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Far and Away
From the Irish land wars to the Oklahoma land rush, the son of poor tenant farmers and the daughter of a wealthy landowner find a love more precious than gold. A passionate story of Irish pride and American determination--of old ties and new beginnings. A Universal Pictures film starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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287 people want to read
About the author
Sonja Massie
16 books14 followersSince publication of her first novel in 1986, Sonja Massie has authored more than 60 published works, including the highly popular and critically acclaimed Savannah Reid Mysteries under the pseudonym G.A. McKevett. Sonja's novels range from Irish historicals to contemporary thrillers She also wrote the best seller Far and Away, a novel based on Ron Howard's movie, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
Having lived in Los Angeles, Toronto, and County Kerry, Ireland, she now resides in New York with her husband.
Having lived in Los Angeles, Toronto, and County Kerry, Ireland, she now resides in New York with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 14, 2018
I never knew this existed until I googled it, as it never came up when looking for it in books. I was shocked to find it, as I have been watching this film for years.
Novelizations don’t seem to be a big a thing these days, unless you’re looking at a superhero tie in, and most of those recent films, I haven’t liked. I wish they were a bigger thing, as I love them.
This leaves out the dreadful Irish accents and instead brings out extended scenes/dialogue and brand new scenes for those familiar with the film, from the original screenplay. I was expecting this to be a blow-by-blow repeat of the film, but enjoyed the additional scenes including a sweet epilogue, more back story to certain characters and more about what happened after Joseph lost his boxing match to the Italian.
I do reckon that at least three quarters of these scenes should have been left in the film, instead of being left on the cutting room floor. There were a couple that didn’t lend much to the story or move it forward, but I really did enjoy them and it was nice to have further insight into what could have been included in the film. It was also brilliant to see characters left behind in Ireland/Boston, reappear in the lead up to the ending - I especially enjoyed Molly, the owner of the whorehouse in Boston. She was an overlooked character and most of her backstory and additional scenes from her POV are included here.
I do enjoy this book a little more than the film, even if the film has been a favourite of mine since I was a youngster. I think the extended/additional scenes will make you view the film differently and you will read this with a smile on your face and remember the film fondly.
Novelizations don’t seem to be a big a thing these days, unless you’re looking at a superhero tie in, and most of those recent films, I haven’t liked. I wish they were a bigger thing, as I love them.
This leaves out the dreadful Irish accents and instead brings out extended scenes/dialogue and brand new scenes for those familiar with the film, from the original screenplay. I was expecting this to be a blow-by-blow repeat of the film, but enjoyed the additional scenes including a sweet epilogue, more back story to certain characters and more about what happened after Joseph lost his boxing match to the Italian.
I do reckon that at least three quarters of these scenes should have been left in the film, instead of being left on the cutting room floor. There were a couple that didn’t lend much to the story or move it forward, but I really did enjoy them and it was nice to have further insight into what could have been included in the film. It was also brilliant to see characters left behind in Ireland/Boston, reappear in the lead up to the ending - I especially enjoyed Molly, the owner of the whorehouse in Boston. She was an overlooked character and most of her backstory and additional scenes from her POV are included here.
I do enjoy this book a little more than the film, even if the film has been a favourite of mine since I was a youngster. I think the extended/additional scenes will make you view the film differently and you will read this with a smile on your face and remember the film fondly.
September 23, 2008
I read this before it was a movie. Great love story. As usual, the movie didn't do it justice.
January 25, 2017
I loooooooove this book. I tried not to read it because I knew that I would finish it and it would be done. I read this because the movie is my favourite movie, and I wanted more background information. This just makes me appreciate the movie even more because they made it exactly like the book. Wish there was a sequel!
March 4, 2021
This is a first class, inspirational adventure story that will not only keep you rooting for the Irish, and leave you wanting more. From the Irish meadows to a welcoming America, this adventure provides a fascinating insight into what can be achieved with dogged termination (and a nice hat). A very fast paced tale of romance that involves many obstacles, least of which is class.
March 7, 2020
Pleasantly surprised by this book, I thought it was really well written. Saw the movie a million years ago so unfortunately I picture the characters of the movie.
March 18, 2024
Fantastic story.
I stumbled across this book by chance and I'm so glad I did. I have loved the movie since I was a kid and the book surpasses it.
Such a tender, historical love story, full of hardship and tension. The characters are full and rounded, with quirks and imperfections, and you can't help fall in love with them all, with their charm, spirit, and tenacity. Even Stephen Chase has admirable qualities despite being a pompous cad.
But Jospeh Donelly should, in my opinion, be considered one of the great literary romantic heroes. Alongside the likes of Mr Darcy. There is an obvious status difference between the two characters, which lends to Joseph's earnestness, and colours his character in a more heroic way. He does far more to protect and honour the woman he loves than the high born men of georgian romance.
This status difference is at the centre of Joseph's relationship with Shannon Christie, which provides much of the entertaining tension between them.
I loved that the book has extra scenes and connections that the film didn't, it completes the story for me. I would however have loved a longer epilogue, but that's just me being greedy for Joseph's and Shannon's love story.
A must read for anyone who enjoys period romance.
I stumbled across this book by chance and I'm so glad I did. I have loved the movie since I was a kid and the book surpasses it.
Such a tender, historical love story, full of hardship and tension. The characters are full and rounded, with quirks and imperfections, and you can't help fall in love with them all, with their charm, spirit, and tenacity. Even Stephen Chase has admirable qualities despite being a pompous cad.
But Jospeh Donelly should, in my opinion, be considered one of the great literary romantic heroes. Alongside the likes of Mr Darcy. There is an obvious status difference between the two characters, which lends to Joseph's earnestness, and colours his character in a more heroic way. He does far more to protect and honour the woman he loves than the high born men of georgian romance.
This status difference is at the centre of Joseph's relationship with Shannon Christie, which provides much of the entertaining tension between them.
I loved that the book has extra scenes and connections that the film didn't, it completes the story for me. I would however have loved a longer epilogue, but that's just me being greedy for Joseph's and Shannon's love story.
A must read for anyone who enjoys period romance.
November 18, 2016
I love this movie! I didn't like the book as much as the movie, though, which is weird because the book is pretty much the movie written as a novel with a few extra scenes added in. ;)
January 25, 2021
Goed boek, leuk geschreven!!
March 4, 2022
People running from the Irish fammon find themselves together in America forging a new life.
August 5, 2024
Quick read.....fast moving.....will have to watch the movie!
January 24, 2021
This historical fiction novel revolves around Galway, Ireland at the end of the 19th century. It shows the fraught class divisions between the nobility and wealthy landowners against the common working class farming communities. The main character Joseph Donnelly wants to leave his impoverished life as does Shannon Christie the daughter of a wealthy landowner who is stifled by the aristocratic way of life. Both set out on the American Dream together arriving at the corrupt and seedy City of Boston. The book culminates in the “Oklahoma Land Run” which was a scheme set up by the government which promoted the unassigned land in the area where many immigrants put down their routes.
July 3, 2024
Far And Away is one of my favorite movies, so I just HAD to read the book! I really loved how the book was similar but still had some intriguing new plot points to shake things up. This book was just really warming and I enjoyed reading it!! I'll definitely be thinking about Far And Away for awhile!! It was so good! I also loved how every character's accent was different as well! Each character was uniquely captured.
March 29, 2015
LOVED this book. I've seen the movie a hundred times and had to read the book. Loved it. I love Joseph and Shannon's relationship, and their story. If you like the movie, read the book (and vice versa of course)!
July 10, 2008
The movie did not do the book justice. I've actually read this one twice--which I never do.
September 12, 2009
This book was very good and kept me interesed the whole time. I loved the storyline and it made me happy.
Want to read
November 4, 2010because Irish people are both hotheaded and earthy cool and I really like the guy who wrote the screen play for the movie.
Read
January 15, 2011brilliant book better than the movie
September 7, 2016
I love the movie so, obviously, I loved the book as well, but still think it could have had a better character development and sexy times. :D
June 20, 2012
If your lucky enough to actually find this!? ..Omg! Better than the movie and I really really love Far and Away enough that my kids know to not ask me to move when it's on! :-)
February 23, 2013
I love the book and the movie. What a great read!
September 5, 2015
Great book! It's a little bit mature for middle schoolers. 9th grade is a great year to read it! Its is such a good story!!
October 13, 2017
Epic story of immigrants from Ireland coming to America for a life they dream of. The tale tells of hardships, heart aches and love that can't be denied.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews