandse paperback
Quote: Elke morgen en avond masseerde hij haar rug. Haar hoofd was warm en haar gedachten leken door nat zand te waden, waarin ze vreemde, onherkenbare vormen achterlieten. Maar wanner zijn vingers haar aanraakten en mama's zalf over de welvjngen en richels van haar rug streken, werd haar hoofd helderder. Ze praatte niet wanneer hij met haar bezig was. Soms neuriede hij zacht voor zich heen, een dixielanddeuntje of zomaar een vrolijk melodietje, helemaal niet wat ze van hem zou hebben verwacht.
Het boek speelt zich af op de Bahama's in 1943. Marinepersoneel, grondspeculanten, gelukszoekers wonen en werken op het eiland. De plaatselijke bevolking voert de werkzaamheden uit. De over het algemeen zwarte bevolking.
Dodie is geen oorspronkelijke bewoner, maar zij is wel een van de vaste bewoners. Als zij op een avond naar huis gaat na haar werk als serveerster vindt zij een zwaargewonde man die om haar hulp vraagt. Hier blijkt dat Dodie een vindingrijke geest heeft. Ze vervoerd de gewonde man in een kruiwagen.
Flynn is een vriend van de gewonde Morell en wil haar helpen, beschermen. Tegen de klauwen van de Maffia die ook op het eiland is neergestreken. Maar Dodie raakt toch diep verstrikt in het spel en Flynn kan haar niet echt beschermen. Maar Dodie bezit veerkracht
.
Vele personages blijken niet te zijn wat je denkt dat ze zijn. Vele plot twists maken het een intrigerend verhaal. Let wel het is een roman met een spannende verhaallijn erin.
Afgunst, liefde, hebzucht en moord zijn de ingrediënten in dit boek. Ik vond het een goede feelgood roman.
Quote: Elke morgen en avond masseerde hij haar rug. Haar hoofd was warm en haar gedachten leken door nat zand te waden, waarin ze vreemde, onherkenbare vormen achterlieten. Maar wanner zijn vingers haar aanraakten en mama's zalf over de welvjngen en richels van haar rug streken, werd haar hoofd helderder. Ze praatte niet wanneer hij met haar bezig was. Soms neuriede hij zacht voor zich heen, een dixielanddeuntje of zomaar een vrolijk melodietje, helemaal niet wat ze van hem zou hebben verwacht.
Het boek speelt zich af op de Bahama's in 1943. Marinepersoneel, grondspeculanten, gelukszoekers wonen en werken op het eiland. De plaatselijke bevolking voert de werkzaamheden uit. De over het algemeen zwarte bevolking.
Dodie is geen oorspronkelijke bewoner, maar zij is wel een van de vaste bewoners. Als zij op een avond naar huis gaat na haar werk als serveerster vindt zij een zwaargewonde man die om haar hulp vraagt. Hier blijkt dat Dodie een vindingrijke geest heeft. Ze vervoerd de gewonde man in een kruiwagen.
Flynn is een vriend van de gewonde Morell en wil haar helpen, beschermen. Tegen de klauwen van de Maffia die ook op het eiland is neergestreken. Maar Dodie raakt toch diep verstrikt in het spel en Flynn kan haar niet echt beschermen. Maar Dodie bezit veerkracht
.
Vele personages blijken niet te zijn wat je denkt dat ze zijn. Vele plot twists maken het een intrigerend verhaal. Let wel het is een roman met een spannende verhaallijn erin.
Afgunst, liefde, hebzucht en moord zijn de ingrediënten in dit boek. Ik vond het een goede feelgood roman.
January 11, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
I’ve been a fan of Kate Furnivall’s work for many years. I became hooked on her writing when I went through a spell of only reading World War II titles, especially those with links to Russia (I blame my favourite book ever, The Bronze Horseman for this). I decided it was time to catch up on Furnivall’s back catalogue after I enjoyed a more recent title, The Liberation. So, I dusted The Far Side of the Sun off my sagging bookshelves.
The Far Side of the Sun takes the reader to the Bahamas in the year 1943. Dodie Wyatt has recently moved to this tropical haven, hoping to put her difficult past behind her. Dodie’s quiet life takes a drastic turn when she helps a severely injured man in an alleyway. Linking to Dodie’s story is Ella Stanford’s story, the wife of a wealthy diplomat. Ella’s husband has been posted to the Bahamas to keep a watchful eye on the Governor of the Bahamas, the Duke of Windsor, ensuring that he does not communicate with his Nazi acquaintances. With the Bahamas becoming under increasing threat, Ella and Dodie become embroiled in the danger. A secret Ella holds also threatens to derail her perfect life. Together, Dodie and Ella they fight against the violence and corruption that has infiltrated their city. The Far Side of the Sun is an engrossing story of love, friendship, survival and loyalty.
The Far Side of the Sun is a gently paced book that has plenty to offer the reader. It is an intriguing World War II mystery, follows fascinating characters, features a stunning tropical locale, offers plenty of simmering romance and is filled with many moments of danger.
Kate Furnivall is well known for her sweeping historical landscapes that always provide the perfect backdrop to her narratives. I was immediately taken in by Furnivall’s choice of setting for this novel. The Far Side of the Sun is set in the picturesque tropical locale of the Bahamas. I haven’t read a book set in the Bahamas before, so I appreciated the original location choice. Furnivall paints her setting with a keen eye. The lush surrounds of the exotic Bahamas come to life through the penmanship of Kate Furnivall.
Furnivall’s leading heroines, Dodie and Ella, are full and likeable characters. I soon felt I knew both these women well, through Furnivall’s skilled writing. The back story of each of these leading characters was great to unpack. I liked how Furnivall was able to tie their lives together, despite the differences that existed between these women. Dodie is cast as an outsider, while Ella is the toast of society. It was a great contrast, but is accurately reflective of the class differences present in this city during this period. Furnivall also shows how friendship prevails, in the most unexpected ways, from the relationship between these two leads.
Furnivall’s insertion of the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson into the fold, further increased my interest in this novel. In fact, I wanted more scenes involving the Duke, who was appointed to the position of the Governor of the Bahamas from 1940, until he resigned from the post in 1945. I was equally fascinated by Wallis and her place in the Bahamas high society during this time. Furnivall contrasts the glitz and glamour of the life of the royal couple, with the impoverished conditions of this island, which experienced much civil unrest during the time the Windsors resided there.
Further interest in this novel was solidified when I discovered the author’s closing note at the end of this novel. Furnivall explains that her narrative is loosely based on the real life unresolved murder of a wealthy figure in the Bahamas in 1943. After learning this interesting piece of information, I just had to do some further research and what I discovered was very interesting indeed. I encourage other readers to do this is you are at all interested in the real life crime that inspired this novel. It is obvious that Furnivall researched this unresolved murder and the community of the Bahamas in the 1940’s extremely well. Through Furnivall, we learn a great deal of period and locale specific detail of the Bahamas. Furnivall also draws our attention to the often neglected dark side of island paradise. She exposes this time of unrest in the tropical city, highlighting the greed, corruption, murder, violence, class divides and gang activity that existed at the time.
The Far Side of the Sun is a stunning historical fiction offering, that covered all bases for me. It offered an involving storyline, rich characters, an emotionally moving romance, an exotic backdrop and a very good mystery. I particularly liked how the mystery element of the novel was kept open for as long as possible, with the ends tied up towards the final chapters of the book. I recommend The Far Side of the Sun to fans of historical novels, especially those who appreciate a distinctive historical landscape. If you are yet to discover Kate Furnivall’s work, this book is a great place to start.
I’ve been a fan of Kate Furnivall’s work for many years. I became hooked on her writing when I went through a spell of only reading World War II titles, especially those with links to Russia (I blame my favourite book ever, The Bronze Horseman for this). I decided it was time to catch up on Furnivall’s back catalogue after I enjoyed a more recent title, The Liberation. So, I dusted The Far Side of the Sun off my sagging bookshelves.
The Far Side of the Sun takes the reader to the Bahamas in the year 1943. Dodie Wyatt has recently moved to this tropical haven, hoping to put her difficult past behind her. Dodie’s quiet life takes a drastic turn when she helps a severely injured man in an alleyway. Linking to Dodie’s story is Ella Stanford’s story, the wife of a wealthy diplomat. Ella’s husband has been posted to the Bahamas to keep a watchful eye on the Governor of the Bahamas, the Duke of Windsor, ensuring that he does not communicate with his Nazi acquaintances. With the Bahamas becoming under increasing threat, Ella and Dodie become embroiled in the danger. A secret Ella holds also threatens to derail her perfect life. Together, Dodie and Ella they fight against the violence and corruption that has infiltrated their city. The Far Side of the Sun is an engrossing story of love, friendship, survival and loyalty.
The Far Side of the Sun is a gently paced book that has plenty to offer the reader. It is an intriguing World War II mystery, follows fascinating characters, features a stunning tropical locale, offers plenty of simmering romance and is filled with many moments of danger.
Kate Furnivall is well known for her sweeping historical landscapes that always provide the perfect backdrop to her narratives. I was immediately taken in by Furnivall’s choice of setting for this novel. The Far Side of the Sun is set in the picturesque tropical locale of the Bahamas. I haven’t read a book set in the Bahamas before, so I appreciated the original location choice. Furnivall paints her setting with a keen eye. The lush surrounds of the exotic Bahamas come to life through the penmanship of Kate Furnivall.
Furnivall’s leading heroines, Dodie and Ella, are full and likeable characters. I soon felt I knew both these women well, through Furnivall’s skilled writing. The back story of each of these leading characters was great to unpack. I liked how Furnivall was able to tie their lives together, despite the differences that existed between these women. Dodie is cast as an outsider, while Ella is the toast of society. It was a great contrast, but is accurately reflective of the class differences present in this city during this period. Furnivall also shows how friendship prevails, in the most unexpected ways, from the relationship between these two leads.
Furnivall’s insertion of the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson into the fold, further increased my interest in this novel. In fact, I wanted more scenes involving the Duke, who was appointed to the position of the Governor of the Bahamas from 1940, until he resigned from the post in 1945. I was equally fascinated by Wallis and her place in the Bahamas high society during this time. Furnivall contrasts the glitz and glamour of the life of the royal couple, with the impoverished conditions of this island, which experienced much civil unrest during the time the Windsors resided there.
Further interest in this novel was solidified when I discovered the author’s closing note at the end of this novel. Furnivall explains that her narrative is loosely based on the real life unresolved murder of a wealthy figure in the Bahamas in 1943. After learning this interesting piece of information, I just had to do some further research and what I discovered was very interesting indeed. I encourage other readers to do this is you are at all interested in the real life crime that inspired this novel. It is obvious that Furnivall researched this unresolved murder and the community of the Bahamas in the 1940’s extremely well. Through Furnivall, we learn a great deal of period and locale specific detail of the Bahamas. Furnivall also draws our attention to the often neglected dark side of island paradise. She exposes this time of unrest in the tropical city, highlighting the greed, corruption, murder, violence, class divides and gang activity that existed at the time.
The Far Side of the Sun is a stunning historical fiction offering, that covered all bases for me. It offered an involving storyline, rich characters, an emotionally moving romance, an exotic backdrop and a very good mystery. I particularly liked how the mystery element of the novel was kept open for as long as possible, with the ends tied up towards the final chapters of the book. I recommend The Far Side of the Sun to fans of historical novels, especially those who appreciate a distinctive historical landscape. If you are yet to discover Kate Furnivall’s work, this book is a great place to start.
July 27, 2017
Thrilling, beautifully written, a sensational, multi-faceted tale. Loved it!
April 19, 2014
I don't read much non YA any more, but one author that always hooks me is Kate Furnivall. I was obsessed with the Russian Concubine series and adored reading The White Pearl while on holiday in Thailand a few years ago. So I saved this one set in the Bahamas for another holiday read. I loved the murder and mystery in this one with its plot twists. Not normally a story style I read, but with Kate doing the writing it is told in such a way you cannot out it down.
March 29, 2016
Dreadful. A badly written, tepid, tame romance masquerading as a historical fiction/mystery. Such a shame as the historical material is great, being the notorious, unsolved murder of philanthropic, Canadian mining millionaire Sir Harry Oakes on the Bahamas in 1943, when the even more notorious Nazi sympathising ex-British King, the abdicated Duke of Windsor was Governor. With that as a starting point from which to fashion a story I really expected this to have a little bit of something to it. Sadly in the hands of Kate Furnivall, it didn't. The characterisation of the real people was not even shallow and that of the fictional characters generally stereotyped. Poor white, kind hearted Englishwoman stumbles upon a murder and then meets kind hearted, white American gangster who falls for her and wants to protect her from evil, nasty people. Enter stage left rich, unhappily married, kind hearted, white Englishwoman who falls for a local, incorruptible and kind hearted, white English policeman. This ever so bland cast of four thrash about within the historic story having lashings of very badly written sex and it is these romances that are really the main event and they could really have been set within any historical context. The mystery develops in the background with the local Bahamian population featuring just occasionally on the periphery - as equally stereoptypical characters. Just terrible.
August 12, 2014
Kate Furnivall is back with her seventh book The Far Side of the Sun and it certainly does not disappoint. I am a huge Kate Furnivall fan and eagerly await each new release. So much so that I never even bother to read the blurb to see whether I like the sound of the book or not I just buy it as soon as it comes out. I have to admit to being slightly disappointed with her last offering Shadows on the Nile but am really pleased to say Kate has for me returned to sparkling form with The Far Side of the Sun .I love how Kate’s books are set in such contrasting countries – Russia, Malaya etc and once you start reading you are whisked away on an adventure to such exotic , exciting settings. It’s evident Kate spends a lot of time and effort researching the people and places behind her books and this is what makes her books such enjoyable, engrossing reads.
This book had me hooked right from the opening line and held my attention for several hours’ right until the very last word. It shows how one chance encounter can alter the course of someone’s lie forever and led to devastating consequences. Set in Nassau , the Bahamas against the backdrop of World War Two. It is 1943, Dodie Wyatt is a young girl living alone struggling to make ends meet working as a waitress in a local hotel. She is walking home late one night from work when she stumbles across a man in alleyway who has been stabbed and left for dead. Although she hasn’t much to offer Dodie listens to her conscience and takes the man Mr.Morrell to her beachside shack and attempts to heal his wound. Despite her efforts at saving him Morrell dies and so begins the upheaval of the life Dodie once had. With no other option she reports the murder to the police, but someone is not happy and her house is torched and burns to the ground .Who is out to get Dodie and determined to keep the murder of Morrell a secret? Soon a small act of kindness takes Dodie out of her comfort zone leaving her involved in a dangerous world of secrets, violence and even death.
Ella Sanford comes from such a contrasting world to Dodie. She is married to Reg Sanford who works in the colonial office alongside the governor of the islands -the Duke of Windsor. Ella is trapped in an unhappy marriage where she feels unloved and forgotten, she spends her days helping others on the island with her charity work. But what link has she to Morrell and how can she hep Dodie solve the murder.Ella appeared quite a weak character at the beginning just another one of those women you read about in books who don’t do much except support their men at events and spend their days attending luncheons etc. But as the story progressed Ella exposed her true character one of strength, determination and above all else a woman who is willing to fight for what she believes in and the man she loves the most.
Ella and Dodie are thrown together through the discovery of a gold coin and soon begins a riveting, action packed adventure full of wonderful and at times devious characters in the quest to solve the murder mystery. There is a lot more happening on this small island tropical, magical island than at first appears and bigger players are at work in the murder of Morrell and soon another murder has occurred of the one of the richest men in the world- Harry Oakes. What is happening on this island and who is determined to keep Dodie and Ella quiet at all costs. Dodie and Ella are but small bit players in a much wider picture which if uncovered would cause scandal throughout the island. Dodie meets Flynn who seems to know an awful lot more than he lets on but nonetheless he helps Dodie through several awful experiences. Ella is forced to suffer a bodyguard accompanying her at all times as her husband fears for her safety on the island but soon Dan (the bodyguard) may become more of a comfort than she realises .
The story progressed at a cracking pace, there was never any lull, I loved every word. The murder f Morrell was only the beginning of the unravelling of a much wider serious of events that Dodie may never have been privy to if she had not stopped by a dark alleyway on that fateful night. Just when I thought I had the whole mystery solved and I knew who the murder was and why Kate threw a few spanners in the works which only added to my further enjoyment of the book. I would never have guessed the outcome , it just shows what a clever author Kate is. I loved all the elements of this book- the characters, setting,romance, mystery and the emotions it made me feel and the historical background. It was interesting to read after I had finished the book that some of the characters were real and the murder of Harry Oakes had actually happened. So much so that I had to google Nassau at that time to find out more.If you have never read anything by Kate Furnivall before I urge you to pick up The Far Side of the Sun, it’s a fantastic, rollercoaster read leaving the reader guessing right until the very end. I can’t wait for her next book to be published –not long to wait ‘The Italian Wife’ is out on Kindle in November. When you have read this you then have the pleasure of six more compelling reads from Kate to enjoy.
This book had me hooked right from the opening line and held my attention for several hours’ right until the very last word. It shows how one chance encounter can alter the course of someone’s lie forever and led to devastating consequences. Set in Nassau , the Bahamas against the backdrop of World War Two. It is 1943, Dodie Wyatt is a young girl living alone struggling to make ends meet working as a waitress in a local hotel. She is walking home late one night from work when she stumbles across a man in alleyway who has been stabbed and left for dead. Although she hasn’t much to offer Dodie listens to her conscience and takes the man Mr.Morrell to her beachside shack and attempts to heal his wound. Despite her efforts at saving him Morrell dies and so begins the upheaval of the life Dodie once had. With no other option she reports the murder to the police, but someone is not happy and her house is torched and burns to the ground .Who is out to get Dodie and determined to keep the murder of Morrell a secret? Soon a small act of kindness takes Dodie out of her comfort zone leaving her involved in a dangerous world of secrets, violence and even death.
Ella Sanford comes from such a contrasting world to Dodie. She is married to Reg Sanford who works in the colonial office alongside the governor of the islands -the Duke of Windsor. Ella is trapped in an unhappy marriage where she feels unloved and forgotten, she spends her days helping others on the island with her charity work. But what link has she to Morrell and how can she hep Dodie solve the murder.Ella appeared quite a weak character at the beginning just another one of those women you read about in books who don’t do much except support their men at events and spend their days attending luncheons etc. But as the story progressed Ella exposed her true character one of strength, determination and above all else a woman who is willing to fight for what she believes in and the man she loves the most.
Ella and Dodie are thrown together through the discovery of a gold coin and soon begins a riveting, action packed adventure full of wonderful and at times devious characters in the quest to solve the murder mystery. There is a lot more happening on this small island tropical, magical island than at first appears and bigger players are at work in the murder of Morrell and soon another murder has occurred of the one of the richest men in the world- Harry Oakes. What is happening on this island and who is determined to keep Dodie and Ella quiet at all costs. Dodie and Ella are but small bit players in a much wider picture which if uncovered would cause scandal throughout the island. Dodie meets Flynn who seems to know an awful lot more than he lets on but nonetheless he helps Dodie through several awful experiences. Ella is forced to suffer a bodyguard accompanying her at all times as her husband fears for her safety on the island but soon Dan (the bodyguard) may become more of a comfort than she realises .
The story progressed at a cracking pace, there was never any lull, I loved every word. The murder f Morrell was only the beginning of the unravelling of a much wider serious of events that Dodie may never have been privy to if she had not stopped by a dark alleyway on that fateful night. Just when I thought I had the whole mystery solved and I knew who the murder was and why Kate threw a few spanners in the works which only added to my further enjoyment of the book. I would never have guessed the outcome , it just shows what a clever author Kate is. I loved all the elements of this book- the characters, setting,romance, mystery and the emotions it made me feel and the historical background. It was interesting to read after I had finished the book that some of the characters were real and the murder of Harry Oakes had actually happened. So much so that I had to google Nassau at that time to find out more.If you have never read anything by Kate Furnivall before I urge you to pick up The Far Side of the Sun, it’s a fantastic, rollercoaster read leaving the reader guessing right until the very end. I can’t wait for her next book to be published –not long to wait ‘The Italian Wife’ is out on Kindle in November. When you have read this you then have the pleasure of six more compelling reads from Kate to enjoy.
August 30, 2014
won this as part of Good Reads First Reads
Kate Furnivall fans will not be disappointed in this her 7th novel - all set in far off lands.
The book holds you attention from the start. Set in Nassau in the Bahamas in WWII it starts off with a girl called Dodie Wyatt. It is 1942 and she struggles to make ends meet by working in a hotel as a waitress. Whilst walking home one night she stumbles across a man in an alleyway who has been stabbed. She takes him home to try and patch up his wound but unfortunately he dies. She has no choice but to call in the police. Unfortunately she has been watched and some one is not happy - they burn down her home. This takes Dodie out of her comfort zone into violence and dangerous secrets
Then there is Ella, the wife of a rich Diplomat. Trapped in a loveless marriage she spends her time doing charity work.
Ella and Dodie are then thrown together over the finding of a gold coin - and then the adventure begins.
A thrilling book from start to finish
Kate Furnivall fans will not be disappointed in this her 7th novel - all set in far off lands.
The book holds you attention from the start. Set in Nassau in the Bahamas in WWII it starts off with a girl called Dodie Wyatt. It is 1942 and she struggles to make ends meet by working in a hotel as a waitress. Whilst walking home one night she stumbles across a man in an alleyway who has been stabbed. She takes him home to try and patch up his wound but unfortunately he dies. She has no choice but to call in the police. Unfortunately she has been watched and some one is not happy - they burn down her home. This takes Dodie out of her comfort zone into violence and dangerous secrets
Then there is Ella, the wife of a rich Diplomat. Trapped in a loveless marriage she spends her time doing charity work.
Ella and Dodie are then thrown together over the finding of a gold coin - and then the adventure begins.
A thrilling book from start to finish
September 1, 2014
Dodie is a young girl struggling to make ends meet in 1940's Bahamas. On returning from work one day, she finds an injured man, offers him assistance and is then drawn into a web of mystery and intrigue that puts her life at risk. Ella, is a member of Bahamian high society who also becomes embroiled in the mystery. Her comfortable world changes as she begins to dig deeper into events on the island.
The story of both characters combines to produce a thoroughly satisfying novel that is both crime mystery and romance. It kept me interested until the end and is told at a gentle pace with great descriptive writing. I'll be looking out for Kate Furnivall's next book with anticipation!
*I received a free copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story of both characters combines to produce a thoroughly satisfying novel that is both crime mystery and romance. It kept me interested until the end and is told at a gentle pace with great descriptive writing. I'll be looking out for Kate Furnivall's next book with anticipation!
*I received a free copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2015
Only an ok read for me – but probably because I’m not a big reader of stories about the mob, but it was still a good read and well written. Set in a gorgeous location in the war years in Nassau, Bahamas we follow young Dodie who escaped her previous life and lives in a beachshack and a diplomats wife, who does charity work. Filled with lots of mystery, some romance and lots of intrigue til the very end…..
December 18, 2014
This book is about the mob, the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson after abdication of the throne of England, crime, love and the mafia set in a time just before the second world war. It's a heady mix that should be an exciting read, but the book was bland, laboured and dragged on till the last 50 pages when the pace and action picked up.
November 28, 2014
This was no historical fiction as they put on the cover. not at all. detective story. the more trivial one. I've gone through it just because I hate unfinished books.
April 1, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by Kate furnivall and it definitely won’t be the last. Set in 1943 in the Bahamas. There was a fast moving plot. It was so well written I felt I was there in the Bahamas. This was perfect escapist reading. I can’t remember how I came across this book as I get given quite a few but I can’t wait to read more from Kate. I actually didn’t want the book to end.
January 31, 2021
This historical novel is set in the Bahamas in 1943 during World War II. The story starts when Dodie on her way home late at night finds a man who has been stabbed in an alleyway and by helping him gets involved in the darker side of life on Nassau. The story starts slowly then I was gripped as the pace intensifies and secrets revealed. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I couldn't put it down.
August 21, 2021
This was an engagingly told tale with interesting historical details and complex relationships. I found the multiple povs added value to the overall story whereas many time they’re distracting and a detriment. However, the content was not really my thing and as realistically portrayed as it was, I had a hard time enjoying this book for that reason.
December 31, 2022
This story is set in 1943 on the paradise island of New Providence in the Bahamas. Based on true events many of the characters were real people. A very poor young girl finds and cares for a dying man on her way home from work one night and finds herself immersed in corruption and great danger. Her story is interwoven with a wealthy woman who tries to help her but also becomes enmeshed in the same danger. I really liked the layout of the story with each chapter focussing on one of the three main characters. A thoroughly good story from an author I had not heard of before. I'll look for more of her books.
June 12, 2015
I really struggled to get through this book but I hate investing so much time in something only to give up halfway through.
On paper the plotline should have grabbed me, young English girl living in exotic location, tragic past, gets mixed up with the mob and the highflyers of the Bahamas in the 1940's etc. From the word go I wasn't sure I found Dodie very convincing as a character, I knew about the tragic events in her childhood but I didn't really know who she was... I can't put my finger on it but I just couldn't connect with her in any way. I also found myself not caring about Morrell and the gold coins and there was so much head scratching going on in the beginning about why she didn't just flee to safety instead of ruffling everyone's feathers when she is this lonely, timid girl... it just didn't add up to me. Her love for the island was too strong for her to go - well if someone burns your house down hoping you are in it then I find it hard to believe you wouldn't take the hint and leave.
The story gets better when you meet Ella Sanford and gradually become more and more acquainted with her marriage. I really enjoyed this passionate, slightly oppressed, complex woman who so wanted to do the right thing for her husband when really it was only just a matter of time before a dark handsome stranger came along to give her a taste of what she was really looking for - and we know it wasn't fundraisers and charity events put it that way! In the end I wasn't really sure if it was more love or lust although the author wanted us to believe it was love. I also found it slightly unconvincing that when Ella has a gun pointed at her by the 'instigator'out of nowhere Dan comes rushing out of the bushes, dramatically screaming NOOOOO and then gets shot because lets face facts - he's a bloody police officer, he would have had a bit more strategy than that!
In the end Dodie and Flynn obviously get to be together and then he says he wants to join the military and this will probably mean the mob will leave him alone - why he didn't think up that plan years ago I also found a bit unrealistic. But maybe I'm just picking holes... I don't know, by that time I was so bored I just wanted it to end so I could say I finished it.
On paper the plotline should have grabbed me, young English girl living in exotic location, tragic past, gets mixed up with the mob and the highflyers of the Bahamas in the 1940's etc. From the word go I wasn't sure I found Dodie very convincing as a character, I knew about the tragic events in her childhood but I didn't really know who she was... I can't put my finger on it but I just couldn't connect with her in any way. I also found myself not caring about Morrell and the gold coins and there was so much head scratching going on in the beginning about why she didn't just flee to safety instead of ruffling everyone's feathers when she is this lonely, timid girl... it just didn't add up to me. Her love for the island was too strong for her to go - well if someone burns your house down hoping you are in it then I find it hard to believe you wouldn't take the hint and leave.
The story gets better when you meet Ella Sanford and gradually become more and more acquainted with her marriage. I really enjoyed this passionate, slightly oppressed, complex woman who so wanted to do the right thing for her husband when really it was only just a matter of time before a dark handsome stranger came along to give her a taste of what she was really looking for - and we know it wasn't fundraisers and charity events put it that way! In the end I wasn't really sure if it was more love or lust although the author wanted us to believe it was love. I also found it slightly unconvincing that when Ella has a gun pointed at her by the 'instigator'out of nowhere Dan comes rushing out of the bushes, dramatically screaming NOOOOO and then gets shot because lets face facts - he's a bloody police officer, he would have had a bit more strategy than that!
In the end Dodie and Flynn obviously get to be together and then he says he wants to join the military and this will probably mean the mob will leave him alone - why he didn't think up that plan years ago I also found a bit unrealistic. But maybe I'm just picking holes... I don't know, by that time I was so bored I just wanted it to end so I could say I finished it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2014
Kate Furnivall's latest novel is fabulous, powerful and entrancing.
As with her other novels, also set in far-away lands and times of unrest, Kate manages to bring us into a time period and a setting of which we know nothing about, and do so with elegance, flair, and a great sense of storytelling. Her writing always manages to draw me in and keep me reading, even when I know I'm supposed to be in bed.
My only complaint with this book was that I found Ella's story the most intriguing, and kept wanting to know a little bit more about Overall, I wanted more love story, less murder, but that is probably just me.
Of course, Kate is a master of plot and narrative, so even following the loops and twists of a fairly complicated cast of characters and interlocking elements is easy in her capable hands. And every character she writes has a backstory and a flesh and blood-ness to them that so many writers never achieve. The Far Side of the Sun is no different. It's almost like we can smell the sea and feel the heat on our faces from Nassau, and we know so well who both Dodie and Ella really are.
In the end, I was left feeling a little bit like Ella's husband: shut out from the rest of the story and wanting more. I wanted to know how they all went on afterwards, and what happened to Dodie and Flynn, in the end. These characters have taken up residence in my head!
As with her other novels, also set in far-away lands and times of unrest, Kate manages to bring us into a time period and a setting of which we know nothing about, and do so with elegance, flair, and a great sense of storytelling. Her writing always manages to draw me in and keep me reading, even when I know I'm supposed to be in bed.
My only complaint with this book was that I found Ella's story the most intriguing, and kept wanting to know a little bit more about Overall, I wanted more love story, less murder, but that is probably just me.
Of course, Kate is a master of plot and narrative, so even following the loops and twists of a fairly complicated cast of characters and interlocking elements is easy in her capable hands. And every character she writes has a backstory and a flesh and blood-ness to them that so many writers never achieve. The Far Side of the Sun is no different. It's almost like we can smell the sea and feel the heat on our faces from Nassau, and we know so well who both Dodie and Ella really are.
In the end, I was left feeling a little bit like Ella's husband: shut out from the rest of the story and wanting more. I wanted to know how they all went on afterwards, and what happened to Dodie and Flynn, in the end. These characters have taken up residence in my head!
January 5, 2014
This is a murder mystery set in Nassau in 1943 and based loosely on a real life case. It centres around two women, Dodie and Ella whose lives differ greatly but when Dodie finds a strange man lying stabbed in the street, events bring the two of them together to find out exactly what happened. It is a story of danger, intrigue, cover ups and conspiracies that are drip fed to the reader as the story unwinds, as well as romances simmering along simultaneously.
I really enjoyed the Bahamian setting, the author has done a fantastic job of recreating wartime Nassau, with its population, under the Governorship of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, determining to carry on as normal. It is very glamorous and glitzy, yet at the same time we see the poverty that the local people live in.
I liked both characters, Dodie and Ella, but must admit to a soft spot for Ella – I just felt as if I got to know her more. I liked the way she wanted to help the local people and the air force personnel who were stationed there. She is rather a complex character, on the one hand she wants to be totally loyal to those she loves, but also has an extremely contradictory side to her. I also liked Dodie, but she just didn’t appeal to me in the same way that Ella did.
To sum up, this is a really good read that had me googling to see which of the characters were real and which were fictitious. It moves along at a good pace, towards a very satisfying, but not altogether happy conclusion.
I really enjoyed the Bahamian setting, the author has done a fantastic job of recreating wartime Nassau, with its population, under the Governorship of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, determining to carry on as normal. It is very glamorous and glitzy, yet at the same time we see the poverty that the local people live in.
I liked both characters, Dodie and Ella, but must admit to a soft spot for Ella – I just felt as if I got to know her more. I liked the way she wanted to help the local people and the air force personnel who were stationed there. She is rather a complex character, on the one hand she wants to be totally loyal to those she loves, but also has an extremely contradictory side to her. I also liked Dodie, but she just didn’t appeal to me in the same way that Ella did.
To sum up, this is a really good read that had me googling to see which of the characters were real and which were fictitious. It moves along at a good pace, towards a very satisfying, but not altogether happy conclusion.
July 2, 2015
Royalty, romance, and murder made The Far Side Of The Sun a devilishly delightful read! The death of an unknown man brought Dodie, an impoverished worker, together with Ella, a diplomat's wife, in a twisted tale of seduction and riches. Although that murder was the catalyst for the plot, this wasn't a typical mystery. Instead, the author layered the romantic lives of Dodie and Ella with their quest to solve the murder into a well paced story bursting with emotion.
Having just read about Wallis Simpson, I was pleased to see that she was a character who added a royal, yet scandalous, element to this mystery. The beautiful island elements contrasted well with the shady politics of the Bahamas. The author spent a great deal of time describing Dodie and Ella outside of their sleuthing, and this allowed me to really understand their characters. The elegant writing was addicting to read because of the care Kate Furnivall spent on describing the island and its inhabitants. I feel odd saying this was a beautiful story since it contained quite a bit of violence, but perhaps that is the author's gift: using tragic and scary situations to showcase how it will impact people, some for the worse, but some for the better.
This was such a joy to read. I can't say one bad thing about it!
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
or follow me on twitter at @dana_heyde
Having just read about Wallis Simpson, I was pleased to see that she was a character who added a royal, yet scandalous, element to this mystery. The beautiful island elements contrasted well with the shady politics of the Bahamas. The author spent a great deal of time describing Dodie and Ella outside of their sleuthing, and this allowed me to really understand their characters. The elegant writing was addicting to read because of the care Kate Furnivall spent on describing the island and its inhabitants. I feel odd saying this was a beautiful story since it contained quite a bit of violence, but perhaps that is the author's gift: using tragic and scary situations to showcase how it will impact people, some for the worse, but some for the better.
This was such a joy to read. I can't say one bad thing about it!
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
or follow me on twitter at @dana_heyde
May 9, 2014
This murder, mystery, intriguing and adventurous novel is set in 1943 in Nassau in the Bahamas.
Kate has a knack of inventing interesting characters, and the main ones in this story are Ella and Dodie whose lives are so very different. Essentially it is based on a true story set when the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were governing the island.
I must admit I warmed more to Ella, who I felt was unhappily married, and yearned for more in her life. She spent her time helping out with the Red Cross, and helping the poor people on the island.
Dodie had a unhappy past, and many demons and begins with her helping out a man who was stabbed , and who died, and discovers a tangled web, and finds herself and Ella in danger.
I loved all the twists and turns, and near the end of the book I guessed the outcome.
I am a avid fan of Kate's, and I would have gave her 6 stars again If i could. Well done Mrs, I can't wait for your next riveting novel.
Kate has a knack of inventing interesting characters, and the main ones in this story are Ella and Dodie whose lives are so very different. Essentially it is based on a true story set when the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were governing the island.
I must admit I warmed more to Ella, who I felt was unhappily married, and yearned for more in her life. She spent her time helping out with the Red Cross, and helping the poor people on the island.
Dodie had a unhappy past, and many demons and begins with her helping out a man who was stabbed , and who died, and discovers a tangled web, and finds herself and Ella in danger.
I loved all the twists and turns, and near the end of the book I guessed the outcome.
I am a avid fan of Kate's, and I would have gave her 6 stars again If i could. Well done Mrs, I can't wait for your next riveting novel.
September 21, 2017
I forced myself to finish this, if not for book club I would have given up, but I did enjoy it at the end. The first half of the book seemed oddly slow and plodding. The plot line as drab as I imagine a humid day in Nassau, not that I've ever been there. I did enjoy the authors description of the island, although I was lost at the meaning of the year until I realised who the Duke of Windsor actually was, and forever after could see him as no-one except Guy Pearce in the Kings Speech.
I often shy away from novels that describe themselves as historical fiction for one of 2 reasons; they have to spend copious amounts of time getting you up to speed about who's who, or they don't spend any time and you're forever lost. The women in this book are bloody miserable portrayals of women and I suppose that rings true of the times. Still irritating to read.
The second half of this book is definitely better than the first. Is it informed by the first? I don't think overly.
I often shy away from novels that describe themselves as historical fiction for one of 2 reasons; they have to spend copious amounts of time getting you up to speed about who's who, or they don't spend any time and you're forever lost. The women in this book are bloody miserable portrayals of women and I suppose that rings true of the times. Still irritating to read.
The second half of this book is definitely better than the first. Is it informed by the first? I don't think overly.
August 16, 2014
Facades hiding shadows--what a beautifully written book. Loved the poignancy, loved the quiet dignity of the era (WW2), the two key characters (Dodie and Ella), and the not quiet so dignified social mores (in all their hideousness) of the ex-pat Brit community in the Bahamas.
You've got gossip, sleaze, pretension, murder, the mob, royalty, racial tension...and love. Dodie's lucky, Ella, not so much.
This is the kind of book which upon completing, you realise the characters now own a little piece of your soul.
You've got gossip, sleaze, pretension, murder, the mob, royalty, racial tension...and love. Dodie's lucky, Ella, not so much.
This is the kind of book which upon completing, you realise the characters now own a little piece of your soul.
November 17, 2014
Not as great as her other books. Everything felt pretty disjointed to me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters like I have in previous books. It was also pretty overly complicated.
One thing that stuck out as bothering me: the summary mentioned something about keeping the Duke away from his Nazi friends, which may have been what happened historically, but it had nothing to do with the plot of this book.
One thing that stuck out as bothering me: the summary mentioned something about keeping the Duke away from his Nazi friends, which may have been what happened historically, but it had nothing to do with the plot of this book.
September 21, 2020
I’m a big fan of Kate Furnivall’s but this was not one of her best novels in my opinion. I did however enjoy how the story was set in the exotic Bahamas. Furnivall describes tropical life beautifully and realistically . I did feel though that the characters could have used a bit more depth. The story itself, whilst interesting enough, did not totally enthrall me. Overall, a pleasant read but nothing wow.
3/5
3/5
October 11, 2014
I enjoyed this book. It is a step away from the genre of books I have been reading of late and it came as a breath of fresh air. It is well written and flows nicely. I found the characters interesting and felt engaged with the story. A great read. I'd definitely recommend.
January 22, 2015
2.5 stars. I was borderline bored halfway through the book. Trudged on amd glad I finished it. Last 100 pages were really good. But, I wouldn't say getting through the first 300 was all that great. I wouldn't reccomend.
October 28, 2014
The first half was alright, but the second felt like a crappy 'who-done'it'.
October 3, 2018
A good premise for a book but the writing was kind of choppy and hard to follow in places. The characters and setting were well developed but it didn't hold my attention for very long.
April 15, 2018
It is 1943 and the world is in the midst of a terrible war but life is peaceful for Dodie Wyatt who has known her share of chaos, death and poverty. She loves the Bahamas and the island were she lives. It's not a bad life but one night on her way home from work she discovers an injured man in alley. She manages to take him to her home and cares for him until he dies from his injuries which were caused by another wielding a sharp knife. Unknown to her, another man observes her efforts, Flynn Hudson, whose friendship with the deceased prompts him to get to know Dodie.
As Dodie and Flynn slowly but painfully get to know one another they discover they both want to find out who knifed Johnny Morrell. Dodie wants to know who he was and why he was on the island but Flynn says little. As trust builds something more occurs. They begin to care about each other. Dodie discovers she has fallen love with stranger who has told her so little about himself but does it really matter who he is or what he does?
Dodie and Flynn are the core characters in the novel and as they search for answers to Morrell's death, their lives become at risk, too. The author chooses to add another romance into the equation perhaps to provide a pathway to answers about Morrell's death. I'm not certain about that but the death of a prominent wealthy man on the island leads to national focus. The trail eventually leads to money for greedy men are seeking to develop the island's beauty for tourist use after the war. These men understand that the war will one day end and people will seek new vacation spots.
Of course, Dodie's motives are not believed because she is a poor working girl who quit a job when the factory owner tried to rape her. His story was that she led him on and because of his station he is believed above Dodie. Flynn is a man of shadows. He grew up under the influence of mobsters and works for them. It's all he has every known until he meets Dodie. He, in turn, is accused of murdering his friend, Johnny Morrell, particularly when the real murderer puts incriminating evidence in his room.
It's a good, good read with action, romance and thrills. The author leaves the ending open as if she might write a followup. We shall have to wait and see.
As Dodie and Flynn slowly but painfully get to know one another they discover they both want to find out who knifed Johnny Morrell. Dodie wants to know who he was and why he was on the island but Flynn says little. As trust builds something more occurs. They begin to care about each other. Dodie discovers she has fallen love with stranger who has told her so little about himself but does it really matter who he is or what he does?
Dodie and Flynn are the core characters in the novel and as they search for answers to Morrell's death, their lives become at risk, too. The author chooses to add another romance into the equation perhaps to provide a pathway to answers about Morrell's death. I'm not certain about that but the death of a prominent wealthy man on the island leads to national focus. The trail eventually leads to money for greedy men are seeking to develop the island's beauty for tourist use after the war. These men understand that the war will one day end and people will seek new vacation spots.
Of course, Dodie's motives are not believed because she is a poor working girl who quit a job when the factory owner tried to rape her. His story was that she led him on and because of his station he is believed above Dodie. Flynn is a man of shadows. He grew up under the influence of mobsters and works for them. It's all he has every known until he meets Dodie. He, in turn, is accused of murdering his friend, Johnny Morrell, particularly when the real murderer puts incriminating evidence in his room.
It's a good, good read with action, romance and thrills. The author leaves the ending open as if she might write a followup. We shall have to wait and see.
February 10, 2022
Meh.
I could almost get past the draggyness of the book, and the harlequin-romancyness of it. I could even maybe ignore the chick-litiness of it (I hate all of those types books, never mind the combination of the three).
BUT, I could not overlook the fact that all of the named black women in the book are described as fat humans that trundle and waddle about the island in some type of ridiculous stereotyped manner (and yes, Furnivall really does use words like 'waddle' repeatedly to emphasize the size of these women). And no, this is nothing like a case of 'that is how people were in those days'. This is the case of an author writing well into the 21st Century and gratuitously creating and including this type of character - several times - in her book.
No. Just no. I won't be looking up other work by this author.
I could almost get past the draggyness of the book, and the harlequin-romancyness of it. I could even maybe ignore the chick-litiness of it (I hate all of those types books, never mind the combination of the three).
BUT, I could not overlook the fact that all of the named black women in the book are described as fat humans that trundle and waddle about the island in some type of ridiculous stereotyped manner (and yes, Furnivall really does use words like 'waddle' repeatedly to emphasize the size of these women). And no, this is nothing like a case of 'that is how people were in those days'. This is the case of an author writing well into the 21st Century and gratuitously creating and including this type of character - several times - in her book.
No. Just no. I won't be looking up other work by this author.
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