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The House of Lyall
480 pages Harper Collins (2000) English 0006513212 978-0006513216 Product 6.9 x 4.3 x 1.4 inches Shipping 8.8 ounces
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 18, 2013
What a ridiculous book. Situations that would never occur; words that would never be said; layers upon layers of secrets (all dramatically revealed, of course); intrigue that has everything but a girl on the railroad tracks and a villain twirling his mustache.
Here's the thing, though - I couldn't put it down. I was reading it, and saying "oh come ON, now!" to myself, and yet couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I'm not sure whether that means I'm easily entertained (you might say that, but there are other books I've dumped for being too ridiculous to be believed) or that Doris Davidson is a compulsively readable storyteller. My suspicion is that it's a mix of both, but a bit more of the latter than the former. Doris Davidson can write a heckuva yarn, and weave in some things you wouldn't get the significance of until 200 pages later. The dialogue is trite, the situations laughable, and yet she continues to keep your interest.
Marion Cheyne is a skivvy who steals a little money and runs away to Aberdeen. Her entire goal in life to is marry a rich man. This being a grown-up's fairytale, that happens, but all is not as she envisioned it would be... It was addictive reading for a chilly winter's evening.
Here's the thing, though - I couldn't put it down. I was reading it, and saying "oh come ON, now!" to myself, and yet couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I'm not sure whether that means I'm easily entertained (you might say that, but there are other books I've dumped for being too ridiculous to be believed) or that Doris Davidson is a compulsively readable storyteller. My suspicion is that it's a mix of both, but a bit more of the latter than the former. Doris Davidson can write a heckuva yarn, and weave in some things you wouldn't get the significance of until 200 pages later. The dialogue is trite, the situations laughable, and yet she continues to keep your interest.
Marion Cheyne is a skivvy who steals a little money and runs away to Aberdeen. Her entire goal in life to is marry a rich man. This being a grown-up's fairytale, that happens, but all is not as she envisioned it would be... It was addictive reading for a chilly winter's evening.
May 17, 2018
Didn't find this story as interesting or engaging as others by Doris Davidson. I think it covered such a long time span, but the main character really wasn't a very nice woman.
February 19, 2021
A web of lies weaved, unrequited love, deception and greed are the foundations of this book. I enjoyed it and it provided me with some much needed escapism.
December 9, 2023
A nice easy to read story. Kept me interested throughout with a few unexpected twists.
February 4, 2015
Marion Cheyne is young, poor and ambitious. She steals money from her employer and runs away knowing no one will look for her. Her dad has married again and only has eyes for his new wife. She has no time for Marion. Marion feels trapped in her dead end job and decides to change her life and leaves Aberdeen There are many situations which she has to face throughout her young life. She is a strong willed and ambitious person and knows within herself she will succeed with her endeavors. Years later she marries the heir to the Castle of Lyall but this is not a love match only a business transaction. She is now a lady but life has a way of catching up with you in so many different ways. This was an enjoyable read by Doris Davidson.
September 18, 2015
A story written across 4 generations of a British family during the period of 2 World wars.
Seriously believe, author lost the way while writing this one or probably mixed up 2 or 3 tales in a messy way.
What seemed to be an interesting start, looked to be quite emotional and bonded, started to lose connectivity as it progressed, then dragged along miserably and finally somehow managed to end.
Monotonous presentation of characters and too many relationships amongst themselves just about took any sheen existing in the novel or whatever little it had to offer.
The saying "Well began is half done" needs to be tweaked here as "Well began can be royally undone". One strange and weird read if one wants to give a try.
Seriously believe, author lost the way while writing this one or probably mixed up 2 or 3 tales in a messy way.
What seemed to be an interesting start, looked to be quite emotional and bonded, started to lose connectivity as it progressed, then dragged along miserably and finally somehow managed to end.
Monotonous presentation of characters and too many relationships amongst themselves just about took any sheen existing in the novel or whatever little it had to offer.
The saying "Well began is half done" needs to be tweaked here as "Well began can be royally undone". One strange and weird read if one wants to give a try.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews