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Love & Haight
Solomon is Irish, Catholic and loves his country. He travels across the ocean to take a scholarship in San Francisco and is faced with an alternative way of living.
When he meets Petula, he experiences the alternative community and their reaction to the criminalisation of LSD, the Vietnam War and the Human Be-in. His traditional views are challenged through the needs of business compared to the alternative lifestyle lived in the Haight Ashbury.
Read a fictional account of what it may have been like to live amongst the Love Generation of the 1960's
When he meets Petula, he experiences the alternative community and their reaction to the criminalisation of LSD, the Vietnam War and the Human Be-in. His traditional views are challenged through the needs of business compared to the alternative lifestyle lived in the Haight Ashbury.
Read a fictional account of what it may have been like to live amongst the Love Generation of the 1960's
236 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2013
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238 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Madeley
3 books39 followersI have a PhD in Eighteenth-Century gothic literature from Keele University.
I enjoy literature, philosophy, and the impact of modern society on people's lives. My writing is informed by social concerns, ecology, and disability. Peaceful Meadows is my first novel and deals with an alternative hippie lifestyle.
I enjoy literature, philosophy, and the impact of modern society on people's lives. My writing is informed by social concerns, ecology, and disability. Peaceful Meadows is my first novel and deals with an alternative hippie lifestyle.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 26, 2017
The story is about Solomon and Petula, a young couple who meet in the Haight-Ashbury during the tumultuous 1960's.
Solomon is an architectural student from Ireland and Petula is a creative, free-spirited teenage art student who has dropped out of University in the UK.
Although they're in the midst of the flower-power revolution, the book goes at a gentle pace and really captures the scenes of Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco in 1967.
Petula comes across as liberal and a bit self-absorbed at first, but then I had to remind myself she was still a teenager finding her way in an adult world. Although she was a complex character, I felt I didn't get to know her as well as Solomon. Petula didn't want to get married even after finding out she was pregnant. For me, her rejection of Solomon's marriage proposal took the romance out of the love story.
Solomon is easier to understand. His strong ties with his Irish family and Catholic faith make him a well-grounded character. He is able to find his way through the cultural and mystical cacophony of the Haight-Ashbury scene without losing himself, his work ethic or religion – although his clothes change and his hair gets long.
The story finishes in Wales, where Solomon was offered a place designing buildings for a commune. This is where their baby is born. The pace of the story picked up at the end and I was left wanting more and wondering what was going to happen to Solomon and their child.
The book appears to be the first of three. It stands as a single book – but I feel the plot is designed to unfold over the three books.
I was provided with a copy in return for an honest review.
I've given it four stars but for me, it's three and a half because I found the pace a bit slow until the end.
On its own, I recommend it for those who want a clean yet unsentimental love story, a bit of escapism and a smooth ride back into the hippie era of the 1960's.
Solomon is an architectural student from Ireland and Petula is a creative, free-spirited teenage art student who has dropped out of University in the UK.
Although they're in the midst of the flower-power revolution, the book goes at a gentle pace and really captures the scenes of Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco in 1967.
Petula comes across as liberal and a bit self-absorbed at first, but then I had to remind myself she was still a teenager finding her way in an adult world. Although she was a complex character, I felt I didn't get to know her as well as Solomon. Petula didn't want to get married even after finding out she was pregnant. For me, her rejection of Solomon's marriage proposal took the romance out of the love story.
Solomon is easier to understand. His strong ties with his Irish family and Catholic faith make him a well-grounded character. He is able to find his way through the cultural and mystical cacophony of the Haight-Ashbury scene without losing himself, his work ethic or religion – although his clothes change and his hair gets long.
The story finishes in Wales, where Solomon was offered a place designing buildings for a commune. This is where their baby is born. The pace of the story picked up at the end and I was left wanting more and wondering what was going to happen to Solomon and their child.
The book appears to be the first of three. It stands as a single book – but I feel the plot is designed to unfold over the three books.
I was provided with a copy in return for an honest review.
I've given it four stars but for me, it's three and a half because I found the pace a bit slow until the end.
On its own, I recommend it for those who want a clean yet unsentimental love story, a bit of escapism and a smooth ride back into the hippie era of the 1960's.
August 27, 2017
This book was well written and really got into the days I remember as a child. Flower power, hippies the whole thing. I grew up in Novato, thirty minutes from San Francisco. So I spent a lot of time there. The whole story of Solomon, a young Catholic man of many values and religious ideas was in shock at first at the free love scene all around. Of course going to San Francisco changed his life, even more so when he met Petula, who sometimes got on my nerves in the beginning. But, she was young and very naive. However, she grew on me as time went on. I enjoyed the story a lot and loved their romance. However, at times it did tend to go on and on about a subject and didn't move forward. In saying that, I stayed with the story because it was well done. There are some grammar issues, but not many that pulled me out of the story. As I mentioned it was well written and I loved the characters. They all felt real and Tracey did a great job with making you fall for them. Even Petula, so without giving anything away. I was of course upset with the ending of this book. But that's just me. I cried, so I can say that the writer brought up emotions. The book made me laugh, get angry and cry. So very good job.
Overall, it's a great book for anyone to read and even more so for those of us who grew up during those times and for me living in the Bay Area and being in S.F. it bought up a lot of memories.
July 27, 2018
Love and Haight is an engaging and well written tale about a young Irish man, Solomon who leaves his homeland and close-knit community to attend an architectural scholarship in San Francisco in the 1960s. The book mainly focuses on his interactions with a free-spirited bunch of hippy-types and particularly his blossoming love with a young girl named Petula.
The most striking thing about the book is that it is ambitious and deals with many contentious issues such as women’s rights, Catholicism, drugs, workplace safety and the Vietnam war. The list goes on. Solomon is extremely square and conservative. Sometimes I felt like grabbing him by the ears and giving him a good shake! But he is a well-drawn character, as is Petula. Things move forward for them with a few surprises here and there, but maybe the pace could have been quicker as for me things fell off from about 60% into the book. I also didn’t like the point of view change to Petula, as I had engaged nicely with Solomon.
All in all, it is a good read and I think the author has done a great job of weaving together so many characters and issues, particularly from time half a century ago! Easy 4 four stars.
The most striking thing about the book is that it is ambitious and deals with many contentious issues such as women’s rights, Catholicism, drugs, workplace safety and the Vietnam war. The list goes on. Solomon is extremely square and conservative. Sometimes I felt like grabbing him by the ears and giving him a good shake! But he is a well-drawn character, as is Petula. Things move forward for them with a few surprises here and there, but maybe the pace could have been quicker as for me things fell off from about 60% into the book. I also didn’t like the point of view change to Petula, as I had engaged nicely with Solomon.
All in all, it is a good read and I think the author has done a great job of weaving together so many characters and issues, particularly from time half a century ago! Easy 4 four stars.
November 29, 2014
Love and Haight is a compelling book that follows the life of Solomon as he leaves Ireland for San Francisco to study architecture. During his time in San Francisco, he becomes immersed in an alternative culture during the 1960s that introduces him to different religions and more liberal mindsets regarding economics, politics, liberty, and love. Not being very familiar with the 60's in San Francisco, I cannot talk about the accuracy of the depiction. Nonetheless, I felt the book did a good job of transporting the reader into this different world, not only in describing the day to day lifestyles of this group of people, but also highlighting their aspirations. The author is clearly sympathetic to the hope brought about by the movement. The open question for me was whether Solomon was actually bettered by the experience, or whether it corrupted him.
This is a passage from the book that I think highlights the mindset at the time in San Francisco:
'You know as well as I do what this scene is all about. We're just here to love one another. No strings, no games, no possessive statements, just living for the moment. You know freedom to love and be loved.'
Here is another passage:
"Here there were no expectations to live up to, you could just be yourself, without being compared to your sister, or your peers. No awkward questions about what career you intend to pursue, what you intend to do with your life? All you had to do was live and people accepted that as a legitimate goal."
While some of the pontificating was interesting, I found many of the characters to be shallow and not very likeable. They appeared to have come to San Francisco to do drugs and have sex and fight against the authority they felt was oppressing them. Despite that, the author did a good job of portraying these characters in an honest matter that was probably reflective of the times.
A criticism I have with this book is some of the narrative comes off as preachy and drags down the book during some parts. There are points where it seems like the author is hitting the reader over the head with all the reasons that these people are so enlightened and trying to explain all the details of each character's opinion. As a writer, I know it can be a challenge deciding how much information the reader needs in order to understand the story. I think this story could have been edited a little more to improve the flow.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in understanding the 60's movement and the mindset of the participants.
This is a passage from the book that I think highlights the mindset at the time in San Francisco:
'You know as well as I do what this scene is all about. We're just here to love one another. No strings, no games, no possessive statements, just living for the moment. You know freedom to love and be loved.'
Here is another passage:
"Here there were no expectations to live up to, you could just be yourself, without being compared to your sister, or your peers. No awkward questions about what career you intend to pursue, what you intend to do with your life? All you had to do was live and people accepted that as a legitimate goal."
While some of the pontificating was interesting, I found many of the characters to be shallow and not very likeable. They appeared to have come to San Francisco to do drugs and have sex and fight against the authority they felt was oppressing them. Despite that, the author did a good job of portraying these characters in an honest matter that was probably reflective of the times.
A criticism I have with this book is some of the narrative comes off as preachy and drags down the book during some parts. There are points where it seems like the author is hitting the reader over the head with all the reasons that these people are so enlightened and trying to explain all the details of each character's opinion. As a writer, I know it can be a challenge deciding how much information the reader needs in order to understand the story. I think this story could have been edited a little more to improve the flow.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in understanding the 60's movement and the mindset of the participants.
September 8, 2014
This book is well written with a powerful ending which foreshadows other books in a series. It evokes the colour, the beliefs, the scents and the sounds of Flower Power. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to readers who are interested in the 1960s.
I have a few niggles with the portrayal of the era. I was a student at Berkeley in those days and witnessed the Berkeley Riots when a police car was trapped for days on Sproul Plaza.Many student witnesses were delighted to exercise their power, they weren't really concerned about the reasons behind the entrapment. It was a spectacle, with Joan Baez, among others, giving free concerts. My memory of the police was that they were civil and waited until they could escape without using undue force.
Berkeley was the focus of Flower Power but there was a vast number of students wearing shorts and thong sandals or crew-cuts and checked shirts with button down collars. They do not feature in this book and would make more likely friends for the up-tight Solomon. I doubt SF State was any different.
The author does mention the most important thing Berkeley taught me - not to judge others. Whatever anyone wants to do, providing it does not harm anyone else, is okay. I have tried to live by that maxim and I am very grateful to my Alma Mater for teaching it to me.
Growing up on the Isle of Man and visiting Dublin often, I never heard Irish people refer to 'Eire' only 'Ireland'. That grates. Some of the actions of the Catholic characters are unbelievable and do not accord with my knowledge of the 60s or my religion.
There are several typos (eg proceed), misuses of apostrophes and other errors including writing about the summer holidays when Solomon is actually home for Christmas. They appear occasionally throughout the text and give one a shock.
These are the reasons for only giving the book 3 stars. Yet, if you want a story to give you an experience of Flower Power, without being too picky, this book is enjoyable.
I have a few niggles with the portrayal of the era. I was a student at Berkeley in those days and witnessed the Berkeley Riots when a police car was trapped for days on Sproul Plaza.Many student witnesses were delighted to exercise their power, they weren't really concerned about the reasons behind the entrapment. It was a spectacle, with Joan Baez, among others, giving free concerts. My memory of the police was that they were civil and waited until they could escape without using undue force.
Berkeley was the focus of Flower Power but there was a vast number of students wearing shorts and thong sandals or crew-cuts and checked shirts with button down collars. They do not feature in this book and would make more likely friends for the up-tight Solomon. I doubt SF State was any different.
The author does mention the most important thing Berkeley taught me - not to judge others. Whatever anyone wants to do, providing it does not harm anyone else, is okay. I have tried to live by that maxim and I am very grateful to my Alma Mater for teaching it to me.
Growing up on the Isle of Man and visiting Dublin often, I never heard Irish people refer to 'Eire' only 'Ireland'. That grates. Some of the actions of the Catholic characters are unbelievable and do not accord with my knowledge of the 60s or my religion.
There are several typos (eg proceed), misuses of apostrophes and other errors including writing about the summer holidays when Solomon is actually home for Christmas. They appear occasionally throughout the text and give one a shock.
These are the reasons for only giving the book 3 stars. Yet, if you want a story to give you an experience of Flower Power, without being too picky, this book is enjoyable.
September 7, 2014
OK, so I have given this book four stars. It is well researched and gives the reader a real insight into the mind of the times. I have to be honest and admit that it is not my normal genre (I was provided with a copy in return for an honest review). On the plus side it has plenty of information (I learned a lot for example about the Irish during this time, their history and their expectations. It's a bit of a romance and I am waiting for my wife's opinion (she is reading it now) as she has a love of these kinds of books. I did struggle at times with a couple of things. One was that the book can, at times, be quite long winded and wordy (there are periods when not a lot happens). I also found that the author uses conversations between characters to explain background information- this is great but it was not very subtle on many occasions and I ended up thinking- uh oh, here comes some more exposition! All in all, if you like romance and you like the sixties (or even if you have some Irish blood in you), then you will probably enjoy this read.
November 30, 2014
Talented author, solid book!
For me, Love & Haight resonates as a character study of Solomon, a sheltered, Irish Catholic young man who wades his way through a series of transformative experiences in 1960s San Francisco. I appreciate the earnestness of this character, as Solomon genuinely strives to be respectful of other world views even as he is startled and surprised by them. The love story which unfolds in this novel is engaging, but the real richness of this book lies in how it nudges the reader to reflect upon the origins and evolution of personal values and canons of morality.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a bit of adult life experience already behind them. That's not to say Love & Haight can't be enjoyed by new adult readers; I believe it can. However, being able to reflect upon one's own coming-of-age experiences while following Solomon through his adds depth to the reading experience.
I look forward to reading more of Tracey Madeley's work!
For me, Love & Haight resonates as a character study of Solomon, a sheltered, Irish Catholic young man who wades his way through a series of transformative experiences in 1960s San Francisco. I appreciate the earnestness of this character, as Solomon genuinely strives to be respectful of other world views even as he is startled and surprised by them. The love story which unfolds in this novel is engaging, but the real richness of this book lies in how it nudges the reader to reflect upon the origins and evolution of personal values and canons of morality.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a bit of adult life experience already behind them. That's not to say Love & Haight can't be enjoyed by new adult readers; I believe it can. However, being able to reflect upon one's own coming-of-age experiences while following Solomon through his adds depth to the reading experience.
I look forward to reading more of Tracey Madeley's work!
March 10, 2014
It was the 1960's and Solomon King was the first in his Irish family to attend college. When he won the scholarship, it was even more amazing. Now off to America to learn and study. Solomon couldn't wait. He met some really nice people right from the beginning but he also met one woman he couldn't forget. Petula seemed to be perfect yet they couldn't see eye to eye. Suddenly it all came together for them and back to the UK they went. Life would soon change forever.
If you are looking for a book with romance and the true message of the 60's.. this is it! Well written, this book is a guided tour through the heart of two young people and the 60's as they saw them. Characters you could find in any poster of the time period, you'll fall in love with them. I read right through this book 3 times. It was that terrific.
I did find one small issue. It does bog down in spots and seems to take awhile to get back on track, but other than that, it's a fantastic read.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it gave me a new perspective of the 1960's. Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
If you are looking for a book with romance and the true message of the 60's.. this is it! Well written, this book is a guided tour through the heart of two young people and the 60's as they saw them. Characters you could find in any poster of the time period, you'll fall in love with them. I read right through this book 3 times. It was that terrific.
I did find one small issue. It does bog down in spots and seems to take awhile to get back on track, but other than that, it's a fantastic read.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it gave me a new perspective of the 1960's. Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
March 11, 2014
Reviewed By Laura
I loved the fact that this book was set in the 60's...Flower power and all that! And the author certainly gives you a good insight into what it was like.
Here we meet Solomon, an Irish catholic who takes his values seriously. He is offered a wonderful scholarship in San Francisco and leaves his home town in Ireland and sets of too pastures new. And this is where he meets the lovely Petula, a loving and care free spirit. Meeting Petula and his new friends, Solomon starts to question some of his traditional values and starts seeing life in a new way.
Solomon and Petula have a rocky start to their relationship but the love they so clearly have for each other is very evident in the way the author describes their growing relationship.
I found this book a little hard to read at times and sometimes quite long winded but all in all a good story line and if you’re a softy make sure you have tissues at the end.
I loved the fact that this book was set in the 60's...Flower power and all that! And the author certainly gives you a good insight into what it was like.
Here we meet Solomon, an Irish catholic who takes his values seriously. He is offered a wonderful scholarship in San Francisco and leaves his home town in Ireland and sets of too pastures new. And this is where he meets the lovely Petula, a loving and care free spirit. Meeting Petula and his new friends, Solomon starts to question some of his traditional values and starts seeing life in a new way.
Solomon and Petula have a rocky start to their relationship but the love they so clearly have for each other is very evident in the way the author describes their growing relationship.
I found this book a little hard to read at times and sometimes quite long winded but all in all a good story line and if you’re a softy make sure you have tissues at the end.
February 7, 2017
I really liked this book.It was obvious the author put a lot of thought and research into the story. She made the setting come alive both in Ireland and San Francisco and made it easy to visualize. I also enjoyed the dialogue and interaction between the characters, something that's really important for me in any book I read. I need conversations and communication to be interesting and to feel realistic, and this book fulfilled that for me. I loved Petula and was glad when the POV switched to her for awhile. She was a strong and intelligent character who challenged Solomon's more traditional beliefs, and I liked watching the relationship between them grow and how they both matured along the way. There were some formatting issues with the text - for instance there were no indents or page breaks between chapters - but that’s really my only complaint. It was an interesting story. I would recommend it, especially if you have an interest in the 60s and hippie subculture.
December 23, 2014
I thought this book was very well written. It is quite evident that the author researched the period (the 1960s) and the location (San Francisco during the youth revolution) and I feel she represents both very well. I felt that the characters were well-developed, particularly the lead character, Solomon, who is instantly likable. As a reader, it was easy to become attached to him from the very beginning. This is definitely a love story and it takes it's time unfolding, which lends itself to the anticipation of the reader.
I think this novel raises a lot of questions or morality, politics, religion, and other issues without being pushy or presumptive.
I did feel that the ending could have been a bit more emotional but other than that I really liked the book and would be quite interested in reading more of Ms. Madeley's work.
I think this novel raises a lot of questions or morality, politics, religion, and other issues without being pushy or presumptive.
I did feel that the ending could have been a bit more emotional but other than that I really liked the book and would be quite interested in reading more of Ms. Madeley's work.
March 11, 2014
See Orchard Book Club for my review
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews