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The Ashford Affair
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig comes The Ashford Affair , a page-turning novel about two women in different eras, and on different continents, who are connected by one deeply buried secret.
A New York Times best seller!
As a lawyer in a large Manhattan firm, just shy of making partner, Clementine Evans has finally achieved almost everything she's been working towards—but now she's not sure it's enough. Her long hours have led to a broken engagement and, suddenly single at thirty-four, she feels her messy life crumbling around her. But when the family gathers for her grandmother Addie's ninety-ninth birthday, a relative lets slip hints about a long-buried family secret, leading Clemmie on a journey into the past that could change everything. . . .
Growing up at Ashford Park in the early twentieth century, Addie has never quite belonged. When her parents passed away, she was taken into the grand English house by her aristocratic aunt and uncle, and raised side-by-side with her beautiful and outgoing cousin, Bea. Though they are as different as night and day, Addie and Bea are closer than sisters, through relationships and challenges, and a war that changes the face of Europe irrevocably. But what happens when something finally comes along that can't be shared? When the love of sisterhood is tested by a bond that's even stronger?
From the inner circles of British society to the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the red-dirt hills of Kenya, the never-told secrets of a woman and a family unfurl.
A New York Times best seller!
As a lawyer in a large Manhattan firm, just shy of making partner, Clementine Evans has finally achieved almost everything she's been working towards—but now she's not sure it's enough. Her long hours have led to a broken engagement and, suddenly single at thirty-four, she feels her messy life crumbling around her. But when the family gathers for her grandmother Addie's ninety-ninth birthday, a relative lets slip hints about a long-buried family secret, leading Clemmie on a journey into the past that could change everything. . . .
Growing up at Ashford Park in the early twentieth century, Addie has never quite belonged. When her parents passed away, she was taken into the grand English house by her aristocratic aunt and uncle, and raised side-by-side with her beautiful and outgoing cousin, Bea. Though they are as different as night and day, Addie and Bea are closer than sisters, through relationships and challenges, and a war that changes the face of Europe irrevocably. But what happens when something finally comes along that can't be shared? When the love of sisterhood is tested by a bond that's even stronger?
From the inner circles of British society to the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the red-dirt hills of Kenya, the never-told secrets of a woman and a family unfurl.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2013
479 people are currently reading
10400 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Willig
42 books4,728 followersLauren Willig is the New York Times bestselling author of nineteen works of historical fiction. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages, awarded the RITA, Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards, and chosen for the American Library Association's annual list of the best genre fiction. After graduating from Yale University, she embarked on a PhD in History at Harvard before leaving academia to acquire a JD at Harvard Law while authoring her "Pink Carnation" series of Napoleonic-set novels. She lives in New York City, where she now writes full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,148 reviews
November 4, 2013
Full disclosure here, because Lauren is a friend of mine and I love her writing and her books, but I honestly think she outdid herself in The Ashford Affair. Highly recommended.
January 26, 2013
I'm so glad the days of the sweeping generational saga are back. Downton Abbey and Kate Morton both deserve credit for this, imho, and I couldn't be more pleased; my personal reading tastes have become fashionable at last!
The Ashford Affair is a departure for Lauren Willig in some ways but not in others. While leaving Napoleonic spies behind, she incorporates the same smart dialogue and multiple-time format in her newest book, which follows the lives of two women over 70 years apart who are linked through family ties and secrets. I sped through it in just under two days, regretting the intervening time when I had to go to work and sleep.
The heroines are Addie Gillecote, who arrives at Ashford Park, a grand English country house, in 1906 as an orphaned poor relation; and her granddaughter, Clementine Evans, a workaholic attorney in New York City in 1999. Clemmie's high-pressure legal career has resulted in a broken engagement and has made her late for her Granny Addie's 99th birthday party, to her mother's dismay.
Within the book's first chapter, a tantalizing genealogical conundrum presents itself. Clemmie also gets her first hint about a long-held family mystery when her grandmother, her mind drifting with old age or overmedication, calls her by an unfamiliar name. She becomes curious about the reason why and receives help in her quest from her aunt's stepson, Jon, a university professor with whom she shares witty quips (and memories of a weekend in Rome years ago that they've agreed not to talk about).
From the outset, the plot darts quickly among several eras and locales, forcing readers to trust the author to reveal each piece of her tale in its appropriate time. Fortunately the novel's structure is sound and easy to grasp.
Addie's changing relationship with her sophisticated cousin Bea sits at the center of the earlier storyline. Bea befriends Addie as a child and shelters her from the snippy remarks of her mother, Lady Ashford, who had opened her house to Addie only reluctantly. The two girls grow up together in a glittering prewar era of debutante balls and instruction in the social graces. But by 1926, when Addie arrives in Nairobi to stay with Bea and her husband Frederick on their coffee plantation, their closeness has become awkward... and it has everything to do with the as-yet-unknown past she shared with Frederick.
All of this takes place within the first few chapters, and I won't say more about what occurs. The background behind these situations is revealed bit by bit, and the telling held my attention throughout. The ending is fabulous, also, going one step above what I expected.
Historical fiction readers will likely take greater interest in Addie's story than Clemmie's, and not only because the earlier time period is intrinsically fascinating. These characters are moving through events that shaped the modern world, and the author illustrates how World War I shifted priorities and ruined lives, even those of the individuals fortunate enough to survive. The action sweeps from upscale Jazz-Age London soirees to the red dust and intense heat of Kenya; it succeeds at providing a wide-angle look at the times while tracing one woman's personal journey.
In addition, for me Addie was the more likeable and admirable character, doing her best with the lot she'd been given. Clemmie, while obviously a brilliant career woman, needs more than just a nudge to have her eyes opened to what truly matters in life, and with her frenetic schedule, it's no wonder she was unable to sustain a romantic relationship.
The Ashford Affair is billed as "bringing an Out of Africa feel to a Downton Abbey cast of characters," which is valid to some extent. I would have liked to have seen more of Addie's later life in Kenya, in addition to the nostalgic photographs which Clemmie comes across decades later, although maybe it's fitting that some aspects of the past remain elusive. As a saga, I found it very satisfying overall, and I'd certainly recommend it to anyone interested in the WWI and post-Edwardian eras.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC as a FirstReads giveaway on Goodreads.
The Ashford Affair is a departure for Lauren Willig in some ways but not in others. While leaving Napoleonic spies behind, she incorporates the same smart dialogue and multiple-time format in her newest book, which follows the lives of two women over 70 years apart who are linked through family ties and secrets. I sped through it in just under two days, regretting the intervening time when I had to go to work and sleep.
The heroines are Addie Gillecote, who arrives at Ashford Park, a grand English country house, in 1906 as an orphaned poor relation; and her granddaughter, Clementine Evans, a workaholic attorney in New York City in 1999. Clemmie's high-pressure legal career has resulted in a broken engagement and has made her late for her Granny Addie's 99th birthday party, to her mother's dismay.
Within the book's first chapter, a tantalizing genealogical conundrum presents itself. Clemmie also gets her first hint about a long-held family mystery when her grandmother, her mind drifting with old age or overmedication, calls her by an unfamiliar name. She becomes curious about the reason why and receives help in her quest from her aunt's stepson, Jon, a university professor with whom she shares witty quips (and memories of a weekend in Rome years ago that they've agreed not to talk about).
From the outset, the plot darts quickly among several eras and locales, forcing readers to trust the author to reveal each piece of her tale in its appropriate time. Fortunately the novel's structure is sound and easy to grasp.
Addie's changing relationship with her sophisticated cousin Bea sits at the center of the earlier storyline. Bea befriends Addie as a child and shelters her from the snippy remarks of her mother, Lady Ashford, who had opened her house to Addie only reluctantly. The two girls grow up together in a glittering prewar era of debutante balls and instruction in the social graces. But by 1926, when Addie arrives in Nairobi to stay with Bea and her husband Frederick on their coffee plantation, their closeness has become awkward... and it has everything to do with the as-yet-unknown past she shared with Frederick.
All of this takes place within the first few chapters, and I won't say more about what occurs. The background behind these situations is revealed bit by bit, and the telling held my attention throughout. The ending is fabulous, also, going one step above what I expected.
Historical fiction readers will likely take greater interest in Addie's story than Clemmie's, and not only because the earlier time period is intrinsically fascinating. These characters are moving through events that shaped the modern world, and the author illustrates how World War I shifted priorities and ruined lives, even those of the individuals fortunate enough to survive. The action sweeps from upscale Jazz-Age London soirees to the red dust and intense heat of Kenya; it succeeds at providing a wide-angle look at the times while tracing one woman's personal journey.
In addition, for me Addie was the more likeable and admirable character, doing her best with the lot she'd been given. Clemmie, while obviously a brilliant career woman, needs more than just a nudge to have her eyes opened to what truly matters in life, and with her frenetic schedule, it's no wonder she was unable to sustain a romantic relationship.
The Ashford Affair is billed as "bringing an Out of Africa feel to a Downton Abbey cast of characters," which is valid to some extent. I would have liked to have seen more of Addie's later life in Kenya, in addition to the nostalgic photographs which Clemmie comes across decades later, although maybe it's fitting that some aspects of the past remain elusive. As a saga, I found it very satisfying overall, and I'd certainly recommend it to anyone interested in the WWI and post-Edwardian eras.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC as a FirstReads giveaway on Goodreads.
September 29, 2012
Sadly, this wasn't the book for me. It was just good enough to finish reading at night when I was tired from work but not ready to go to bed. Admittedly, I had high hopes when it was described as Out of Africa meets Downton Abbey, and really, it reminded me of neither.
The story weaves back & forth between Addie in the 1920s in England and Kenya (though precious little of Kenya), who is a cast-off cousin of a wealthy aristocratic family, and Clementine (called Clemmie, which is a name that grosses me out) in 1999 New York City, who is Addie's granddaughter. Or is she?
I think there is supposed to be a lot of suspense surrounding the real story of Addie and her cousin Bea and how one came to pose as Clemmie's grandmother. Clemmie certainly took the revelation badly, but she's a spoiled workaholic attorney in her thirties who can't see beyond herself and can't figure out that the reason she can't make relationships work is because she's not present for them.
For me, Addie was an interesting character and I'd much rather have seen more of her than of Clemmie, but it was not to be.
The story weaves back & forth between Addie in the 1920s in England and Kenya (though precious little of Kenya), who is a cast-off cousin of a wealthy aristocratic family, and Clementine (called Clemmie, which is a name that grosses me out) in 1999 New York City, who is Addie's granddaughter. Or is she?
I think there is supposed to be a lot of suspense surrounding the real story of Addie and her cousin Bea and how one came to pose as Clemmie's grandmother. Clemmie certainly took the revelation badly, but she's a spoiled workaholic attorney in her thirties who can't see beyond herself and can't figure out that the reason she can't make relationships work is because she's not present for them.
For me, Addie was an interesting character and I'd much rather have seen more of her than of Clemmie, but it was not to be.
January 11, 2016
More like "Out of Africa" meets "Harlequin Presents". I enjoyed it, but there were mechanical issues with the book that prevented me from giving it more than 3 stars.
1) The timing was off. There were places where things just seemed to drag and other spots where I couldn't stop turning the pages.
2) Morally bankrupt cast of characters; one dimensional and a bit predictable.
1) The timing was off. There were places where things just seemed to drag and other spots where I couldn't stop turning the pages.
2) Morally bankrupt cast of characters; one dimensional and a bit predictable.
February 28, 2020
The story was very interesting. A good family story with a few twist and turns. However between the twist and turns I found myself being very bored. I had a love hate relationship with this book.
Know your family and follow their history.
Know your family and follow their history.
May 5, 2016
Knowledge can be a double-edged sword. You need to decide whether it’s worth cutting yourself on it…
Absorbing and captivating three-generational journey from pre- and post-WWI England to Kenya of the 1920s to America in the 1970s and 1990s.The narrative masterfully navigates through different timelines, places and points of view, bringing layer after layer to the story, to its characters and their motivations. In a hand of a less skilled author, this constant switching of times, places and points of view would’ve been confusing and incoherent but not here. Here, it’s actually enhances the story, brings it all together.
Clementine (Clemmie) Evans, 34-year-old New York firm lawyer lives for her job and not much else. Her love life in disarray, her recent engagement failed due to her hectic work schedule. She hasn’t seen or talked to her beloved grandmother, Addie, for several months even though they live in the same city. And now, she is running late to attend Addie’s 99th birthday party, a fateful day when some long buried family secrets started to unravel. Their slow unraveling would change the way Clemmie thinks of her family and ultimately herself.
Upon the untimely death of her parents in the early 1900, six-year-old Adeline Gillecote was reluctantly taken by her estranged father's family to their grand Ashford House. Though brought up with her cousins, Addie never overcame the status of a poor relation except where her cousin Bea was concern. Beautiful, precocious Bea immediately takes Addie under her wing earning her love and loyalty. Their strong bond and connection tested again and again through relationships and challenges, and WWI that changed the face of Europe irrevocably. But what happens when something finally comes along that can't be shared?
As with her other book The Other Daughter the author perfectly captures the atmosphere, the feel of the Roaring Twenties; a time of contrasts, the consequence of “War to end all Wars’ when hedonistic, escape reality lifestyle of ‘Bright Young Things’ was the norm for the sons and daughters of the aristocracy.
The story is so well written that I couldn’t put it down! The characters were realistic, and, at times, did unlikable things but the narrative brings their emotions forth giving us wonderful insight into their reactions, feelings, and motivations. It is not good guys are good and bad guys are bad tale.
There were certain things that made me lower the rating. My biggest issue was very neat, very convenient and somewhat unbelievable resolution. There were also some developments that left unanswered, some characters remain unexplained and not flashed out. But overall, this was engrossing, emotional, and fascinating read.
February 25, 2013
Quite morose in tone, however I was drawn into this family drama of a novel that travels smoothly between the early 20th century and the last decade of that same century. Very emotionally involving, although certain characters were hard to feel sympathy for. Recommended to readers who are interested in the WW1 years and the 1920s.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the April issue. http://affairedecoeur.com
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the April issue. http://affairedecoeur.com
November 3, 2023
Εξαιρετικό!Άλλο ένα διαμαντάκι που περίμενε με υπομονή μέσα στις ντάνες με τα αδιάβαστα!
June 17, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It was about family secrets and how people feel when they find out that they have spent years of their lives believing that something is true when it really was not. Part of the book takes place in Kenya during the same time period as Out of Africa and West with the Night.
June 22, 2017
Clemmie ist eine vielbeschäftigte Anwältin, die kaum Zeit für ihre Familie hat. Als ihre geliebte Granny Addie ihren 99. Geburtstag feiert, ist sie erschrocken, wie sehr die alte Dame abgebaut hat. Sind es die neuen Medikamente, oder warum spricht sie ihre Enkelin mit Bea an?
Der Roman springt zwischen 1906 und 1999. Es gibt Familiengeheimnisse an denen niemand zu rühren wagt, die sich aber ihre Wege an das Licht der neuen Generationen suchen. Ich mochte den Wechsel zwischen dem Herrenhaus Ashford Park, den Charlestonjahren in London und dem Farmleben in Afrika und dem hektischen Leben in New York. Ein schöner Familienroman mit leidenschaftlicher Liebe und verschlungenen Schicksalswegen.
Der Roman springt zwischen 1906 und 1999. Es gibt Familiengeheimnisse an denen niemand zu rühren wagt, die sich aber ihre Wege an das Licht der neuen Generationen suchen. Ich mochte den Wechsel zwischen dem Herrenhaus Ashford Park, den Charlestonjahren in London und dem Farmleben in Afrika und dem hektischen Leben in New York. Ein schöner Familienroman mit leidenschaftlicher Liebe und verschlungenen Schicksalswegen.
April 5, 2013
The Ashford Affair is a St Martin's Press publication. The book is scheduled for an April 2013 release.
Our story bounces back and forth between 1999 New York and 1926 Kenya. There is a backstory that begins in 1906 when Addie is sent to live with her Uncle Charles and Aunt Vera in London after the death of her parents. Addie grows up alongside her cousin Bea. The two of them are very close, like sisters. Bea is a beautiful debutante and Addie is just her poor relation cousin, so their lives will be very different in adulthood. Bea does as her mother expects her to and married a Marquis.
Addie is an idealist hoping to one day become a novelist.
Addie and Bea's background sets up the story as Bea finds herself involved the worst scandal imaginable for those times. She leaves London and lives in Kenya.
Several years later Addie finds herself at a crossroads in her life. She has been proposed to and is planning on marriage, but before she settles into married life, she just has to see Bea... and Bea's husband Franklin.
The story fast forwards to 1999 when Addie's granddaughter, Clemmie has arrived for Addie's 99th birthday celebration. We meet Clemmie's mother and Aunt and other family members. If you have been paying attention, you will be struck immediately with a sense of foreboding. It is obvious that things in 1999 are not like you would expect them to be.
Clemmie is a lawyer working herself to the bone in hopes of making partner. She has just broken things off with her fiance and is feeling a little off her game. Then she is informed that Addie is in the hospital and it doesn't look good.
These events set in motion a startling series of revelations and questions for Clemmie.
The multilayered story of Bea and Addie and Franklin, the deep emotional saga of love and heartbreak , the 1920's in London and the stark contrast of life in Kenya is wonderfully woven. Bea had everything and nothing.
As for Clemmie, she has to work through her own mess of a life and come to terms with her changing idea of family and what is important in life.
For those who recognize the name Lauren Willig as a mystery author, you will find this one is not her usual fare. This is one part historical fiction, one part family drama/saga, one part romance, and only a little bit of mystery.
A completely absorbing tale I found myself really caught up in.
This one is hard to put down. A really feel good ending and a Happily ever after too. I loved it. This book will appeal readers of all the generes mentioned above. One of the best I've read in awhile. Highly recommend! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
Our story bounces back and forth between 1999 New York and 1926 Kenya. There is a backstory that begins in 1906 when Addie is sent to live with her Uncle Charles and Aunt Vera in London after the death of her parents. Addie grows up alongside her cousin Bea. The two of them are very close, like sisters. Bea is a beautiful debutante and Addie is just her poor relation cousin, so their lives will be very different in adulthood. Bea does as her mother expects her to and married a Marquis.
Addie is an idealist hoping to one day become a novelist.
Addie and Bea's background sets up the story as Bea finds herself involved the worst scandal imaginable for those times. She leaves London and lives in Kenya.
Several years later Addie finds herself at a crossroads in her life. She has been proposed to and is planning on marriage, but before she settles into married life, she just has to see Bea... and Bea's husband Franklin.
The story fast forwards to 1999 when Addie's granddaughter, Clemmie has arrived for Addie's 99th birthday celebration. We meet Clemmie's mother and Aunt and other family members. If you have been paying attention, you will be struck immediately with a sense of foreboding. It is obvious that things in 1999 are not like you would expect them to be.
Clemmie is a lawyer working herself to the bone in hopes of making partner. She has just broken things off with her fiance and is feeling a little off her game. Then she is informed that Addie is in the hospital and it doesn't look good.
These events set in motion a startling series of revelations and questions for Clemmie.
The multilayered story of Bea and Addie and Franklin, the deep emotional saga of love and heartbreak , the 1920's in London and the stark contrast of life in Kenya is wonderfully woven. Bea had everything and nothing.
As for Clemmie, she has to work through her own mess of a life and come to terms with her changing idea of family and what is important in life.
For those who recognize the name Lauren Willig as a mystery author, you will find this one is not her usual fare. This is one part historical fiction, one part family drama/saga, one part romance, and only a little bit of mystery.
A completely absorbing tale I found myself really caught up in.
This one is hard to put down. A really feel good ending and a Happily ever after too. I loved it. This book will appeal readers of all the generes mentioned above. One of the best I've read in awhile. Highly recommend! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
April 23, 2013
Interesting story, well-written, but I didn't end the book with much like nor attachment for any of the main characters.
This book spans roughly the early 1900s through the mid 1920s in England and Kenya, and runs parallel to 1999 London and New York.
In 1906, six year old Addie's parents died. Her father was the son of an Earl, and her mother a writer of novels, which rendered them persona-non-grata in their circles. Addie is then brought to live, as a poor relation, with her uncle's family, at their family seat. The lonely, scared, and unwanted Addie is befriended by the bright and lovely Bea. Addie continues her life with the family as the unwanted poor relation, and shadows Bea throughout their early lives, but the two maintained a close relationship. The willful Bea breaks off her loveless marriage to a marquess to run away with her lover Frederick (who had previously been seeing Addie) to Kenya. It is in Kenya where things unfold that would change their lives and that of their descendants, including that of present-day Clementine.
Clementine is a stereotypical modern woman, working a thankless job as a lawyer and with a failed love life. Her story in this book begins with an invitation to the 99th birthday party of her ailing grandmother Addie (the aforementioned). She is unsatisfied with her life, and an encounter with a stepcousin hints at a rekindled romance. Tensions gather at her grandmother's party, and resentful old aunt Anna (I really find it hard to imagine a whiny, spoilt 70 year old, but there you have it) reveals some family skeletons that nobody discusses.
I felt that, with the exception of Addie, the characters were mostly one-dimensional. Bea is the willful, spoilt debutante to a tee, and Clemmie is too much chick-lit protagonist to have an actual personality of her own. Also, for a rational lawyer nearing her middle age, she reacts like a horrified teenager to one little family secret that, in my opinion, isn't even that big. No spoilers here, since we know this as the reader, but Addie turns out not to be her grandmother. She has been there for Clementine her entire life, and has been a mother, if not the biological one, for her mother and aunt all of their lives. It therefore makes little sense that the grown Clemmie would act like this is such a huge heartbreaking betrayal that this is kept from her.
There are also some holes in the plot that I felt could have been fleshed out, with Bea's story after Kenya. With our omniscient view as reader, and with all that we know, it doesn't make sense to leave such big gaping plot holes.
This book spans roughly the early 1900s through the mid 1920s in England and Kenya, and runs parallel to 1999 London and New York.
In 1906, six year old Addie's parents died. Her father was the son of an Earl, and her mother a writer of novels, which rendered them persona-non-grata in their circles. Addie is then brought to live, as a poor relation, with her uncle's family, at their family seat. The lonely, scared, and unwanted Addie is befriended by the bright and lovely Bea. Addie continues her life with the family as the unwanted poor relation, and shadows Bea throughout their early lives, but the two maintained a close relationship. The willful Bea breaks off her loveless marriage to a marquess to run away with her lover Frederick (who had previously been seeing Addie) to Kenya. It is in Kenya where things unfold that would change their lives and that of their descendants, including that of present-day Clementine.
Clementine is a stereotypical modern woman, working a thankless job as a lawyer and with a failed love life. Her story in this book begins with an invitation to the 99th birthday party of her ailing grandmother Addie (the aforementioned). She is unsatisfied with her life, and an encounter with a stepcousin hints at a rekindled romance. Tensions gather at her grandmother's party, and resentful old aunt Anna (I really find it hard to imagine a whiny, spoilt 70 year old, but there you have it) reveals some family skeletons that nobody discusses.
I felt that, with the exception of Addie, the characters were mostly one-dimensional. Bea is the willful, spoilt debutante to a tee, and Clemmie is too much chick-lit protagonist to have an actual personality of her own. Also, for a rational lawyer nearing her middle age, she reacts like a horrified teenager to one little family secret that, in my opinion, isn't even that big. No spoilers here, since we know this as the reader, but Addie turns out not to be her grandmother. She has been there for Clementine her entire life, and has been a mother, if not the biological one, for her mother and aunt all of their lives. It therefore makes little sense that the grown Clemmie would act like this is such a huge heartbreaking betrayal that this is kept from her.
There are also some holes in the plot that I felt could have been fleshed out, with Bea's story after Kenya. With our omniscient view as reader, and with all that we know, it doesn't make sense to leave such big gaping plot holes.
June 30, 2018
2.5 כוכבים.
הרעיון שעומד בבסיס הספר מעניין אבל
הביצוע די צולע.
הסיפור נע בין שנות ה 20 של המאה ה20 לבין שנות ה 2000. סבתא של קלמנטיין, קלמי, חוגגת את יום הולדתה, אירוע שמתניע שרשרת של גילויים מרעישים על חייה של אדי (סבתא של קלמי). קלמי בדיוק נפרדה מבן זוגה. היא בת 34, עורכת דין המועמדת לשותפות, וחייה נכנסים לסיחרור בעקבות הגילויים שהולכים ומצטברים.
אדי, התייתמה מהוריה בגיל 5 ונשלחה לבית דודה באשפורד אנגליה. שם היא גדלה תחת משטר רודני של דודתה. אבל היא גם פוגשת את בת דודה בי, שהופכת להיות לה לאחות.
בי הפרועה והלא שמרנית, חייה את החיים עד תומם. כבת לאצולה בריטית ולמשפחה עשירה, מצפים ממנה להתנהגות מסויימת אך כשבעלה בוגד בה היא לא נכנעת לתכתיבי החברה ונמלטת עם המאהב שלה לקניה. כשאדי מגיעה לבקר אותה ב 1926, היא נעלמת ועתה פתרון התעלומה של ההיעלמות הזו מתגלגל לפתחה של קלמי.
אני חייבת לציין שישנם קטעים מעניינים בספר ביחוד במערכת היחסים של קלמי עם ג'ון ובמערכת היחסים של אדי עם פרדריק. אבל הסיפור נגרר ונגרר ונגרר ואין סוף לפרטים, חלקם מיותרים ותוקעים את עלילה שגם כך היא לא מותחן רגיל אלא יותר סיפור היסטורי שחקירתו מובילה לפתרון התעלומה.
הדמות של קלמי לא בנויה היטב והיא די פלקט שמשמש להעברת מידע על הדמויות האחרות ועל קורותיהן. הדבר היחידי שמעניין בה, הוא הקשר שלה עם ג'ון וגם קשר הזה רק נרמז ואינו מפורט דיו.
הבחירה לעבור בין התקופות יכלה להיות מוצלחת לו חלוקת הפרקים והאירועים היתה אחרת. במקומות מסויימים הרגשתי שזו חלוקה סתמית שנועדה ליצור מתח מסויים לקראת הפרק הבא, מה שגרם לעוד קיטוע בקריאה.
בי אינה באמת דמות מוסברת ובהתאם פתרון העלילה אינו מוסבר. החלק עד ההיעלמות מוסבר אבל אחר כך כלום. לא קורותיה ולא המניעים שמאחוריהם. בקיצור בחלק החשוב ביותר הקורא נשאר וחצי תאוותו בידו אחרי אין סוף ברברת שאמורה לבנות את הרקע בזה מסתכם הסיפור ברקע.
אולי הסופרת חושבת שהקורא יעשה איזו קפיצת אמונה ויסתפק בפרטים הדלים שהיא מספקת, אבל באמת ציפיתי ליותר.
למעשה זה ספר של 2.5 כוכבים מבחינתי, אבל עיגלתי בגלל שבאמתת היו בו חלקים טובים.
הרעיון שעומד בבסיס הספר מעניין אבל
הביצוע די צולע.
הסיפור נע בין שנות ה 20 של המאה ה20 לבין שנות ה 2000. סבתא של קלמנטיין, קלמי, חוגגת את יום הולדתה, אירוע שמתניע שרשרת של גילויים מרעישים על חייה של אדי (סבתא של קלמי). קלמי בדיוק נפרדה מבן זוגה. היא בת 34, עורכת דין המועמדת לשותפות, וחייה נכנסים לסיחרור בעקבות הגילויים שהולכים ומצטברים.
אדי, התייתמה מהוריה בגיל 5 ונשלחה לבית דודה באשפורד אנגליה. שם היא גדלה תחת משטר רודני של דודתה. אבל היא גם פוגשת את בת דודה בי, שהופכת להיות לה לאחות.
בי הפרועה והלא שמרנית, חייה את החיים עד תומם. כבת לאצולה בריטית ולמשפחה עשירה, מצפים ממנה להתנהגות מסויימת אך כשבעלה בוגד בה היא לא נכנעת לתכתיבי החברה ונמלטת עם המאהב שלה לקניה. כשאדי מגיעה לבקר אותה ב 1926, היא נעלמת ועתה פתרון התעלומה של ההיעלמות הזו מתגלגל לפתחה של קלמי.
אני חייבת לציין שישנם קטעים מעניינים בספר ביחוד במערכת היחסים של קלמי עם ג'ון ובמערכת היחסים של אדי עם פרדריק. אבל הסיפור נגרר ונגרר ונגרר ואין סוף לפרטים, חלקם מיותרים ותוקעים את עלילה שגם כך היא לא מותחן רגיל אלא יותר סיפור היסטורי שחקירתו מובילה לפתרון התעלומה.
הדמות של קלמי לא בנויה היטב והיא די פלקט שמשמש להעברת מידע על הדמויות האחרות ועל קורותיהן. הדבר היחידי שמעניין בה, הוא הקשר שלה עם ג'ון וגם קשר הזה רק נרמז ואינו מפורט דיו.
הבחירה לעבור בין התקופות יכלה להיות מוצלחת לו חלוקת הפרקים והאירועים היתה אחרת. במקומות מסויימים הרגשתי שזו חלוקה סתמית שנועדה ליצור מתח מסויים לקראת הפרק הבא, מה שגרם לעוד קיטוע בקריאה.
בי אינה באמת דמות מוסברת ובהתאם פתרון העלילה אינו מוסבר. החלק עד ההיעלמות מוסבר אבל אחר כך כלום. לא קורותיה ולא המניעים שמאחוריהם. בקיצור בחלק החשוב ביותר הקורא נשאר וחצי תאוותו בידו אחרי אין סוף ברברת שאמורה לבנות את הרקע בזה מסתכם הסיפור ברקע.
אולי הסופרת חושבת שהקורא יעשה איזו קפיצת אמונה ויסתפק בפרטים הדלים שהיא מספקת, אבל באמת ציפיתי ליותר.
למעשה זה ספר של 2.5 כוכבים מבחינתי, אבל עיגלתי בגלל שבאמתת היו בו חלקים טובים.
June 5, 2013
Really, there should be a half star selection here, as I would have rated it 2.5, simply for Ms Willig's writing style. I picked this up from the library, where I had been on the waiting list for the release, so that should tell you that I anticipated this novel, it wasn't a spur of the moment selection.
I have ready and enjoyed the Pink Carnation series, for the lighthearted but entertaining novels they are. I was hoping for a deeper, and possibly darker, tale in The Ashford Affair. I was truthfully, not invested in these characters. Populating the 1926 era of the novel were Addie and Bea, the poor relation and the spolied debutante, whose characters seemed driven by those exact discriptions. There was no duality to them for me, no deeper level than the surface character. Clemmie, our modern era narrator, was much the same, and her search for a mystery in her family's past (which was not a very great secret, mind you) triggered nothing much in me except exasperation for the way she comports herself.
The timing of the novel, the births (late babies to explain away decades) and setting itself (1999) was stretched so much to make the novel work, that it left the story itself feeling so contrived. It disconcerted me enough to google when Blackberry released their first (as Clemmie spends a great portion of her time either hearing it or imagining it buzzing in her bag) and, you guessed it.. in 1999.
The "past" story line itself: poor girl, falls in love, loses him to rich cousin, goes out to Africa, hopes she's over him, oh, she's not, cousins a whore, love of life realizes he was an idiot, etc read much like a formulatic romance novel. The "modern" story line seemed to encompass more time that the more interesting 1926 story, and had the added detraction of seemingly up to the minute cultural references that are over a decade ahead of their time.
I will read the new novels in her Pink Carnation series, but this one, hopefully, will not be indicative of how any stand alones will be in the future
I have ready and enjoyed the Pink Carnation series, for the lighthearted but entertaining novels they are. I was hoping for a deeper, and possibly darker, tale in The Ashford Affair. I was truthfully, not invested in these characters. Populating the 1926 era of the novel were Addie and Bea, the poor relation and the spolied debutante, whose characters seemed driven by those exact discriptions. There was no duality to them for me, no deeper level than the surface character. Clemmie, our modern era narrator, was much the same, and her search for a mystery in her family's past (which was not a very great secret, mind you) triggered nothing much in me except exasperation for the way she comports herself.
The timing of the novel, the births (late babies to explain away decades) and setting itself (1999) was stretched so much to make the novel work, that it left the story itself feeling so contrived. It disconcerted me enough to google when Blackberry released their first (as Clemmie spends a great portion of her time either hearing it or imagining it buzzing in her bag) and, you guessed it.. in 1999.
The "past" story line itself: poor girl, falls in love, loses him to rich cousin, goes out to Africa, hopes she's over him, oh, she's not, cousins a whore, love of life realizes he was an idiot, etc read much like a formulatic romance novel. The "modern" story line seemed to encompass more time that the more interesting 1926 story, and had the added detraction of seemingly up to the minute cultural references that are over a decade ahead of their time.
I will read the new novels in her Pink Carnation series, but this one, hopefully, will not be indicative of how any stand alones will be in the future
August 17, 2013
THE ASHFORD AFFAIR
Lauren Willig
I didn’t think I’d ever find a down side to being an obsessive reader, but I’m afraid I’ve found that slippery slope. There have been so many wonderful books written about a lost letter, a forgotten diary or a buried family secret, I am becoming a little jaded, and having trouble really becoming engaged. Despite this lack on my part, I have to say this is a very good book.
THE ASHFORD AFFAIR is a departure from Ms. Willigs Pink Carnation Series, and a standalone novel.
Clementine Evans ambition has finally paid off as she is about to become a partner in her Manhattan law firm when her broken engagement and the long hours and sacrifices really don’t seem worth it. At her grandmother, Addies ninety nine birthday party, Clementine discover a secret that will send her on a journey into the past, and change her life completely.
Early in the twentieth century, Addie who has lost her parents is sent to the grand English house of her aunt, uncle, and beautiful cousin, Bea. Addie and Bea bond into a great relationship that is a lot like sisters until the bond of sisterhood cannot withstand the life changing events that are stronger than any sisterhood.
THE ASHFORD AFFAIR is an artfully written sage of three generations of a family containing all the lust, power and loss necessary for a great read. The two women are in different eras, different continents and are bonded by the deeply buried secrets. The novel takes us from England to Kenya to New York, from World War I to the present time.
Lauren Willig
I didn’t think I’d ever find a down side to being an obsessive reader, but I’m afraid I’ve found that slippery slope. There have been so many wonderful books written about a lost letter, a forgotten diary or a buried family secret, I am becoming a little jaded, and having trouble really becoming engaged. Despite this lack on my part, I have to say this is a very good book.
THE ASHFORD AFFAIR is a departure from Ms. Willigs Pink Carnation Series, and a standalone novel.
Clementine Evans ambition has finally paid off as she is about to become a partner in her Manhattan law firm when her broken engagement and the long hours and sacrifices really don’t seem worth it. At her grandmother, Addies ninety nine birthday party, Clementine discover a secret that will send her on a journey into the past, and change her life completely.
Early in the twentieth century, Addie who has lost her parents is sent to the grand English house of her aunt, uncle, and beautiful cousin, Bea. Addie and Bea bond into a great relationship that is a lot like sisters until the bond of sisterhood cannot withstand the life changing events that are stronger than any sisterhood.
THE ASHFORD AFFAIR is an artfully written sage of three generations of a family containing all the lust, power and loss necessary for a great read. The two women are in different eras, different continents and are bonded by the deeply buried secrets. The novel takes us from England to Kenya to New York, from World War I to the present time.
June 17, 2018
This book is a sweeping, multi generational story spanning over 100 years and across the continent.
The story is extremely well told, in chapters that go back and forth in time from the early 1900’s to the late 1990’s; from London’s British society to the hot, dry, red dirt hills of Kenya to the shimmering skyline of New York.
The main character, whom the story basically surrounds itself, is Granny Addie who is 99 years old who has quite a few secrets of her own. She is the family’s matriarch and loving grandmother of Clementine.
Clementine is, young, bright, and unfortunately, a workaholic at a prestigious law firm in Manhattan. She is in line to becoming partner at the firm and has a real jerk of a boss. Her fierce determination and hard work ethic has caused her important time away from personal, family and serious relationship issues.
Unfortunately, Granny Addie’s health and memory are quickly slipping away and her long buried secret(s) might go to the grave with her if the family as a whole don’t know it or don’t want it exposed.
Granny Addie has two living children, Anna, an outspoken and highly flirtatious, rather eccentric aunt, married four times. This is Aunt Anna. The other daughter is Marjorie, Clementine’s mother, who is totally opposite in character to Anna. They “get along to get along” but are in constant opposition with each other especially when it comes to Granny Addie and her life; what they know or try to hide about their mothers younger, former life.
Granny Addie and her husband, Frederick have/had a very close, special and loving relationship, the kind to be admired and wanted in our own lives, but...there is a unique, surprising, twisted story behind their relationship from the day they met, past the day he died, and this story takes you through it all. It’s really unique, and it’s really compelling and it also heavily involves Bea.
So who is Bea? Bea is the oldest daughter of Addie’s aristocratic aunt and uncle. When Addie’s parents pass away, Addie is taken to their home to be raised side by side with their family. Bea and Addie become so much closer than sisters. One is so different from the other in style and personality. However, through thick and thin, good times and bad, Addie and Bea remain a constant.
The book unfurls an astounding story that for the times is quite remarkable. We are taken along for the entire journey with Clementine as she uncovers the secrets and betrayals of her beloved Granny Addie and Bea and Frederick and also gains a better relationship and understanding of her mother, Aunt Anna and also, of herself.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was quite compelling and the characters were all different and true to life. The historical details were not overly done, but were enough to get the feel of the era and the various locations.
So now I’ve got to say it - the ONLY thing that was an irritant/distraction for me was the nickname of “Clemmie” for Clementine. “Clemmie” was just not a good or strong name fit for the character profile that was portrayed in this story.
The story is extremely well told, in chapters that go back and forth in time from the early 1900’s to the late 1990’s; from London’s British society to the hot, dry, red dirt hills of Kenya to the shimmering skyline of New York.
The main character, whom the story basically surrounds itself, is Granny Addie who is 99 years old who has quite a few secrets of her own. She is the family’s matriarch and loving grandmother of Clementine.
Clementine is, young, bright, and unfortunately, a workaholic at a prestigious law firm in Manhattan. She is in line to becoming partner at the firm and has a real jerk of a boss. Her fierce determination and hard work ethic has caused her important time away from personal, family and serious relationship issues.
Unfortunately, Granny Addie’s health and memory are quickly slipping away and her long buried secret(s) might go to the grave with her if the family as a whole don’t know it or don’t want it exposed.
Granny Addie has two living children, Anna, an outspoken and highly flirtatious, rather eccentric aunt, married four times. This is Aunt Anna. The other daughter is Marjorie, Clementine’s mother, who is totally opposite in character to Anna. They “get along to get along” but are in constant opposition with each other especially when it comes to Granny Addie and her life; what they know or try to hide about their mothers younger, former life.
Granny Addie and her husband, Frederick have/had a very close, special and loving relationship, the kind to be admired and wanted in our own lives, but...there is a unique, surprising, twisted story behind their relationship from the day they met, past the day he died, and this story takes you through it all. It’s really unique, and it’s really compelling and it also heavily involves Bea.
So who is Bea? Bea is the oldest daughter of Addie’s aristocratic aunt and uncle. When Addie’s parents pass away, Addie is taken to their home to be raised side by side with their family. Bea and Addie become so much closer than sisters. One is so different from the other in style and personality. However, through thick and thin, good times and bad, Addie and Bea remain a constant.
The book unfurls an astounding story that for the times is quite remarkable. We are taken along for the entire journey with Clementine as she uncovers the secrets and betrayals of her beloved Granny Addie and Bea and Frederick and also gains a better relationship and understanding of her mother, Aunt Anna and also, of herself.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was quite compelling and the characters were all different and true to life. The historical details were not overly done, but were enough to get the feel of the era and the various locations.
So now I’ve got to say it - the ONLY thing that was an irritant/distraction for me was the nickname of “Clemmie” for Clementine. “Clemmie” was just not a good or strong name fit for the character profile that was portrayed in this story.
October 1, 2017
Втората ми прочетена книга от Лорън Уилиг. Тази жена определено намира място сред любимите ми автори. Стилът й на писане е съвсем обикновен, но някак се просмуква в теб и четенето ти върви леко и приятно. Създава живи и истински герои, които може на моменти да изглеждат малко клиширани, но същевременно и много реалистично описани. Отделно не съм срещала друг автор, който така блестящо да се справя с история, развиваща се в два различни времеви периода. Ясно ти е от началото какъв е краят и пак прелистваш страница след страница, жаден да разбереш какво се случва по-нататък.
За втори прочетен роман на Уилиг мога да кажа, че структурата (скелето) на нейните книги явно следва един и същи модел, но детайлите ги правят напълно различни един от друг и вълнуващи за четене. Отделно и научаваш нещо ново покрай книгите й и винаги получаваш отговор на въпросите, които си задаваш, винаги. Това за мен е разковничето за добър исторически любовен роман.
За самата книга мога да кажа, че периодът между двете световни войни никога не ме е вълнувал, но Уилиг пише страшно увлекателно, та няма вариант да не ти е интересно. Освен мистерията, която ме подлуди, докато разбера какво се е случило, научих интересни факти за жените през периода между двете световни войни. Неща, за които никога не съм предполага.
Образователен, увлекателен и романтичен роман! И сега се размечтах да видя Кения на живо! :)
За втори прочетен роман на Уилиг мога да кажа, че структурата (скелето) на нейните книги явно следва един и същи модел, но детайлите ги правят напълно различни един от друг и вълнуващи за четене. Отделно и научаваш нещо ново покрай книгите й и винаги получаваш отговор на въпросите, които си задаваш, винаги. Това за мен е разковничето за добър исторически любовен роман.
За самата книга мога да кажа, че периодът между двете световни войни никога не ме е вълнувал, но Уилиг пише страшно увлекателно, та няма вариант да не ти е интересно. Освен мистерията, която ме подлуди, докато разбера какво се е случило, научих интересни факти за жените през периода между двете световни войни. Неща, за които никога не съм предполага.
Образователен, увлекателен и романтичен роман! И сега се размечтах да видя Кения на живо! :)
August 10, 2015
I receiced a free ARC through Goodreads and St. Martin's Press. Thanks!
I've never read anything by Lauren Willig, so I wasn't sure what to expect. By chapter two, I had at least decided that her writing style is excellent. By chapter three, I was fully engaged in both stories & couldn't wait to see how they tied together. My favorite part was the early 1900's story with Bea and Addie. Bea was such a spoiled princess. Right away I knew that I was rooting for Addie. This novel was obviously well researched & the way it slipped back and forth, from past to almost present day, kept up the suspense.
I didn't agree with the back cover description 'Out of Africa feel with a Downton Abbey cast'. I think the story is engaging & imaginative, but not at all like either show. I will definitely check out the author's Pink Carnation series after reading The Ashford Affair.
I've never read anything by Lauren Willig, so I wasn't sure what to expect. By chapter two, I had at least decided that her writing style is excellent. By chapter three, I was fully engaged in both stories & couldn't wait to see how they tied together. My favorite part was the early 1900's story with Bea and Addie. Bea was such a spoiled princess. Right away I knew that I was rooting for Addie. This novel was obviously well researched & the way it slipped back and forth, from past to almost present day, kept up the suspense.
I didn't agree with the back cover description 'Out of Africa feel with a Downton Abbey cast'. I think the story is engaging & imaginative, but not at all like either show. I will definitely check out the author's Pink Carnation series after reading The Ashford Affair.
May 9, 2013
I loved this book! A family saga that I just wanted to devour. I thought Lauren Willig did such a great job weaving together the story that went from 1920's England, to Kenya, to 2000's New York. I got so wrapped up in these characters lives that I hated being interrupted. Through all the family secrets and lies, it was a family that was loved and ended up where they needed to be. Sometimes a family isn't always as simple as black and white. And sometimes going left rather than right all the time will bring you to a place that was meant to be.
This story had it all: witty dialogue, love story, friendship, beautiful scenery, history, betrayals, and mystery. Highly recommended!
This story had it all: witty dialogue, love story, friendship, beautiful scenery, history, betrayals, and mystery. Highly recommended!
January 26, 2013
I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway listed by Sarah Goldstein of St. Martin’s Press. I could not have been more excited. I am a big fan of Lauren Willig’s “Pink Carnation” series, and I have been looking forward to seeing how Lauren would write on a topic that wasn’t Napoleonic spies.
I was hugely impressed. Lauren’s story spans about a hundred years of one family’s history, with settings in post-WWI England, 1920s Kenya, and modern day NYC. The modern-day heroine, Clementine Evans, is an associate in a law firm and trying desperately to make partner. She has put the majority of her life on hold for her job, and all she has to show for it is a broken engagement and the realization that her beloved Granny Addie is 99 years old and looking it. When Granny Addie mistakenly refers to Clemmie as “Bea,” Clemmie realizes there are a lot of things she doesn’t know about her own family’s history, and she decides to do some digging.
Lauren’s flashbacks to England and Kenya are great. I loved the way she described the feel of England entering the jazz age – one generation trying hard to pretend nothing has changed while a younger generation pushes fearlessly into new music, fashions and modes of entertainment. I enjoyed reading about the various challenges of trying to start a coffee farm in Kenya. Lauren describes this book as more of a “Kate Morton” style of story than her previous books, and I agree with that. Along the way, as we slip back and forth between time periods, there are hints dropped and discoveries made that add to up a surprising, very satisfying conclusion.
I thought this book was great for several reasons. First, my grandmother passed away six months ago, so I identified strongly with Clemmie’s realization that time has slipped away, and there are countless things she wants to know about Granny Addie that she never thought to ask. Also, I have always liked the style of story where a family secret stretches over generations and enough clues remain for one person to piece the truth together. Lauren did a great job with this. Fans of Lauren’s earlier work will enjoy a hat-tip to her “Pink” readers – one of characters we meet in Kenya is a descendant of Lord Vaughn and Mary Alsworthy from the “Pink” series.
I have really enjoyed all of Lauren’s books, and it’s nice to know she won’t be riding off into the sunset when she brings the “Pink” series to a close. I look forward to seeing what she will do next!
I was hugely impressed. Lauren’s story spans about a hundred years of one family’s history, with settings in post-WWI England, 1920s Kenya, and modern day NYC. The modern-day heroine, Clementine Evans, is an associate in a law firm and trying desperately to make partner. She has put the majority of her life on hold for her job, and all she has to show for it is a broken engagement and the realization that her beloved Granny Addie is 99 years old and looking it. When Granny Addie mistakenly refers to Clemmie as “Bea,” Clemmie realizes there are a lot of things she doesn’t know about her own family’s history, and she decides to do some digging.
Lauren’s flashbacks to England and Kenya are great. I loved the way she described the feel of England entering the jazz age – one generation trying hard to pretend nothing has changed while a younger generation pushes fearlessly into new music, fashions and modes of entertainment. I enjoyed reading about the various challenges of trying to start a coffee farm in Kenya. Lauren describes this book as more of a “Kate Morton” style of story than her previous books, and I agree with that. Along the way, as we slip back and forth between time periods, there are hints dropped and discoveries made that add to up a surprising, very satisfying conclusion.
I thought this book was great for several reasons. First, my grandmother passed away six months ago, so I identified strongly with Clemmie’s realization that time has slipped away, and there are countless things she wants to know about Granny Addie that she never thought to ask. Also, I have always liked the style of story where a family secret stretches over generations and enough clues remain for one person to piece the truth together. Lauren did a great job with this. Fans of Lauren’s earlier work will enjoy a hat-tip to her “Pink” readers – one of characters we meet in Kenya is a descendant of Lord Vaughn and Mary Alsworthy from the “Pink” series.
I have really enjoyed all of Lauren’s books, and it’s nice to know she won’t be riding off into the sunset when she brings the “Pink” series to a close. I look forward to seeing what she will do next!
February 13, 2013
The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig would be a perfect book club selection. The complex plot and story told in this novel would give people hours of topics worth discussing.
This narrative was intriguing and at times a little heart-wrenching. The author has done an exemplary job of bringing her characters from the pages into flesh and blood for her readers. I was impressed by the depth of the people in this book and the way their story produced emotion in me. I love it when you read a book and you just know if the main character was a real person they would be a dear friend. That was how this book made me feel.
The very original plot includes a setting in an era that is not often utilized in fiction. One of the things that made me like this book so much was that difference. You get the opinion that these are real, down to earth people. They are concerned with things that we now take for granted every day. although they try hard to act as though everything is normal.
A book very much about the power of second chances and it never being too late to find love, this was the heartwarming read I had been searching for.
If you are familiar with this author and her Pink Carnation series, this will be a bit of a surprise, as it does stray from what one would expect after reading her earlier works, but I thought it was a wonderful change.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quiet evening in and a novel to warm your soul.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher.
This narrative was intriguing and at times a little heart-wrenching. The author has done an exemplary job of bringing her characters from the pages into flesh and blood for her readers. I was impressed by the depth of the people in this book and the way their story produced emotion in me. I love it when you read a book and you just know if the main character was a real person they would be a dear friend. That was how this book made me feel.
The very original plot includes a setting in an era that is not often utilized in fiction. One of the things that made me like this book so much was that difference. You get the opinion that these are real, down to earth people. They are concerned with things that we now take for granted every day. although they try hard to act as though everything is normal.
A book very much about the power of second chances and it never being too late to find love, this was the heartwarming read I had been searching for.
If you are familiar with this author and her Pink Carnation series, this will be a bit of a surprise, as it does stray from what one would expect after reading her earlier works, but I thought it was a wonderful change.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quiet evening in and a novel to warm your soul.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher.
April 16, 2013
Drawing comparisons to Downton Abbey and Out of Africa, The Ashford Affair is a magnificent tale of how one dramatic secret shaped a family for generations. It centers on Clementine, the youngest grandchild in a sprawling family, now a grown-up lawyer in a powerful Manhattan firm, and Addie, the ailing matriarch whom Clem adores and equates with a sense of home and belonging. The novel deftly maneuvers between present day New York City, pre- and post- WWI London, and Kenya in the 1920’s, as Clem tries to resolve the grandmother she knows with what she is learning about her past; particularly in regards to Addie's enigmatic cousin, Bea. Fortunately, we as the readers are treated to the full story of Addie’s extraordinary life—from her arrival as the orphaned “poor relation” at grand Ashford House to her marriage in British Kenya and subsequent life in New York—as the parallel narrative structure sweeps the reader backward and forward in time, heightening the drama and making the most of surprising plot twists. In the end, it is one of those thoroughly satisfying novels that, once you reach the final page, you’re tempted to turn back to the beginning, just so you can linger in the Ashford world a while longer.
April 26, 2017
Ήταν μια αξιόλογη προσπάθεια να μας μεταφέρει στον τρόπο ζωής των βρετανών αριστοκρατών του προηγούμενου αιώνα, αλλά δεν με κάλυψε. Όσον αφορά την μυθοπλασία ήταν εντάξει και στις δύο ιστορίες (παρελθόντος, παρόντος και στο δέσιμό τους), αλλά δεν υπήρχαν οι περιγραφές που θα με βοηθούσαν να κάνω εικόνα με το μυαλό μου τον χώρο στον οποίο διαδραματίζονταν τα εκάστοτε γεγονότα. Ούτε για τους πύργους έκανα εικόνα ούτε για τις εκτάσεις στην Κένυα.
Υπήρχαν υπερβολικά πολλοί διάλογοι, με αποτέλεσμα να μου θυμίζουν κάτι από σαπουνόπερα σε κάποια σημεία τους. Και νομίζω ότι πήγε κάποιες στιγμές..... να δώσει ανάλαφρο τόνο; να κάνει χιόυμορ; δεν πολυκατάλαβα, αλλά ό,τι και να ήθελε να πετύχει εμένα δεν μου άρεσε. Στην αρχή σκέφτηκα ότι θα υπάρχει κάποιο πρόβλημα με τη μετάφραση, αλλά επειδή γνωρίζω τον μεταφραστή (από το όνομα, όχι προσωπικά, απλά βλέπω ότι έχει μεταφράσει πολλά βιβλία που μου άρεσαν) αναγκαστικά θα θεωρήσω ότι δεν μου ταιριάζει ο τρόπος γραφής της συγγραφέως.
http://kiallovivlio.blogspot.gr/
Υπήρχαν υπερβολικά πολλοί διάλογοι, με αποτέλεσμα να μου θυμίζουν κάτι από σαπουνόπερα σε κάποια σημεία τους. Και νομίζω ότι πήγε κάποιες στιγμές..... να δώσει ανάλαφρο τόνο; να κάνει χιόυμορ; δεν πολυκατάλαβα, αλλά ό,τι και να ήθελε να πετύχει εμένα δεν μου άρεσε. Στην αρχή σκέφτηκα ότι θα υπάρχει κάποιο πρόβλημα με τη μετάφραση, αλλά επειδή γνωρίζω τον μεταφραστή (από το όνομα, όχι προσωπικά, απλά βλέπω ότι έχει μεταφράσει πολλά βιβλία που μου άρεσαν) αναγκαστικά θα θεωρήσω ότι δεν μου ταιριάζει ο τρόπος γραφής της συγγραφέως.
http://kiallovivlio.blogspot.gr/
April 14, 2013
I would have liked to give this more than 3 stars but I won't. I liked the novel mainly because I liked the time in which it was partly set, the decade following World War I. I also thank the author for not writing a predictable plot line. The love stories, while intertwined, were written with some thought. I appreciate that. However, while entertaining, the novel lacked the character development found in books by authors like Kate Morton. The Ashord Affair is a diversion and an enjoyable one but not much more.
I would recommend reading The Bolter by Frances Osborne a biography of Idina Sackville the original bolter. She too left for Africa under similar circumstances. The biography is mentioned in the acknowledgments at the end of the book. Also mentioned is the new novel by Deanna Raybourn, A Spear of Summer Grass due out April 30, 2013 in the states. I can't wait. Raybourn is one of my favorite romance writers.
I would recommend reading The Bolter by Frances Osborne a biography of Idina Sackville the original bolter. She too left for Africa under similar circumstances. The biography is mentioned in the acknowledgments at the end of the book. Also mentioned is the new novel by Deanna Raybourn, A Spear of Summer Grass due out April 30, 2013 in the states. I can't wait. Raybourn is one of my favorite romance writers.
February 5, 2017
Давам такава оценка с клизма.
Почти до средата на книгат�� бях отегчена.
Пълна е с плява.
И доста хаотична.
В някакъв момент започна да става по-интересна , но по-скоро останах разочарована.
Очаквах с нетърпение нова книга на авторката.
Историята сама по себе си е интересна, но този път някак не върви гладко и не успя да ме завладее.
Почти до средата на книгат�� бях отегчена.
Пълна е с плява.
И доста хаотична.
В някакъв момент започна да става по-интересна , но по-скоро останах разочарована.
Очаквах с нетърпение нова книга на авторката.
Историята сама по себе си е интересна, но този път някак не върви гладко и не успя да ме завладее.
March 8, 2024
Δεν με συγκίνησε ιδιαίτερα …
July 8, 2025
The twist was predictable, but the story was good!
September 29, 2023
After DNFing another novel yet to be published, I had a window to finally get to reading this lovely book. You can read my #bookreview of this novel on my #bookblog here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2023/09/2...
July 15, 2013
Addie Gillicote’s life has evolved into a series of dramatic changes, some of which fall upon her and some of which she inadvertently causes. Her granddaughter, Clementine (Clemmie), seems to be following the same journey. It all begins with the sudden, accidental death of Addie’s parents when she is sent to live with her cousin, Bea’s family. Addie is really unwanted, the daughter of “bohemian” parents who really doesn’t fit into the aristocratic family she is now expected to call her own. WWI looms almost immediately upon her arrival, but Bea and Addie promise from the very first day to be like “sisters.” What is to follow is far from sisterly behavior!
The story goes back and forth between the late 1920’s in England to New York in the year 2000. Addie is old and frail but we are treated to the story of her life, which includes falling in love with what she believes is the wrong man; Bea marries the wrong man, divorces, and then is forced to marry another man, Frederick; they quickly tire of each other and even come to loathe each other. Bea believes she saved Addie from the likes of Frederick but the story shows otherwise with a shocking series of events that doesn’t come to light until Clemmie, years later finds out the truth that is really about lie after lie after lie.
Frederick is a stereotypical character marred by the awful memories he carries from his time of service in WWI. He is so shocked and marred that he is incapable of following his heart instead of reasoning what could possibly destroy the woman he truly loves! He will change but not until he is so in love with a daughter that he fears to choose a lifestyle that might mean losing her and later his wife, Bea.
In a time when couples married for social standing, love arrangements seem to be satirized, especially when they are reached through rebellion and from selfish interests. Clemmie, after losing a senior associate lawyer’s position in which she hoped to become partner after seven grueling years of work and sacrifice, is circumspect about the possibility of love and finding where to fit in for one’s own worth, a position contrary to everything she was raised to believe would guarantee happiness. Changing times often leave behind personalities who either refuse to change or who choose the most contrary opposite of lifestyles. It’s all about finding one’s identity as one loses the old ways; for some it works, for others it’s tragic!
The Ashford Affair is a gripping story of love and hate gone awry and reaching out for a satisfactory union that will heal a mass of wounds almost worse than war itself! Lauren Willig has crafted a stunning read that is quite reflective of the eighty year span of history that shaped and jettisoned generations into the twenty-first century. Great Read!
The story goes back and forth between the late 1920’s in England to New York in the year 2000. Addie is old and frail but we are treated to the story of her life, which includes falling in love with what she believes is the wrong man; Bea marries the wrong man, divorces, and then is forced to marry another man, Frederick; they quickly tire of each other and even come to loathe each other. Bea believes she saved Addie from the likes of Frederick but the story shows otherwise with a shocking series of events that doesn’t come to light until Clemmie, years later finds out the truth that is really about lie after lie after lie.
Frederick is a stereotypical character marred by the awful memories he carries from his time of service in WWI. He is so shocked and marred that he is incapable of following his heart instead of reasoning what could possibly destroy the woman he truly loves! He will change but not until he is so in love with a daughter that he fears to choose a lifestyle that might mean losing her and later his wife, Bea.
In a time when couples married for social standing, love arrangements seem to be satirized, especially when they are reached through rebellion and from selfish interests. Clemmie, after losing a senior associate lawyer’s position in which she hoped to become partner after seven grueling years of work and sacrifice, is circumspect about the possibility of love and finding where to fit in for one’s own worth, a position contrary to everything she was raised to believe would guarantee happiness. Changing times often leave behind personalities who either refuse to change or who choose the most contrary opposite of lifestyles. It’s all about finding one’s identity as one loses the old ways; for some it works, for others it’s tragic!
The Ashford Affair is a gripping story of love and hate gone awry and reaching out for a satisfactory union that will heal a mass of wounds almost worse than war itself! Lauren Willig has crafted a stunning read that is quite reflective of the eighty year span of history that shaped and jettisoned generations into the twenty-first century. Great Read!
April 5, 2013
Full of historical detail and a big, sweeping romance, The Ashford Affair makes for a thrilling read. As in her beloved
Pink Carnation
series, Willig presents readers with a story within a story. However, in this case, the modern day (or at least kind of modern - their story is set in 1999) lovers' quest for the past takes them through some thorny family secrets and discovery. What they - and we - think we know about our families may not be the whole story.
At 34, Clementine (Clemmie) Evans has worked for years to make partner at her New York law firm, and it's a quest that has cost her a social life, a fiancé, and most of the things her peers would consider normal in life. There is one relationship that she holds dear, though: Her love for her Granny Addie, the grandmother whom she admires and adores above almost anyone else. Some of her earliest memories center on the love her grandparents had for one another, so when she learns at her grandmother's 99th birthday party that her family may not have been what it seemed, she can't let that mystery go.
From there, we get a story that jumps back and forth between Clementine's life in New York and Addie's life. We see Addie coming, if not entirely welcomed, to live in the home of her aristocratic aunt and uncle in early 20th century England and we get to follow her on into 1920s Kenya. As Clemmie learns more about the life her grandmother lived, she finds herself joining forces with Jonathan Schwartz, a historian and a man from Clemmie's past with whom she might have some unfinished business of her own.
If you like smart dialogue, you'll get plenty of it here. The exchanges between Addie and Frederick, and Clemmie and Jon, as well as with some of the other major characters, made the book jump to life. We see Addie growing into herself as she changes from a lost, unwanted orphan to a confident, somewhat no-nonsense young woman, we see her peers struggling with the changes in society wrought by WWI, and we see Clemmie adjusting as she learns her family's real past rather than the one she thought they had.
This is a partial review. You can find the full text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
At 34, Clementine (Clemmie) Evans has worked for years to make partner at her New York law firm, and it's a quest that has cost her a social life, a fiancé, and most of the things her peers would consider normal in life. There is one relationship that she holds dear, though: Her love for her Granny Addie, the grandmother whom she admires and adores above almost anyone else. Some of her earliest memories center on the love her grandparents had for one another, so when she learns at her grandmother's 99th birthday party that her family may not have been what it seemed, she can't let that mystery go.
From there, we get a story that jumps back and forth between Clementine's life in New York and Addie's life. We see Addie coming, if not entirely welcomed, to live in the home of her aristocratic aunt and uncle in early 20th century England and we get to follow her on into 1920s Kenya. As Clemmie learns more about the life her grandmother lived, she finds herself joining forces with Jonathan Schwartz, a historian and a man from Clemmie's past with whom she might have some unfinished business of her own.
If you like smart dialogue, you'll get plenty of it here. The exchanges between Addie and Frederick, and Clemmie and Jon, as well as with some of the other major characters, made the book jump to life. We see Addie growing into herself as she changes from a lost, unwanted orphan to a confident, somewhat no-nonsense young woman, we see her peers struggling with the changes in society wrought by WWI, and we see Clemmie adjusting as she learns her family's real past rather than the one she thought they had.
This is a partial review. You can find the full text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
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