Melbury Square

by Dorothy Eden

Spanning the years from the pre-World War I period to the present, it tells the dramatic story of a great beauty, Maude Lucie, the reigning debutante of London's fashionable Melbury Square at a time when nothing was more important than the next ball.
Already famous as the daughter and model of one of the leading portrait painters of the day, Maud waltzes through her first season as a favorite of the King himself, who monopolizes her at ball after ball. It is expected that she will conclude the season with a brilliant titled marriage---but it is not to be so. Both idolized and dominated by her flamboyant father, Maud finds her search for love and happiness thwarted at every turn.
How this vibrant, headstrong beauty is liberated and comes to learn what love is all about make Melbury Square an unforgettable reading experience.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Gothic, Historical, Mystery

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Aka Mary Paradise.

Dorothy Eden was born in 1912 in New Zealand and died in 1982. She moved to England in 1954 after taking a trip around the world and falling in love with the country. She was best known for her many mystery and romance books as well as short stories that were published in periodicals. As a novelist, Dorothy Eden was renowned for her ability to create fear and suspense. This earned her many devoted readers throughout her lifetime.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked book 1 and 2. It was dramatic, and happy and sad. Yet all still believable. But it fell apart for me in book 3. I just felt it lost the magic from the beginning. Maud's character became almost a totally different character. We hardly heard about Hessie. The focus was on her niece and her boyfriend who just seemed really out of place. I would have preferred if book 3 was about the already established characters and what happened to them.

[Carrie Dalby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid family saga by Eden with the right amount of drama, sensuality, and secrets, but not a favorite. Lots of interesting characters but I didn't connect to any of them--that means no tears. I need to cry for a family saga to get 4+ stars.

[Nicola Italia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character Maud was very self centered and unlikeable.

[Peaches Mcfrazzle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this when I was a teen, over and over again. Moved and lost my copy. Years later purchased a copy online for $1.00, but would have paid much more. This is a sad and tragic love story, and I've noticed that many people have said that it's a slow read, but I don't think it is. At times you feel bad for Maud and at times you want to slap her for being a spoiled brat. Her life is tragic, but on the way she grows as a person and I have to say it's an interesting story. Her relationship with her father is somewhat twisted and shapes her life in so many ways that I think were even unexpected to her. I always wondered if I would have been in her place if I'd have been defiant or have given in to what others wanted.

If something ever happened to my current copy I'd hunt down another copy. It's one of my go-to books when I want a fast read. It's become a familiar friend and I love it.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story moves very slow and is really disappointing in many areas, but something about this book absolutely gripped my imagination when I first read it (I was 13). I think it was the descriptions, the word pictures of the places and events really put a sharp and often exquisite image in your mind.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought it was probably a realistic book, but that isn't what I read for. I was disappointed in the main character and her strange life. I felt sorry for her lack of connection or caring for anyone other than her father (that was a weird relationship).

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for this Edwardian love story.

[Ralynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

kinda a boring story that just suddenly ends and your left going wait what happened to everyone.

[Amy Abdella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow novel... But decent for those in longing for a Downton Abby-like read. Good to read before bed... Lulling.