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First Sight
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Paris, L.A., and the world of ready to wear fashion provide rich backdrops for Danielle Steel’s deeply involving story of a gifted designer whose talent and drive have brought her everything—except the ability to erase her past and trust relationships.
FIRST SIGHT
New York. London. Milan. Paris. Fashion Week in all four cities. A month of endless interviews, parties, and unflagging work and attention to detail at the semiannual ready to wear fashion shows—the famous prêt-à-porter. At the center of the storm and avalanche of work is American Timmie O’Neill, whose renowned line, Timmie O, is the embodiment of casual chic, in fashion and for the home. She has created a business that inspires, fills, and consumes her life.
With an unerring instinct for what the next trend will be, an innate genius for business, tireless labor, and sheer fearlessness, starting from nothing, over two decades Timmie has built an international empire that has brought her enormous satisfaction and success. In a world where humility and compassion are all too rare, her humor, kindness, integrity, and creativity are inspirational. Yet as blessed as she feels by her success, Timmie harbors the private wounds of a devastating childhood and past tragedy. She is too smart, too experienced, and too hurt to want much in her personal life beyond a succession of convenient, very limited relationships. Always willing to take risks in business, she never risks her heart.
But despite her well-ordered and highly controlled world, it turns out that Timmie O’Neill is not immune to magic when it strikes. And it strikes in Paris during Paris Fashion Week, when an intriguing Frenchman comes into her life when she gets sick. At first, Timmie and Jean-Charles Vernier are only patient and physician. They become confidants and friends, corresponding at a safe distance between Paris and Los Angeles once she goes home. There is every reason why they must remain apart. But neither can deny their growing friendship and the electricity that sparks whenever they meet.
First Sight is as complex and compelling as modern life itself. Careers, families, histories, losses, duty, obligation, and fear of losing control and getting hurt. It is a tale of daring to take risks, and losing control just enough to have a life, when the opportunity presents itself. When two very different worlds and strong-willed people collide, everything changes in an instant, as they confront the age-old question of whether to lay oneself bare and risk intimacy—or not. Are they brave enough to face what comes next? And will they do it together or apart?
Praise for First Sight
“A novel about love, in all its heartbreaking and splendid forms.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Steel is one of the world’s most popular authors, and this poignant romance is sure to thrill her many loyal fans and reach many new readers, too.”—Booklist
“Steel deftly stages heartstring-tugging moments.”—Publishers Weekly
From the Hardcover edition.
Paris, L.A., and the world of ready to wear fashion provide rich backdrops for Danielle Steel’s deeply involving story of a gifted designer whose talent and drive have brought her everything—except the ability to erase her past and trust relationships.
FIRST SIGHT
New York. London. Milan. Paris. Fashion Week in all four cities. A month of endless interviews, parties, and unflagging work and attention to detail at the semiannual ready to wear fashion shows—the famous prêt-à-porter. At the center of the storm and avalanche of work is American Timmie O’Neill, whose renowned line, Timmie O, is the embodiment of casual chic, in fashion and for the home. She has created a business that inspires, fills, and consumes her life.
With an unerring instinct for what the next trend will be, an innate genius for business, tireless labor, and sheer fearlessness, starting from nothing, over two decades Timmie has built an international empire that has brought her enormous satisfaction and success. In a world where humility and compassion are all too rare, her humor, kindness, integrity, and creativity are inspirational. Yet as blessed as she feels by her success, Timmie harbors the private wounds of a devastating childhood and past tragedy. She is too smart, too experienced, and too hurt to want much in her personal life beyond a succession of convenient, very limited relationships. Always willing to take risks in business, she never risks her heart.
But despite her well-ordered and highly controlled world, it turns out that Timmie O’Neill is not immune to magic when it strikes. And it strikes in Paris during Paris Fashion Week, when an intriguing Frenchman comes into her life when she gets sick. At first, Timmie and Jean-Charles Vernier are only patient and physician. They become confidants and friends, corresponding at a safe distance between Paris and Los Angeles once she goes home. There is every reason why they must remain apart. But neither can deny their growing friendship and the electricity that sparks whenever they meet.
First Sight is as complex and compelling as modern life itself. Careers, families, histories, losses, duty, obligation, and fear of losing control and getting hurt. It is a tale of daring to take risks, and losing control just enough to have a life, when the opportunity presents itself. When two very different worlds and strong-willed people collide, everything changes in an instant, as they confront the age-old question of whether to lay oneself bare and risk intimacy—or not. Are they brave enough to face what comes next? And will they do it together or apart?
Praise for First Sight
“A novel about love, in all its heartbreaking and splendid forms.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Steel is one of the world’s most popular authors, and this poignant romance is sure to thrill her many loyal fans and reach many new readers, too.”—Booklist
“Steel deftly stages heartstring-tugging moments.”—Publishers Weekly
From the Hardcover edition.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
1203 people are currently reading
3962 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Steel
899 books16.7k followersDanielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.
Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel
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Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 589 reviews
July 31, 2013
This book was truly bad. I know there are those of you who will say "what did you expect"? Let me defend myself early on by saying that there are those of you who enjoy sitting in front of the television with a bag of chips and then there is me with Danielle Steel. It is my guilty pleasure, so get over it! Anyway, back to the book. Torture rather than pleasure might be the simplest way to describe my experience with this book. About a quarter of the way through, I honestly began to wonder if someone else had analyzed her previous books and attempted to apply the same formula to this one-it was that bad. Words were repeated throughout the book in short succession with one another. For example, "she quietly gave the driver instructions" and two sentences later "she quietly handed the tip to the porter". I am paraphrasing here and not quoting directly but you get my drift. The other ridiculous part of the book occurs when Timmie goes to a home for children and falls in love with one of the children who has been severely abused. After four visits, Timmie, who is a world renowned fashion designer, decides that she has to adopt this child. This plan flies in the face of the reality that she is scheduled to go abroad for the next four weeks for business. Reality however has no place at the table in this particular book. It was truly laughable but I was not laughing. If I could have assigned it a negative rating, I would have done so. I think it is time for Ms. Steel to pack up her laptop and call it a day.
September 22, 2013
Her books have become a disappointment. She needs to fire her editors. There are do many errors in her recent books. For example, she falls asleep in her clothes and then wakes up to go to the hospital in her nightgown. Very disappointed. I need to get over my compulsion to read her new books!
September 12, 2013
This book is horribly written. She beats the reader over the head with her descriptions of the heroine--how noble and self-sacrificing she has been, her rotten childhood. Actually, she overdescribes everything, like Charles Dickens writing for a penny paper but without the need. Surely she doesn't get paid by the word? At first I thought it would be okay as one of those "plane" reads. But, like Mary Higgins Clark, it is time for Steel to throw in her quill and retire. It just isn't fun anymore.
November 19, 2019
Ok. This book took awhile to get around the blooming relationship and then the way she handled the situation of the last fifty-ish pages was just frustrating and not adult like at all. I don’t know. It rubbed me the wrong way. Decent story overall though.
June 19, 2016
I HATED this book. I consider Danielle Steel one of my guilty pleasures, but I found no pleasure in reading this. It was poorly written and very predictable. She wrote two whole chapters on one subject and them she never mentioned it again. She added too many elements to the book that just didn't need to be there and because of that, it never flowed. This almost became a chore for me to read and I'm happy I'm finished with it.
May 9, 2014
I usualy enjoy Danielle Steel, but this one was a complete waste of time.
The story is totally unbelievable.
Spoiler alert!
A super woman managing an empire with only two assistants.
Her love at first sight is a 58 years old doctor who makes love to her 4 times every night, until she got pregnant at 48.
Paris is her beloved city, she adores the people and the country but doesn't need to know the language because everyone there speaks English. Really?!
The entire story drags on, with a lot of repetitive paragraphs.
We were told over and over again that they enjoy their conversations 'immensely',but the dialogs are scarce and shallow.
This book is for sure the last Danielle Steel for me.
The story is totally unbelievable.
Spoiler alert!
A super woman managing an empire with only two assistants.
Her love at first sight is a 58 years old doctor who makes love to her 4 times every night, until she got pregnant at 48.
Paris is her beloved city, she adores the people and the country but doesn't need to know the language because everyone there speaks English. Really?!
The entire story drags on, with a lot of repetitive paragraphs.
We were told over and over again that they enjoy their conversations 'immensely',but the dialogs are scarce and shallow.
This book is for sure the last Danielle Steel for me.
July 31, 2013
Very early on, in my reading of this book, I asked myself why, why am I bothering to read another Danielle Steel book. My answer is I guess I keep hoping, hoping that she will write like she did in books like "Message from Nam", "Zoya" and "Thurston House". Or perhaps my taste in books has evolved and grown up.
I found this book tedious, especially in the beginning. It took approximately the first 67 pages, to lay down the foundation, background, thoughts and motivation before we saw some forward motion toward a story about the protagonist, Timmie O'Neill. And then, once there was a bit of forward motion to something akin to a storyline, it was back to not much action shortly after that until about page 100 or so.
The main character, Timmie O'Neill, has risen from the ashes of a hard luck life, to be a most successful clothing/fashion designer and CEO of her own international company. Timmie works so hard and furious that she will make the average career woman feel like a sloth. I cannot imagine, how this fast paced woman will make the average stay-at-home mom or homemaker feel. After losing her husband, 11 years prior, Timmie has had relationships with "pretty boys", who apparently keep her entertained and use her, until she has had enough of the arm candy, they provide. But, she really does not need arm candy, as she rarely lives the fast and glamorous life.
While in Paris for fashion show week, Timmie is in need of a doctor and calls upon a recommendation given her by a friend. In walks the charming and handsome Dr. Jean-Charles Vernier.
At some point, a long distance romance begins to develop between the two. But, that gets derailed when Jean-Charles cannot disengage himself from his dead marriage, due to a number of tragedies. All this delay, sounds like the truth Timmie's assistant, Jade, was preaching about the promises made by married men to leave their wives.
There is a thread of a story line in this book. However, it is bogged down by the long monologues, the thoughts and the constant repetition of the thoughts, background and history. And, the main character, Timmie O'Neill is just so much larger than life, from her ashes to success story, to her incredible, driving work ethic, that she is simply not believable. When there actually is a story line present, it is enjoyable. But, otherwise, the book is tedious.
If you are a Danielle Steel fan, I suspect you will read this book, hoping that she will write, like she used to in her earlier works. Now, it simply feels as if she has a formula for churning out new books on a rather rapid basis. All that changes are character names, places and a bit of the story line. But, otherwise it is a formula readers have seen before. Or, perhaps, I just have a fond memory of her earlier works, and my taste in literature has evolved beyond what Danielle Steel provides.
If you can get past the repetition and the long monologues and thought descriptions, I guess, what you will find is a modern day fairytale.
I found this book tedious, especially in the beginning. It took approximately the first 67 pages, to lay down the foundation, background, thoughts and motivation before we saw some forward motion toward a story about the protagonist, Timmie O'Neill. And then, once there was a bit of forward motion to something akin to a storyline, it was back to not much action shortly after that until about page 100 or so.
The main character, Timmie O'Neill, has risen from the ashes of a hard luck life, to be a most successful clothing/fashion designer and CEO of her own international company. Timmie works so hard and furious that she will make the average career woman feel like a sloth. I cannot imagine, how this fast paced woman will make the average stay-at-home mom or homemaker feel. After losing her husband, 11 years prior, Timmie has had relationships with "pretty boys", who apparently keep her entertained and use her, until she has had enough of the arm candy, they provide. But, she really does not need arm candy, as she rarely lives the fast and glamorous life.
While in Paris for fashion show week, Timmie is in need of a doctor and calls upon a recommendation given her by a friend. In walks the charming and handsome Dr. Jean-Charles Vernier.
At some point, a long distance romance begins to develop between the two. But, that gets derailed when Jean-Charles cannot disengage himself from his dead marriage, due to a number of tragedies. All this delay, sounds like the truth Timmie's assistant, Jade, was preaching about the promises made by married men to leave their wives.
There is a thread of a story line in this book. However, it is bogged down by the long monologues, the thoughts and the constant repetition of the thoughts, background and history. And, the main character, Timmie O'Neill is just so much larger than life, from her ashes to success story, to her incredible, driving work ethic, that she is simply not believable. When there actually is a story line present, it is enjoyable. But, otherwise, the book is tedious.
If you are a Danielle Steel fan, I suspect you will read this book, hoping that she will write, like she used to in her earlier works. Now, it simply feels as if she has a formula for churning out new books on a rather rapid basis. All that changes are character names, places and a bit of the story line. But, otherwise it is a formula readers have seen before. Or, perhaps, I just have a fond memory of her earlier works, and my taste in literature has evolved beyond what Danielle Steel provides.
If you can get past the repetition and the long monologues and thought descriptions, I guess, what you will find is a modern day fairytale.
March 22, 2014
Does Danielle Steele get paid by the word? There are so many passages and paragraphs that are redundant (especially in the first half), that I feel like Steele is just milking every extraneous description for the dollars she sees in her head. I could have edited out every other paragraph and this novel would have still made sense and moved faster.
This is the first Danielle Steele novel I've ever read, and I can't say I'm impressed.
The characters are more mature, but that doesn't make their decisions or actions all that reasonable. I like that Timmie O. is an independent, successful businesswoman but she has literally no friends? What does that say about female business leaders? She's climbed the corporate and fashion ladder but has no one to confide in? She has the confidence to build an empire from nothing but has such low self-esteem that she allows herself to be used by vain pretty boys for months?
I understand that she's close to her assistants but even they don't seem well drawn out. Jade is a 32-year old who has never heard of or tried Internet dating? It's 2013! Yet she uses an online grocery delivery service? Huh?
And the romance with the doctor was too slow to build and almost unbelievable when it happens. They see each other every day for a week, build a close friendship, don't see each other again for months and then see each other again,where nothing happens.
And then just as they say goodbye to one another they feel like they've been struck by Cupid and are suddenly wildly and passionately in love? Because it happens to be Valentines Day? Why is this called First Sight? It should be called 15th sight!
This is the first Danielle Steele novel I've ever read, and I can't say I'm impressed.
The characters are more mature, but that doesn't make their decisions or actions all that reasonable. I like that Timmie O. is an independent, successful businesswoman but she has literally no friends? What does that say about female business leaders? She's climbed the corporate and fashion ladder but has no one to confide in? She has the confidence to build an empire from nothing but has such low self-esteem that she allows herself to be used by vain pretty boys for months?
I understand that she's close to her assistants but even they don't seem well drawn out. Jade is a 32-year old who has never heard of or tried Internet dating? It's 2013! Yet she uses an online grocery delivery service? Huh?
And the romance with the doctor was too slow to build and almost unbelievable when it happens. They see each other every day for a week, build a close friendship, don't see each other again for months and then see each other again,where nothing happens.
And then just as they say goodbye to one another they feel like they've been struck by Cupid and are suddenly wildly and passionately in love? Because it happens to be Valentines Day? Why is this called First Sight? It should be called 15th sight!
July 10, 2014
Cheesy.
First Sight by Danielle Steel was entirely cheesy.
The entire story line based around Timmie's oh-so-exaggerated-fashionista lifestyle Steel worked so repeatedly to create was predictable and full of high-school based drama.
In my opinion, any respectable and educated woman would not have been so blind to Zack nor whipped and naive to the french doctor, Jean.
This was my first Danielle Steel novel, and it will most definitely be my last.
First Sight by Danielle Steel was entirely cheesy.
The entire story line based around Timmie's oh-so-exaggerated-fashionista lifestyle Steel worked so repeatedly to create was predictable and full of high-school based drama.
In my opinion, any respectable and educated woman would not have been so blind to Zack nor whipped and naive to the french doctor, Jean.
This was my first Danielle Steel novel, and it will most definitely be my last.
April 27, 2017
Timmie O’Neil is a fashion designer whose success allowed her to build an international empire. Timmie had it all but what Timmie didn’t have was the love of family and a man. Overcoming a childhood no child should have to endure left Timmi scarred with the inability to trust. Timmie guarded her heart with an iron clad fist until Jean-Charles Vernier entered her life and nursed her back to health.
I liked how author Steel gave Timmie a personal life filled with barriers but allowed her to grow into a mature, graceful and nurturing adult.
Arthur Morey did a very good job in telling Timmie’s story.
I liked how author Steel gave Timmie a personal life filled with barriers but allowed her to grow into a mature, graceful and nurturing adult.
Arthur Morey did a very good job in telling Timmie’s story.
September 10, 2014
It has been a long time since I've read a Danielle Steele book and after reading (actually listening) to this book, I'm not sure if I will ever read another one. This was a truly terrible book; repetitive, slow, poorly written, no characters that I cared about, and did I mention repetitive???? HORRIBLE!!!
August 6, 2013
Danielle Steel has gone down the same road as Nora Roberts and Tom Clancy who were decent writers a decade ago, but no longer. Now everything Steel writes is a regurgitation of words she's rewritten, mixed in with much more death, sadness, infidelity, deceit and lies. 0 of 10 stars
February 15, 2014
If I could give this half a star I would, it was that bad. Basically unreadable. Oh Danielle how far you have fallen. The days of Zoya, No Greater Love and The Ring are over and maybe I've finally accepted that and will no longer be reading her books.
September 15, 2013
If you can get past the first 2 chapters, this is a great love story. It isnt as predictable as some of her other books, definitely caught me up about half way through.
September 19, 2024
Όταν ανακοινώθηκε η Χρυσή Σειρά βιβλίων των εκδόσεων Μεταίχμιο, πέταξα τη σκούφια μου από τη χαρά μου. Είχα πολύ υψηλές προσδοκίες και περίμενα με περισσή αγωνία να πάρω τα πέντε αυτά βιβλία στα χέρια μου. Ο καιρός πέρασε, τα βιβλία βρέθηκαν στην κατοχή μου και με τη σειρά μου, εγώ, βρέθηκα προβληματισμένη σχετικά με την επιλογή εκείνου όπου θα έκανε την αρχή μιας μακράς ανάγνωσης. Το άφησα λοιπόν στην τύχη και αποφάσισα να ξεκινήσω με το πρώτο που θα έβγαζα από την τσάντα και αυτό δεν ήταν άλλο από το "Έρωτας Εξ Αποστάσεως", εκείνο το βιβλίο δηλαδή που μου είχε κινήσει λιγότερο την περιέργεια σε σχέση με τα υπόλοιπα τέσσερα. Και όπως φάνηκε με το πέρας της ανάγνωσης, το ένστικτό μου, αποδείχτηκε σωστό.
Η Τίμι είναι 48χρονη σχεδιάστρια μόδας και παράλληλα, ιδιοκτήτρια μιας από τις μεγαλύτερες εταιρείες ρούχων και αξεσουάρ στον πλανήτη. Δεδομένου ότι ξεκίνησε την επιχειρηματική της δράση από το μηδέν, στην Αμερική, θεωρείται η κορυφαία του είδους της, απολαμβάνοντας έτσι την αναγνώριση όλων όσων την περιβάλλουν, όντας μια πάρα πολύ ισχυρή γυναίκα. Ωστόσο, παρά την επιτυχία της στον επαγγελματικό τομέα, στα προσωπικά της ζητήματα, η ζωή δεν ήταν τόσο γενναιόδωρη μαζί της, από τα παιδικά της κιόλας χρόνια μέχρι σήμερα. Έχοντας πάρει απόφαση πως δεν πρόκειται ποτέ της να συναντήσει την πραγματική αγάπη, ένα τυχαίο περιστατικό, κατά τη διάρκεια της παραμονής της στο Παρίσι για μια επίδειξη μόδας, θα φέρει στο δρόμο της έναν γοητευτικό Γάλλο γιατρό. Οι δρόμοι τους θα χωρίσουν σύντομα, ωστόσο, όταν θα ξανασυναντηθούν, η σπίθα που υπήρχε από την πρώτη κιόλας στιγμή θα φουντώσει για να εξελιχθεί σε κάτι πιο δυνατό.
Λοιπόν... πού να το πιάσω και πού να το αφήσω; Νομίζω πως από την "Κόλαση του Γκάμπριελ" είχα να βασανιστώ τόσο πολύ με κάποιο βιβλίο. Καλά, μην υπερβάλλω, δεν ήταν και τόσο χάλια, αλλά καταλαβαίνετε που θέλω να το πάω. Πριν προχωρήσω, όμως, θέλω να τονίσω κάτι πάρα πολύ σημαντικό. Η πρωταγωνίστρια είναι μια γυναίκα που κοντεύει τα πενήντα της χρόνια. Εγώ πάλι, δεν έχω κλείσει καλά-καλά τα τριάντα οπότε, εκ των πραγμάτων, μου είναι αδύνατον να ταυτιστώ μαζί της. Αυτός λοιπόν ίσως και να είναι ο βασικός λόγος για τον οποίο δεν μπόρεσα να βρω κάποιο κοινό σημείο επαφής με την κεντρική ηρωίδα και ως εκ τούτου, η ιστορία και το δράμα της, δεν κατάφεραν να με αγγίξουν. Δεν μπορώ να γνωρίζω κατά πόσο οι πιο ώριμες αναγνώστριες θα μπορέσουν να την νιώσουν, κάτι που δεν πιστεύω ότι θα γίνει εύκολα άσχετα από το ηλικιακό target group των αναγνωστριών, εγώ πάλι, πέρασα και δεν ακούμπησα.
Ενώ το βιβλίο διαβάζεται εύκολα και γρήγορα, δεν διαβάζεται κι ευχάριστα. Το βασικό του πρόβλημα είναι η ίδια η ροή της ιστορίας. Η δράση του βασικού story αργεί πάρα πολύ να ξεκινήσει να εξελίσσεται, το κείμενο βρίθει ανούσιων επαναλήψεων φράσεων, καταστάσεων και συναισθηματικών απεικονίσεων και γενικά, η πλοκή είναι πιο βαρετή από διαφημίσεις στην τηλεόραση, ειδικά κατά το πρώτο μισό του βιβλίου. Από 'κει κι έπειτα, θεωρώ πως έχουν σοβαρό πρόβλημα και οι ίδιοι οι χαρακτήρες που μόνο ρεαλιστικοί δεν φαντάζουν. Η Τίμι παραείναι τέλεια, ειδικά δεδομένου το ποια είναι και το τι έχει περάσει στη ζωή της, και το γεγονός ότι δεν έχει μνησικακίες, θυμό, οποιοδήποτε άλλο συναίσθημα πέραν της κατανόησης και της αποδοχής της μοίρας της, την κάνει να μοιάζει πιο άψυχη και από κούκλα. Ο Γάλλος γόης από την άλλη, όντας πενήντα φεύγα, δεν σε πείθει για τόσο γόης και εκτός αυτού, φάσκει και αντιφάσκει πράγμα που δεν μου επιτρέπει να τον πάρω στα σοβαρά. Οι δευτερεύοντες χαρακτήρες έχουν μεγαλύτερο ενδιαφέρον, αν και δεν τους δίνεται ο απαραίτητος χρόνος ώστε να δώσουν κάτι παραπάνω.
Το "Έρωτας Εξ Αποστάσεως" είναι ένα φλύαρο βιβλίο που αναλώνεται σε επαναλήψεις που πραγματικά, δεν χρειάζονται και που ακόμα κι ως πρωτογενές υλικό, σε μεγάλο μέρος τους, δεν έχουν καν κάποια χρησιμότητα ή σκοπιμότητα. Οι χαρακτήρες είναι εντελώς άνευροι και άψυχοι και εξαιτίας όλου του status που τους περιβάλλει και τους χαρακτηρίζει, μοιάζουν να βρίσκονται χιλιόμετρα μακριά, όχι μόνο από τον μέσο αναγνώστη, αλλά από τον μέσο άνθρωπο γενικότερα. Και δεν αντιλέγω, μπορεί η Steel να είναι μια πάρα πολύ δημοφιλής και διάσημη συγγραφέας, αν και προσωπικά δεν έχω διαβάσει άλλο της βιβλίο, ωστόσο, έχω τη βεβαιότητα πως εκεί έξω, στην αγορά του βιβλίου, υπάρχουν πολύ πιο ενδιαφέροντα κείμενα στην κατηγορία πάνω στα οποία μπορεί κανείς να επενδύσει. Και κάνοντας το τελευταίο σχόλιο, δεν αναφέρομαι μόνο στους αναγνώστες, αλλά και στους ίδιους τους εκδοτικούς που επιλέγουν τι θα βγει στην ελληνική αγορά.
Η Τίμι είναι 48χρονη σχεδιάστρια μόδας και παράλληλα, ιδιοκτήτρια μιας από τις μεγαλύτερες εταιρείες ρούχων και αξεσουάρ στον πλανήτη. Δεδομένου ότι ξεκίνησε την επιχειρηματική της δράση από το μηδέν, στην Αμερική, θεωρείται η κορυφαία του είδους της, απολαμβάνοντας έτσι την αναγνώριση όλων όσων την περιβάλλουν, όντας μια πάρα πολύ ισχυρή γυναίκα. Ωστόσο, παρά την επιτυχία της στον επαγγελματικό τομέα, στα προσωπικά της ζητήματα, η ζωή δεν ήταν τόσο γενναιόδωρη μαζί της, από τα παιδικά της κιόλας χρόνια μέχρι σήμερα. Έχοντας πάρει απόφαση πως δεν πρόκειται ποτέ της να συναντήσει την πραγματική αγάπη, ένα τυχαίο περιστατικό, κατά τη διάρκεια της παραμονής της στο Παρίσι για μια επίδειξη μόδας, θα φέρει στο δρόμο της έναν γοητευτικό Γάλλο γιατρό. Οι δρόμοι τους θα χωρίσουν σύντομα, ωστόσο, όταν θα ξανασυναντηθούν, η σπίθα που υπήρχε από την πρώτη κιόλας στιγμή θα φουντώσει για να εξελιχθεί σε κάτι πιο δυνατό.
Λοιπόν... πού να το πιάσω και πού να το αφήσω; Νομίζω πως από την "Κόλαση του Γκάμπριελ" είχα να βασανιστώ τόσο πολύ με κάποιο βιβλίο. Καλά, μην υπερβάλλω, δεν ήταν και τόσο χάλια, αλλά καταλαβαίνετε που θέλω να το πάω. Πριν προχωρήσω, όμως, θέλω να τονίσω κάτι πάρα πολύ σημαντικό. Η πρωταγωνίστρια είναι μια γυναίκα που κοντεύει τα πενήντα της χρόνια. Εγώ πάλι, δεν έχω κλείσει καλά-καλά τα τριάντα οπότε, εκ των πραγμάτων, μου είναι αδύνατον να ταυτιστώ μαζί της. Αυτός λοιπόν ίσως και να είναι ο βασικός λόγος για τον οποίο δεν μπόρεσα να βρω κάποιο κοινό σημείο επαφής με την κεντρική ηρωίδα και ως εκ τούτου, η ιστορία και το δράμα της, δεν κατάφεραν να με αγγίξουν. Δεν μπορώ να γνωρίζω κατά πόσο οι πιο ώριμες αναγνώστριες θα μπορέσουν να την νιώσουν, κάτι που δεν πιστεύω ότι θα γίνει εύκολα άσχετα από το ηλικιακό target group των αναγνωστριών, εγώ πάλι, πέρασα και δεν ακούμπησα.
Ενώ το βιβλίο διαβάζεται εύκολα και γρήγορα, δεν διαβάζεται κι ευχάριστα. Το βασικό του πρόβλημα είναι η ίδια η ροή της ιστορίας. Η δράση του βασικού story αργεί πάρα πολύ να ξεκινήσει να εξελίσσεται, το κείμενο βρίθει ανούσιων επαναλήψεων φράσεων, καταστάσεων και συναισθηματικών απεικονίσεων και γενικά, η πλοκή είναι πιο βαρετή από διαφημίσεις στην τηλεόραση, ειδικά κατά το πρώτο μισό του βιβλίου. Από 'κει κι έπειτα, θεωρώ πως έχουν σοβαρό πρόβλημα και οι ίδιοι οι χαρακτήρες που μόνο ρεαλιστικοί δεν φαντάζουν. Η Τίμι παραείναι τέλεια, ειδικά δεδομένου το ποια είναι και το τι έχει περάσει στη ζωή της, και το γεγονός ότι δεν έχει μνησικακίες, θυμό, οποιοδήποτε άλλο συναίσθημα πέραν της κατανόησης και της αποδοχής της μοίρας της, την κάνει να μοιάζει πιο άψυχη και από κούκλα. Ο Γάλλος γόης από την άλλη, όντας πενήντα φεύγα, δεν σε πείθει για τόσο γόης και εκτός αυτού, φάσκει και αντιφάσκει πράγμα που δεν μου επιτρέπει να τον πάρω στα σοβαρά. Οι δευτερεύοντες χαρακτήρες έχουν μεγαλύτερο ενδιαφέρον, αν και δεν τους δίνεται ο απαραίτητος χρόνος ώστε να δώσουν κάτι παραπάνω.
Το "Έρωτας Εξ Αποστάσεως" είναι ένα φλύαρο βιβλίο που αναλώνεται σε επαναλήψεις που πραγματικά, δεν χρειάζονται και που ακόμα κι ως πρωτογενές υλικό, σε μεγάλο μέρος τους, δεν έχουν καν κάποια χρησιμότητα ή σκοπιμότητα. Οι χαρακτήρες είναι εντελώς άνευροι και άψυχοι και εξαιτίας όλου του status που τους περιβάλλει και τους χαρακτηρίζει, μοιάζουν να βρίσκονται χιλιόμετρα μακριά, όχι μόνο από τον μέσο αναγνώστη, αλλά από τον μέσο άνθρωπο γενικότερα. Και δεν αντιλέγω, μπορεί η Steel να είναι μια πάρα πολύ δημοφιλής και διάσημη συγγραφέας, αν και προσωπικά δεν έχω διαβάσει άλλο της βιβλίο, ωστόσο, έχω τη βεβαιότητα πως εκεί έξω, στην αγορά του βιβλίου, υπάρχουν πολύ πιο ενδιαφέροντα κείμενα στην κατηγορία πάνω στα οποία μπορεί κανείς να επενδύσει. Και κάνοντας το τελευταίο σχόλιο, δεν αναφέρομαι μόνο στους αναγνώστες, αλλά και στους ίδιους τους εκδοτικούς που επιλέγουν τι θα βγει στην ελληνική αγορά.
April 12, 2023
What a fuck fest.
Writing: lazy and frankly stupid amounts of repetition as if I’m 90 and can’t remember what my name is let alone the characters love interest’s. Ok, maybe I’ve picked up a book made for 90 year olds, but still.
Story: took far too long dilly-dallying about with sub-par plot lines only to throw in she gets pregnant as a 48-year-old, wants to adopt a boy whose grandparents are a far better fit, and her parents weren’t actually killed in a car crash and are still alive having given her up, all in the last 100 pages??
I read it all (although I did skip through pages of repetitive inner monologue) hence the two stars, but come on Danielle, I know you’re not known for fluff but at least make it enjoyable fluff. Would say this is the end of her but I bought two DS books at once from a national trust, so gearing myself up for the next one.
Writing: lazy and frankly stupid amounts of repetition as if I’m 90 and can’t remember what my name is let alone the characters love interest’s. Ok, maybe I’ve picked up a book made for 90 year olds, but still.
Story: took far too long dilly-dallying about with sub-par plot lines only to throw in she gets pregnant as a 48-year-old, wants to adopt a boy whose grandparents are a far better fit, and her parents weren’t actually killed in a car crash and are still alive having given her up, all in the last 100 pages??
I read it all (although I did skip through pages of repetitive inner monologue) hence the two stars, but come on Danielle, I know you’re not known for fluff but at least make it enjoyable fluff. Would say this is the end of her but I bought two DS books at once from a national trust, so gearing myself up for the next one.
March 26, 2015
Omg this was awful. It was insanely boring, cliched, and predictable. After 50 pages or so I started reading one sentence per page and I was still able to follow the story and not miss anything important. Bad, bad, bad.
April 3, 2019
مبتذلة للغاية و كبيرة بسبب الإسهاب في الوصف في الاحداث و التفاصيل بالإضافة للإلتفاف الطويل لإعطاء معني واحد لفعل واحد
May 30, 2022
This might be one of the worst Danielle steel books I've read. I think some of her books have been great, but this book is garbage... AWFUL!
September 12, 2013
Let me start by saying I love Danielle Steel's books because they have a little romance, a little suspense, and are uplifting! Happy Ending to the story but with some kinks along the way, always a great read! This book tells the tale of a designer mogel Timmie O'neal in modern day....Timmie has everything if your looking on the outside, first class on the plane going to fashion shows in Paris, Milan and London and of course New York! She has the latest and greatest houses, car etc but there are many hidden facts in her life. 1. No husband and louses for boyfriends 2. her parents died when she was 5 and had to live in an orphanage and foster care and had a horrible life till she went on her own at 16 3. she is sad and lonely bc she has no one until she is in Paris on her last show and comes down with appendicitis and it is so bad she is rushed to surgery by a good looking dr who takes very good care of her....the story goes on with her old boyfriend, new found doctor friend, her career, findings of her childhood she didn't know, her career and the orphanage she runs in secret to help children that were like her etc. This is an awesome book and I couldn't put it down she is the nicest person, down to earth but rich in so many ways but what counts! Made me laugh, cry, root for Timmie and when you are in love as she is at one point life is just grand! I was and am in love with my soul mate and its a lot like Timmie so a lot of heart was put into this book and I definitely recommend it and give it 5+*****!!! Go on Ms. Steel keep em coming deary!!!!
October 24, 2013
It was the usual quick read. Tammie O Neill the famous fashion icon had a terrible childhood and somehow makes it to the top of the fashion world. She loses her son to brain tumor and her husband leaves her for another man.
In walks Dr Jean Walker Vernier who is her doctor when she is recovering from appendicitis in Paris when on her fashion tour show. They fall in love and decide that they will get together when the good doctor divorces his wife with whom he claims he is already estranged.
The story takes its usual expected turn and things do work out
My two cents:
I am no moral police but I had a problem with the fact, that the two consenting adults decide that the children from the previous marriage will get over the fact that the father loves another woman than their mother! It strikes a strange chord in me as a person. Tammie wants to be accepted because she is loved ! Her peeve was that Dr Jean would not leave his family in crisis and get together with her and handle the crisis from afar. How is it possible. This book somehow shook the foundations of what families are made of! Is love just getting together with the person with whom your soul connects and cut the relationships that you live with till you find the connection!
In walks Dr Jean Walker Vernier who is her doctor when she is recovering from appendicitis in Paris when on her fashion tour show. They fall in love and decide that they will get together when the good doctor divorces his wife with whom he claims he is already estranged.
The story takes its usual expected turn and things do work out
My two cents:
I am no moral police but I had a problem with the fact, that the two consenting adults decide that the children from the previous marriage will get over the fact that the father loves another woman than their mother! It strikes a strange chord in me as a person. Tammie wants to be accepted because she is loved ! Her peeve was that Dr Jean would not leave his family in crisis and get together with her and handle the crisis from afar. How is it possible. This book somehow shook the foundations of what families are made of! Is love just getting together with the person with whom your soul connects and cut the relationships that you live with till you find the connection!
September 25, 2014
This book was terrible. And I don't usually say that. I found it so redundant I had to keep fighting from skipping pages. Over and over and over the same thing was said. And over. And over. In different words she repeats. Then she says the same thing numerous times. The book states the same message again and again (get the point?). It was really bad. I used to think Steven King was the worst with long winded descriptions of minute details that had nothing to do with the story. This book takes the cake though for me in terms of repetitive unnecessary detail.
January 2, 2015
A long time fan of Danielle Steel, it had been a long time since I had read one of her books. Rich story lines of affluent people is her trademark and this book fit Ms Steel's MO.
I enjoyed this story. The female character's life style may be of the rich and famous but her emotions and life choices could be any woman. I empathized with her as I read the story.
As enjoyable read!
I enjoyed this story. The female character's life style may be of the rich and famous but her emotions and life choices could be any woman. I empathized with her as I read the story.
As enjoyable read!
August 1, 2015
I've been a fan of Danielle Steel since I was a teenager. I enjoyed the overall plot and development of the main character Timmie. Although I liked this novel, sometimes the language/ideas were repeated unnecessarily and were a bit distracting.
However, if you're a die-hard Danielle Steel fan this novel won't disappoint.
However, if you're a die-hard Danielle Steel fan this novel won't disappoint.
August 25, 2013
This book finally did it for me--- after reading about 90 of her books thru the years I have FINALLY given up on her! This book was painful to read. The first 60% was so terribly boring, and the last 40% was so predictable.
December 30, 2013
While I always enjoy a good romance book of Danielle Steel, I thought that this one just had too much drama going on. Thought that this could have been wrapped up just a bit better. But, of course I still enjoyed reading it.
June 20, 2017
This took awhile to "get into" but I did like it.
February 27, 2018
Another best seller
First sight was another great read from start to finish another novel you can't put down just a shame it had to end
First sight was another great read from start to finish another novel you can't put down just a shame it had to end
July 15, 2018
Loved this book 💖 A few things that Jean-Charles did pissed me off, but I loved the ending 💖💖
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