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Farthest House
When Willow is born and her mother dies moments later, only the narrator of this spellbinding, debut novel knows the death isn't from complications of childbirth. Amelie-Anaïs, buried on the Nebraska hilltop where the family home resides, tells this story of deceit, survival, and love from beyond the grave. Following Willow's life and Willow's incredible passion to paint despite loneliness, a physical handicap, and being raised by a father plagued with secrets, Amelie-Anaïs weaves together the lives of four enigmatic generations.
"Not since 'The Lovely Bones' have we experienced such a moving tale of love, suspense, and family secrets narrated by a ghost. Lukas creates a complex, moving story with brilliant lyricism and hard won realism. She is a rare writer who makes you devour her words. Readers of Alice Hoffman and Anita Shreve will love this novel...and stay up all night to finish it!" -Jonis Agee, author of "The River Wife"
“Margaret Lukas has written a page-turner of a novel. 'Farthest House,' boldly narrated by an unsettled spirit, is part-ghost story and a full-out love story of a family coming to terms with its mysterious past, much of it lived in an ancestral home set within a gorgeously rendered Nebraska landscape. Above all, Farthest House is the story of Willow, a bewildered little girl who grows into a passionate painter. I can’t remember the last time I rooted so enthusiastically for a heroine.” –Anna Monardo, author of "The Courtyard of Dreams" and "Falling in Love with Natassia"
“Haunting and eerily beautiful, Margaret Lukas' 'Farthest House' is like the family treasure chest one finds in the attic. It may seem inviting at first, but open at your own risk. An ode to both what we should and should never know about the generations that preceded us, 'Farthest House' is an unsettling, unforgettable book.” Holiday Reinhorn, author of "Big Cats: Stories"
"Not since 'The Lovely Bones' have we experienced such a moving tale of love, suspense, and family secrets narrated by a ghost. Lukas creates a complex, moving story with brilliant lyricism and hard won realism. She is a rare writer who makes you devour her words. Readers of Alice Hoffman and Anita Shreve will love this novel...and stay up all night to finish it!" -Jonis Agee, author of "The River Wife"
“Margaret Lukas has written a page-turner of a novel. 'Farthest House,' boldly narrated by an unsettled spirit, is part-ghost story and a full-out love story of a family coming to terms with its mysterious past, much of it lived in an ancestral home set within a gorgeously rendered Nebraska landscape. Above all, Farthest House is the story of Willow, a bewildered little girl who grows into a passionate painter. I can’t remember the last time I rooted so enthusiastically for a heroine.” –Anna Monardo, author of "The Courtyard of Dreams" and "Falling in Love with Natassia"
“Haunting and eerily beautiful, Margaret Lukas' 'Farthest House' is like the family treasure chest one finds in the attic. It may seem inviting at first, but open at your own risk. An ode to both what we should and should never know about the generations that preceded us, 'Farthest House' is an unsettling, unforgettable book.” Holiday Reinhorn, author of "Big Cats: Stories"
504 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2014
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937 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 7, 2020
4 1/ 2 stars
I enjoyed “Farthest House” by Margaret Lukas. It was fascinating and at times tear jerking . The novel is an intense story full of struggles in the lives of four mysterious generations
The characters in the book are tightly woven and very relatable. Additionally, there were times when these characters drew my emotions into the family circumstances .
When the main character, Willow is born and her mother dies immediately. This death leads to many complications in Willows life. However, her life is accentuated by an extraordinary commitment to her paintings in spite of frequent stumbling blocks like loneliness, many threats, and a father plagued with addiction.
It is a strong plot full of deceit, threats, survival, and jealousy. It is narrated by a ghost named, Amelie-Anais.
I was drawn to the story because it takes place in Omaha, Nebraska which is my hometown. Regrettably, there’s very little mention of specific Omaha landmarks. This doesn’t detract from the story.
Without a doubt, the writing is original and truly amazing. What was unique about it was how it was written across the many generations.
I give it my highest recommendation
I enjoyed “Farthest House” by Margaret Lukas. It was fascinating and at times tear jerking . The novel is an intense story full of struggles in the lives of four mysterious generations
The characters in the book are tightly woven and very relatable. Additionally, there were times when these characters drew my emotions into the family circumstances .
When the main character, Willow is born and her mother dies immediately. This death leads to many complications in Willows life. However, her life is accentuated by an extraordinary commitment to her paintings in spite of frequent stumbling blocks like loneliness, many threats, and a father plagued with addiction.
It is a strong plot full of deceit, threats, survival, and jealousy. It is narrated by a ghost named, Amelie-Anais.
I was drawn to the story because it takes place in Omaha, Nebraska which is my hometown. Regrettably, there’s very little mention of specific Omaha landmarks. This doesn’t detract from the story.
Without a doubt, the writing is original and truly amazing. What was unique about it was how it was written across the many generations.
I give it my highest recommendation
December 23, 2013
I received this book through Early Readers on Library Thing. It will be released January 2014, and I recommend this book to everyone who likes mysteries/suspense. I mean I REALLY recommend it! If I could give it 10 stars I would. This book grabbed me from the very beginning...A baby girl is born in her grandmother's house and her mother dies immediately after - but not from complications of childbirth. She was murdered. We are told this right at the beginning, but not by who, why, or how. The story is narrated by the baby's great aunt Amelie-Anais, or actually her great aunt's spirit. The rest of the story follows the girl until she's 20.I really can't tell more about the story in this short space, and wouldn't want to try - there is too much! What I can say is that it is filled with suspense from the beginning to end. I feel like I've been holding my breath from start to finish. The characters are so well-drawn that I really felt that I knew them, and certainly developed specific feelings about each of them. The story is so well written, I can't think of any point at which I felt it was dragging. In fact, I started the book yesterday afternoon, had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep last night, then read through the day today, finally finishing the 504 pages just a few minutes ago. You will NOT be disappointed by this book!!
December 23, 2013
I won this uncorrected proof in the November LibraryThing Giveaway and very glad that I did! This book makes me wish I was retired so I could read as late into the night as I wanted! I would have finished this book in one sitting if I had started earlier. This story is told by Amelie-Anais who tells us the story of four enigmatic generations. This narrator is buried where the family home is located in Nebraska. So many secrets and too many deaths. We're following Willow's life and how it is impacted by a birth defect and being raised by a father drowning in sorrow over the loss of his wife during the birth of Willow. Just a wonderful book! It's being published January 28, 2014...mark your calendars!
January 10, 2014
I recieved an advance copy of Farthest House which I finished reading this morning. It is one of the best books I've ever read! The plot is a masterpiece and the characterization is incredible. I loved, loved, loved it! I wanted to read fast to see what happened, and I wanted to read slow to make it last longer.
February 16, 2014
I recieved a copy of this book on Monday and finished it on Wednesday. This was a page turner from the first to the last. There is a lot to connect to in regards to Nebraska, France, Native America, Catholosism and religion in general. You just want to root for all the victims, and have hope for family. I have to hand it to Margaret who not only kept me interested, but made me search my memories for the timeframe of the novel, starting in 1960 as I was born in 1961. Growing up in a very small town, the house and her description of it's origins are not too disimilar from stories of some houses from my towns history. Though different stories altogether, it's the fact that it has history is what makes the similarity. As a man and a father, you just want to protect the female characters. However, as history has revealed over and over again, women are quite capable of protecting themseles. What I have had is the privilege of discovering through 20 years of wonderful marriage, women don't want protection (some do but this is not appropriate discussion for the review of this book). They want to be supported for who they are and who they can become in my humble opinion. I considered it an honor to read this before the book signing and have discussed it with many of my friends and coworkers. Read this book, it's just that good.
Geoff
Geoff
January 7, 2014
Bravo to Ms. Margie Lukas on her debut novel, Farthest House, that tells the tale of four generations of the main character, Willow, and her family. While a little long (502 pages), I found myself staying up later and later each night as I became caught up in all of the family secrets and engrossed in this well-written, entertaining murder/mystery /suspense. If you like reading Mary Higgins Clark and Belva Plain, I believe you will enjoy the writing of Margie Lukas.
I received a complimentary copy of Farthest House from LibraryThing Early Reviewer.
I received a complimentary copy of Farthest House from LibraryThing Early Reviewer.
December 17, 2013
I know you probably think i am biased but I have read a TON of books in my day and I still think about this one. Best book I've ever read.
January 14, 2017
This is the best book I’ve read my entire life. The scenes and the characters just came to life, I felt like I was part of each scene.
Before I knew it I was drawn into the lives of the families and living a part of their experiences.
An amazing book, a must read!
Before I knew it I was drawn into the lives of the families and living a part of their experiences.
An amazing book, a must read!
February 18, 2014
I am now a huge fan of Margaret Lukas. I won a copy of Farthest House via Goodreads giveaways and I am so glad that I did.
There are those rare times when you read an outstanding book and when you finish, it feels as if you have watched a movie. It's that good.
Mrs. Lukas' ability to bring the characters and the setting to life is one of the best I have encountered.
I look forward to her next release.
**This would be an amazing read for a book club or group reading.
There are those rare times when you read an outstanding book and when you finish, it feels as if you have watched a movie. It's that good.
Mrs. Lukas' ability to bring the characters and the setting to life is one of the best I have encountered.
I look forward to her next release.
**This would be an amazing read for a book club or group reading.
December 28, 2014
This book gripped me from the first chapter until the last. A definite page-turner that had my mind turning with it's twisting plot. Reminds me of the style of V.C. Andrews but with much more connection to the characters. I hate to give any of it away as every part of this book was a clue of what was to come or what had already passed. Plenty of "aha" moments to awaken your senses and keep you turning the page!! Cannot wait until she releases her next story! A fan for life... highly recommend!
February 20, 2014
I was fascinated by the depth of the characters in this book right away and continually surprised at what happened next. I had to keep reading to see how it would all turn out. I would love to see a mini series. Well written and loved the ending.
February 23, 2014
Farthest House is a wonderful story. It reminds me of White Oleander and Cane River - tales of young women with strength beyond their years building a happy life out of tragedy. Highly recommend!
September 30, 2014
The Farthest House
Margaret Lukas
Read September 30th 2014
There are times in life when you read an unforgettable book – in fact to such an extent that the narrative sits like a movie script in your mind. Beautifully realistic and touching. The story is narrated by Amerlie-Anais, Willow’s long dead great aunt who is ‘keeper of the family secrets.’ The opening lines, when she mutters the word ‘murder’ chill the reader to the bone and questions keep on tumbling out. Only her aunt knows the secrets of the past and the cycle which Willow will inherit. There is so much packed into this book that you never fail to be surprised from the beginning to the end. It is like sorting out a giant puzzle with so much suspense and fear packed within the pages. This is a novel brimming over with dysfunction, with a touch of something sinister, dark and hidden. Farthest House is an epic, spanning four generations of women. Secrets are revealed layer by layer and by the end of the novel, the reader has a deep understanding of the women who lived in Farthest House.
This novel deserves 5 stars.
Margaret Lukas
Read September 30th 2014
There are times in life when you read an unforgettable book – in fact to such an extent that the narrative sits like a movie script in your mind. Beautifully realistic and touching. The story is narrated by Amerlie-Anais, Willow’s long dead great aunt who is ‘keeper of the family secrets.’ The opening lines, when she mutters the word ‘murder’ chill the reader to the bone and questions keep on tumbling out. Only her aunt knows the secrets of the past and the cycle which Willow will inherit. There is so much packed into this book that you never fail to be surprised from the beginning to the end. It is like sorting out a giant puzzle with so much suspense and fear packed within the pages. This is a novel brimming over with dysfunction, with a touch of something sinister, dark and hidden. Farthest House is an epic, spanning four generations of women. Secrets are revealed layer by layer and by the end of the novel, the reader has a deep understanding of the women who lived in Farthest House.
This novel deserves 5 stars.
October 27, 2014
I just couldn't put this book down. So many twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Love that it's by a Nebraska author!
October 29, 2017
A much better book than I expected. For most of this book I was thinking Wow! this is a five star read! But towards the end it began to drag a little bit and honestly I got a little bit sick of the main character making bad decisions. Of course the plot would not have been as tragic without those bad decisions, so I suppose they were right for this story. If you enjoy well-written novels that tend to be a bit depressing in nature, but also very descriptive and imaginative, this should be right up your alley. Pick it up and read it, you will not regret it.
Thank you to Goodreads for a copy of this book.
Thank you to Goodreads for a copy of this book.
September 29, 2014
I almost don't know what to say about this book. I LOVE when I read a book and I feel like I don't have adequate words to wrap around everything that I want to say about it.
This book is spellbinding, and I don't use that word lightly. It's a thick spiderweb of story bouncing between past and present, told from the Point of View of Amelie-Anaïs, Willow's great aunt, buried on the land that surrounds the family owned home they call Farthest House. This story is one of a little girl, once bruised, deformed and ashamed and how she became the strongest person in the entire family.
It's hard to surprise me, but I admit to being shocked by a twist in the last fourth of the book. Not even sure that I was really surprised, but more that I knew the answer but didn't know why. One character turned out to be the opposite of who she was presented to be all along and that threw me for a loop. I greatly enjoyed the twist and the heart pounding encounters between Willow and those who would come against her.
I started this book one day and almost put it down. I'm so glad I didn't. Around 25% in, life started getting INTERESTING for Willow. If you like a mystery that winds through generations, Farthest House is a great read.
I do have one question about Willow's mother, who died in childbirth. It was said that childbirth was not the reason she died but I guess I am slow, and I have no idea what the other reason would be... someone clue me in?
This book is spellbinding, and I don't use that word lightly. It's a thick spiderweb of story bouncing between past and present, told from the Point of View of Amelie-Anaïs, Willow's great aunt, buried on the land that surrounds the family owned home they call Farthest House. This story is one of a little girl, once bruised, deformed and ashamed and how she became the strongest person in the entire family.
It's hard to surprise me, but I admit to being shocked by a twist in the last fourth of the book. Not even sure that I was really surprised, but more that I knew the answer but didn't know why. One character turned out to be the opposite of who she was presented to be all along and that threw me for a loop. I greatly enjoyed the twist and the heart pounding encounters between Willow and those who would come against her.
I started this book one day and almost put it down. I'm so glad I didn't. Around 25% in, life started getting INTERESTING for Willow. If you like a mystery that winds through generations, Farthest House is a great read.
I do have one question about Willow's mother, who died in childbirth. It was said that childbirth was not the reason she died but I guess I am slow, and I have no idea what the other reason would be... someone clue me in?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2014
I am very torn over giving this book 3 stars. The story line is very good, the idea behind the novel. I found myself very frustrated with the actions of the characters, so in that respect the reader is drawn into the story. That being said, I found it difficult to remember the story is being told by a ghost. I feel the author also forgot many times the story was being told by the ghost because she would weave in and out of who was telling the story. This was done without any warning and many times I had to go back and reread often to try to figure out who was talking/thinking. Also, a few times in the book the story would just jump ahead and I would be left confused as to what chapter had i accidentally skipped. There were a few typos in the book so whoever edited it didnt do a very good job. The writing in the first half was elegant. As you neared the end, it just became fast and choppy, a completely different style even though it was the same ghost narrating the story. I felt the ending ruined the whole story line. A few chapters from the end the ghost states "like from some B-rated movie this could be" and I agree. The ending was like a B rated movie.
October 7, 2014
A woman bleeds to death giving birth with the word “murder” on her lips, but her husband, though he leans in close to hear, is unable to distinguish what she’s said. So begins Nebraska author, Margaret Lukas’s, book, Farthest House.
Narrated by a ghost, Farthest House reveals how the awful effects of abuse and guilt destroy lives many generations into the future.
This intricate story of violence and intrigue, reminiscent of Toni Morrison’s Beloved or Leslie Marmon Silko’s Almanac of the Dead, spreads itself over Nebraska’s metropolis of Omaha and out to the little college town called Greenburr. Like the ivy growing on the patio at Farthest House the darkness of a previous generation, removed from Nebraska by more than a century, half a continent, and an ocean, weaves itself around the lives of people who know nothing of the tortured past. Only the ghost knows.
Narrated by a ghost, Farthest House reveals how the awful effects of abuse and guilt destroy lives many generations into the future.
This intricate story of violence and intrigue, reminiscent of Toni Morrison’s Beloved or Leslie Marmon Silko’s Almanac of the Dead, spreads itself over Nebraska’s metropolis of Omaha and out to the little college town called Greenburr. Like the ivy growing on the patio at Farthest House the darkness of a previous generation, removed from Nebraska by more than a century, half a continent, and an ocean, weaves itself around the lives of people who know nothing of the tortured past. Only the ghost knows.
March 5, 2014
A friend let me borrow his copy, and I am so glad he did. This is a very good book! I finished it in days. The story spans several generations, starting in France and ending in Nebraska in the '60's. The author captured the feel of Nebraska so well you can feel the wind through the prairie. There are awesome elements of 'crone' wisdom, and continuity of generations, and race relations, along with some subtle criticism Catholicism and non-so-subtle criticism of sexual abuse. Its a good mystery/suspense story as well.
November 17, 2014
I can NOT believe this is a debut novel. It is such an interesting and intriguing read! The author has a way of connecting with her audience. The characters are written in a way that you feel they are all friends of yours. Even though this is a lengthy book - it is one that once it is over, you want to know more. Can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
October 5, 2014
A special thanks to NetGalley and Boutique of Quality Books/Write Life for a free download of Farthest House by Margaret Lukas.
Farthest House is a gem! Willow is born in Nebraska with a physical disability that connects her to the ghost of a past relative. This book has something for everyone: art, literature, murder, intrigue, and romance. I recommend this one to all my reader friends.
Farthest House is a gem! Willow is born in Nebraska with a physical disability that connects her to the ghost of a past relative. This book has something for everyone: art, literature, murder, intrigue, and romance. I recommend this one to all my reader friends.
July 12, 2014
Farthest House is a beautiful epic spanning four generations of women. Slowly, secrets are revealed layer by layer, and by the end of the novel, the reader has a deep understanding of the women who've lived and loved in the Farthest House.
February 25, 2023
Great book -- couldn't put down! A must read -- please write more Margie!
March 19, 2014
Love, love, love this book. Beautifully written and a great story. Highly recommend.
July 9, 2014
Loved every moment of it! Great read!!
June 13, 2021
Lyrical, beautiful and heartbreaking
This is the story of a big old house -Farthest house, and the secrets and guilt of the generations of woman who lived there.
The story opens with a Jeannie giving birth in Farthest House , attended by her husband Julian, the doctor, Julian’s mother-Leussy, and the ghost of the narrator-‘Amelie-Anais, who is Leussy’s Aunt . The baby Willow, is born but the doctor is unable to stop Jeannie from bleeding to death and the last word from her lips are “murder”. As if growing up without a mother and a endlessly grieving father wasn't enough for poor Willow to deal with, she also has a deformity on her shoulder, and prophetic visions of what is to come.
I don't want to give any more of the story away - just to say that the family is harboring some pretty dark secrets- and there are some seriously deranged characters roaming the pages. Warning There are some very dramatic scenes of child abuse, and trauma, but there are also scenes of profound love ,sacrifice and hope. The characters are fully developed and they make choices to avoid pain and turn a blind eye or fight fiercely to protect those they love, The ending was so good with the story lines wrapped up neatly. Highly recommend.
This is the story of a big old house -Farthest house, and the secrets and guilt of the generations of woman who lived there.
The story opens with a Jeannie giving birth in Farthest House , attended by her husband Julian, the doctor, Julian’s mother-Leussy, and the ghost of the narrator-‘Amelie-Anais, who is Leussy’s Aunt . The baby Willow, is born but the doctor is unable to stop Jeannie from bleeding to death and the last word from her lips are “murder”. As if growing up without a mother and a endlessly grieving father wasn't enough for poor Willow to deal with, she also has a deformity on her shoulder, and prophetic visions of what is to come.
I don't want to give any more of the story away - just to say that the family is harboring some pretty dark secrets- and there are some seriously deranged characters roaming the pages. Warning There are some very dramatic scenes of child abuse, and trauma, but there are also scenes of profound love ,sacrifice and hope. The characters are fully developed and they make choices to avoid pain and turn a blind eye or fight fiercely to protect those they love, The ending was so good with the story lines wrapped up neatly. Highly recommend.
October 30, 2021
A transplant to Nebraska, I have formed a habit of seeking out books set in Nebraska and books written by Nebraskans. This book is both; it was written by a Nebraskan and is set both in Omaha and outside it in a small rural community abutting the prairie. The narrator is a family ghost, and the story may haunt you, but it is not a ghost story. Even so, Farthest House had just the right atmosphere for an eerie October read.
April 6, 2018
Wow, what a strange book. I do think she could've developed the characters a little more and been a little more descriptive about events.
January 26, 2023
Very mysterious book
I had a hard time following to start but it had so many twists and turns that I couldn't put it down! It was a very good book!
I had a hard time following to start but it had so many twists and turns that I couldn't put it down! It was a very good book!
April 23, 2023
Great Plains Gothic at its best. Awesome sauce!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews