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Ravenscar #3
Being Elizabeth
The number-one bestselling author delivers her most provocative, sizzling novel yet—a story of money, power, love, and betrayal that only Barbara Taylor Bradford could write. At age twenty-five, Elizabeth Deravenel finds herself in a position few women her age could the head of Deravenels, a business empire that spans the globe. It’s a company whose reach is wide and whose secrets are deep. Deravenels has roots that go far back in her family’s history, and she knows the price that many had to pay to see it reach the success it is today. And Elizabeth is the youngest executive in the company she now leads. Surrounded by rumors and disloyalty, she knows that there are many people who would give anything to take down the company—and her with it. With her enemies circling, she finds herself at a crossroad of choices involving her mind, her heart, and her destiny. As scandal surrounds the one man she’s ever loved, Elizabeth discovers how the next move she makes could have deadly and final consequences. Being Elizabeth is Barbara Taylor Bradford at her storytelling best. “Rife with dastardly internecine struggles, smoldering illicit passion, and cowardly insidious betrayals…packs as much intrigue as any Shakespearean royal drama.” --- Booklist on The Heir
416 pages, Hardcover
Published August 19, 2008
144 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Taylor Bradford
279 books1,927 followersBarbara Taylor Bradford was a British-American best-selling novelist. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, was published in 1979 and sold over 30 million copies worldwide. She wrote 40 novels, all bestsellers in the United Kingdom and the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
April 23, 2023
If hairdressers would read (which I do not really believe...) this soap should be among their favourites, but only if it had at least two hundred pages less. Too many characters, too many adjacent plots, too much advertising, which is exhausting, the good ones are too good, the bad ones are too stupid, Elizabeth herself is a modern Cinderella too fond of power and money. So, as a conclusion, two stars are too many, but you know how kind and nice I am...
July 21, 2011
Being Elizabeth was incredibly boring and superficial. I actually didn't finish reading it, but did get at least 75% through it before I gave up. I only read that far because I didn't have another book to read yet. Elizabeth inherits the company after her sisters death and takes over operations with the help of her faithful friends. The book spends more time talking about the designer clothes, handbags and jewelry she owns then it does real issues. It is mentioned many times how worried she is about money, yet she never encounters any real hardship and continues to live an extremely lavish lifestyle. She claims to have been an abused child, but Elizabeth has no depth and her character is just written to be flawless all the time. She is rich, beautiful and smart. She is always making the right decisions for the company and her personal life and can do no wrong. The attempts at drama are weak and short-lived. I spent the whole time waiting for something exciting or dramatic to happen, but it never came.
December 16, 2008
I am very disappointed in Ms. Bradford. This book was awful, yet i mangaged to get through it a chapter a night. The author kept making you think that something "BIG" was going to happen in just a few pages and then . . . . nothing. The antagonist never really appears in the story, she just roams around in the background making everyone nervous. The author tries to use "proper English" language in the diaglogue but it just sounds stupid and elitist. When I was done with this book, i threw it on the ground, looked at my husband and said, "that book just pissed me off and i'll never get that time back." Actually, i am wasting time on it now. I am over Ms. Bradford. Over. Her.
January 31, 2016
What a huge disappointment from an author whose work I normally enjoy. This is the third book in a trilogy. I didn't realize that when I picked up the second book and read it. The second one wasn't up to Taylor Bradford's usual standards, but this one was awful! It is 404 pages in which NOTHING happens!
The main character is Elizabeth Deravenel, who gains control of Deravenels at the age of 25, when her half-sister and enemy dies after a short illness. If you have ever wanted to see how the top 1/2 percent lives, read this book. Her half sister has almost ruined the company so Elizabeth sells ONE of her many houses for 70 million euros to make sure she has enough money to run the company. She also finds original paintings by Monet and other Impressionist artists, 22 diamond tiaras, jewelry, and crystal and silver which she sells for millions at an auction. However, we are told she works constantly and doesn't seem to enjoy her wealth much. She doesn't eat lunch and drinks very little.
Throughout the book there are supposed threats to take over the company, but none of them are more than just talk. She is in love with Robert Dunley, who is incredibly handsome and a great dresser. Of course, Elizabeth, like all of Taylor Bradford's heroines, is so beautiful that she turns heads when she walks into a room. Robert and Elizabeth have known each other all their lives and have been in love since they kissed each other when they were 8 years old. For some unexplained reason at a very young age Robert married a woman he didn't love. He and Elizabeth are the same age and share the same birthday. Robert and his wife have been living separate lives for six years when Robert and Elizabeth realize they are in love. Robert wants to divorce his wife to marry Elizabeth, but Elizabeth's father treated Elizabeth and his six wives so badly that he "ruined her for marriage." One element of the story plot that made absolutely no sense to me was that Elizabeth lives her whole life for the company, but has no heir to inherit the company when she dies. She has vowed to never marry so she won't marry Robert even though he begs her to marry him and produce an heir. Her grandmother Bess married a man she barely knew to save the company, but Elizabeth won't marry a man she "can't live without," even though they live together. She goes to great lengths to save the company from relatives who would take it over, but will leave no one to inherit the company. You know Taylor Bradford's main lovers are meant to be together because the first time they make love, they climax together. I can't help but laugh every time I read that in one of her books.
One thing that Taylor Bradford does that I find annoying is to repeat the same information over and over. Elizabeth runs the company (although she never seems to do anything) with the help of Robert and another man. In fact, she has several men who work with her and save her repeatedly. We get the feeling that even though she is described as brilliant, she couldn't run the company without these men. Every time one of the men is mentioned, we are told that he is loyal and completely devoted to Elizabeth. The first time the author tells us that, we get it. Every time he is mentioned afterward, she tells us again. There is so much repetition in the story, that I wonder if she was contracted to write a certain number of words. I also wondered, as I did with the previous book, if she wrote chapters of the book as a magazine serial because so much information is repeated from chapter to chapter as though we had not already read it. The ending is very abrupt and doesn't particularly fit with the rest of the book. It as if she was told to write 400 pages. When she got to that number, she wrote four more pages to end it.
I do plan to read the first book in the trilogy, The Ravenscar Dynasty, because from the second book, it seemed that all the action happened in the first book.
The main character is Elizabeth Deravenel, who gains control of Deravenels at the age of 25, when her half-sister and enemy dies after a short illness. If you have ever wanted to see how the top 1/2 percent lives, read this book. Her half sister has almost ruined the company so Elizabeth sells ONE of her many houses for 70 million euros to make sure she has enough money to run the company. She also finds original paintings by Monet and other Impressionist artists, 22 diamond tiaras, jewelry, and crystal and silver which she sells for millions at an auction. However, we are told she works constantly and doesn't seem to enjoy her wealth much. She doesn't eat lunch and drinks very little.
Throughout the book there are supposed threats to take over the company, but none of them are more than just talk. She is in love with Robert Dunley, who is incredibly handsome and a great dresser. Of course, Elizabeth, like all of Taylor Bradford's heroines, is so beautiful that she turns heads when she walks into a room. Robert and Elizabeth have known each other all their lives and have been in love since they kissed each other when they were 8 years old. For some unexplained reason at a very young age Robert married a woman he didn't love. He and Elizabeth are the same age and share the same birthday. Robert and his wife have been living separate lives for six years when Robert and Elizabeth realize they are in love. Robert wants to divorce his wife to marry Elizabeth, but Elizabeth's father treated Elizabeth and his six wives so badly that he "ruined her for marriage." One element of the story plot that made absolutely no sense to me was that Elizabeth lives her whole life for the company, but has no heir to inherit the company when she dies. She has vowed to never marry so she won't marry Robert even though he begs her to marry him and produce an heir. Her grandmother Bess married a man she barely knew to save the company, but Elizabeth won't marry a man she "can't live without," even though they live together. She goes to great lengths to save the company from relatives who would take it over, but will leave no one to inherit the company. You know Taylor Bradford's main lovers are meant to be together because the first time they make love, they climax together. I can't help but laugh every time I read that in one of her books.
One thing that Taylor Bradford does that I find annoying is to repeat the same information over and over. Elizabeth runs the company (although she never seems to do anything) with the help of Robert and another man. In fact, she has several men who work with her and save her repeatedly. We get the feeling that even though she is described as brilliant, she couldn't run the company without these men. Every time one of the men is mentioned, we are told that he is loyal and completely devoted to Elizabeth. The first time the author tells us that, we get it. Every time he is mentioned afterward, she tells us again. There is so much repetition in the story, that I wonder if she was contracted to write a certain number of words. I also wondered, as I did with the previous book, if she wrote chapters of the book as a magazine serial because so much information is repeated from chapter to chapter as though we had not already read it. The ending is very abrupt and doesn't particularly fit with the rest of the book. It as if she was told to write 400 pages. When she got to that number, she wrote four more pages to end it.
I do plan to read the first book in the trilogy, The Ravenscar Dynasty, because from the second book, it seemed that all the action happened in the first book.
September 21, 2008
I didn't realize it when I bougth this book...but it is a "re-telling" of the love story of Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley. It was so well done and there are so many details that actually tie into the actual (as much as it is known)history. BUT, if you didn't know anything about QE and RD, you wouldn't even realize the connection - it would just be a nice read!
November 10, 2008
You occasionally need to read a romance novel, but this was disappointing. Bradford's novels are usually better than this. I felt cheated.
June 29, 2011
What fun! Shakespeare's queen, Elizabeth, reimagined as the dashing, headstrong CEO of a respected English corporation. All of her advisors and her loves in modern business attire, jetting here and there and doing the young lady's bidding while she broods over her vast powers and responsibilities, totally in control yet deeply drawn to experience love and passion on her own terms.
The thing that makes this book sparkle is not so much the plot (very closely based on actual history, of course) but the deliciously modern touches sprinkled on nearly every page. It's such fun to see Elizabeth riding to meet the Spanish in a stretch limousine, or volleying on the tennis court and showing off her fabulous legs to the admiring Spaniards. There's always some clever modern touch, Elizabeth either tying things up by cell phone (when she's having her daily massage) or rolling out of her lover's bed and checking her e-mail while closely watching South American stock prices on satellite TV. She multi-tasks in an atmosphere of constant bustle and glamor, flying to one meeting and e-mailing to another, always dressed perfectly and looking fabulous, and always with a couple of really handsome men scampering to obey her slightest whim.
Not only is Elizabeth more dynamic and glamorous than ever, but it's also fun to see her rival, Mary Queen of Scots, reimagined as a French diva with flaming red hair and a taste for much younger men. Mary's work habits are not quite equal to Elizabeth's, however. "The deal went through at eleven AM, thus bypassing Mary, who invariably slept till noon. Elizabeth was an early riser." Mary is always getting distracted, hitting the club scene and snorting coke, falling for every good looking guy with a line, and then either zoning out in the board room or cancelling her meetings with notes like, "feel ghastly. Talk tomorrow. Must sleep -- M." So modern, but so true to Mary's real nature!
The thing that makes this book sparkle is not so much the plot (very closely based on actual history, of course) but the deliciously modern touches sprinkled on nearly every page. It's such fun to see Elizabeth riding to meet the Spanish in a stretch limousine, or volleying on the tennis court and showing off her fabulous legs to the admiring Spaniards. There's always some clever modern touch, Elizabeth either tying things up by cell phone (when she's having her daily massage) or rolling out of her lover's bed and checking her e-mail while closely watching South American stock prices on satellite TV. She multi-tasks in an atmosphere of constant bustle and glamor, flying to one meeting and e-mailing to another, always dressed perfectly and looking fabulous, and always with a couple of really handsome men scampering to obey her slightest whim.
Not only is Elizabeth more dynamic and glamorous than ever, but it's also fun to see her rival, Mary Queen of Scots, reimagined as a French diva with flaming red hair and a taste for much younger men. Mary's work habits are not quite equal to Elizabeth's, however. "The deal went through at eleven AM, thus bypassing Mary, who invariably slept till noon. Elizabeth was an early riser." Mary is always getting distracted, hitting the club scene and snorting coke, falling for every good looking guy with a line, and then either zoning out in the board room or cancelling her meetings with notes like, "feel ghastly. Talk tomorrow. Must sleep -- M." So modern, but so true to Mary's real nature!
February 17, 2018
I read the whole book and if I could give it zero stars I would. The only redeeming thing was I kept thinking that surely there would be a devious plot twist, a love triangle, anything!!! But no nada!!! The woman doesn’t even like food. Sigh... I didn’t like her at all.
February 6, 2020
Boring, tedious, and generally not the book for me. If you like books about wealthy British families and companies in-fighting, this might be up your alley. Not mine.
October 17, 2008
When twenty-five year old Elizabeth Deravenel Turner inherits the family business, it is the life for which she was groomed. Albeit one that has not come easily – her younger brother and older half-sister Mary had the honor first. They had to die before she could finally inherit.
We then see Elizabeth taking over the reins with her two close friends and advisors – the triumvirate, as one calls the trio – and then the author portrays the wealth and possessions through descriptions of the homes, jewelry and art collection, giving us a peek into that world of privilege.
But, of course, nothing comes that easily for Elizabeth. She has to stave off various attempts to take over the company by other relatives; she has to somehow find enough money to make up for the bad decisions of her predecessor Mary – hence the fabulous art and jewelry auctions that bring in millions.
We catch a glimpse of Elizabeth finally acknowledging to herself and to him that Robert, her childhood friend and business associate is the love of her life. When they give into their love for one another, they become fodder for the gossip columnists – for Robert has a wife stashed away. The wife and he have been estranged for years, so Robert sets about to legally disentangle himself from her.
Through alternating first person accounts, rendered by Elizabeth in between the third-person narrative that makes up most of the book, we occasionally see Elizabeth’s inner thoughts and fears.
But despite the glitz and glamour and some of the difficulties encountered along the way, the reader doesn’t get much of a clue as to who Elizabeth really is, deep down.
This was a disappointment to me – thus the deduction of one star – because the author’s wonderful Emma Harte saga (A Woman of Substance, etc.) revealed the author’s talent at
describing the struggle, from childhood on. Perhaps the occasional flashbacks to childhood in this book were meant to do justice to the difficulties and struggles – there is much talk about Elizabeth’s father’s emotional abandonment in her early years – but I don’t really feel the empathy that would normally come from such disclosures.
I didn’t end up really caring that much about the characters in this book, which left me feeling a sense of deprivation.
We then see Elizabeth taking over the reins with her two close friends and advisors – the triumvirate, as one calls the trio – and then the author portrays the wealth and possessions through descriptions of the homes, jewelry and art collection, giving us a peek into that world of privilege.
But, of course, nothing comes that easily for Elizabeth. She has to stave off various attempts to take over the company by other relatives; she has to somehow find enough money to make up for the bad decisions of her predecessor Mary – hence the fabulous art and jewelry auctions that bring in millions.
We catch a glimpse of Elizabeth finally acknowledging to herself and to him that Robert, her childhood friend and business associate is the love of her life. When they give into their love for one another, they become fodder for the gossip columnists – for Robert has a wife stashed away. The wife and he have been estranged for years, so Robert sets about to legally disentangle himself from her.
Through alternating first person accounts, rendered by Elizabeth in between the third-person narrative that makes up most of the book, we occasionally see Elizabeth’s inner thoughts and fears.
But despite the glitz and glamour and some of the difficulties encountered along the way, the reader doesn’t get much of a clue as to who Elizabeth really is, deep down.
This was a disappointment to me – thus the deduction of one star – because the author’s wonderful Emma Harte saga (A Woman of Substance, etc.) revealed the author’s talent at
describing the struggle, from childhood on. Perhaps the occasional flashbacks to childhood in this book were meant to do justice to the difficulties and struggles – there is much talk about Elizabeth’s father’s emotional abandonment in her early years – but I don’t really feel the empathy that would normally come from such disclosures.
I didn’t end up really caring that much about the characters in this book, which left me feeling a sense of deprivation.
December 27, 2008
I am a huge fan of Elizabeth I and the entire period that she lived in. So when I read the summary of this book, I knew I simply had to read Being Elizabeth. Alas, it's with a heavy heart that I have mixed reviews about Bradford's latest bestseller. Essentially this book takes Elizabeth I's life and retells her rise to power, albeit in a contemporary setting. If you know something about English history or have watched the movie Elizabeth, starring Cate Blanchett, then you will have no difficulty recognizing the modern versions of historical characters, including Francis Walsingham, Robert Dudley and Mary Queen of Scots.
Unfortunately, Bradford does not go beyond the usual story and paints a rather boring picture of a modern Elizabeth I. Although Elizabeth Deravenel is naturally beautiful, charming and extremely rich, our heroine displays little of the shrewd business skills or ruthlessness that helped (or will help) her stay on top. Part of the problem seems to stem from the fact that Bradford sets the story in 1996, which makes Deravenel's business decisions (or Bradford's lack of innovative business thinking) really tame by today's comparison. Deravenel takes no really risks and is helped out by the fact that her ancestors had collected a huge collection of jewelery, silver and paintings that she is able to sell at an auction.
Perhaps Bradford's worst mistake is that she, herself, does not take enough artistic risks with a beloved story and only manages to cobble a storybook romance and ending for her Elizabeth and Robin that can be best described as "generic". Personally, I do not buy the fact that Deravenel succeeds in living a happy life once she gains control of the company. After all, where's the drama and suspense that was promised in the book summary? It is such a shame because I really wanted to like this book.
Unfortunately, Bradford does not go beyond the usual story and paints a rather boring picture of a modern Elizabeth I. Although Elizabeth Deravenel is naturally beautiful, charming and extremely rich, our heroine displays little of the shrewd business skills or ruthlessness that helped (or will help) her stay on top. Part of the problem seems to stem from the fact that Bradford sets the story in 1996, which makes Deravenel's business decisions (or Bradford's lack of innovative business thinking) really tame by today's comparison. Deravenel takes no really risks and is helped out by the fact that her ancestors had collected a huge collection of jewelery, silver and paintings that she is able to sell at an auction.
Perhaps Bradford's worst mistake is that she, herself, does not take enough artistic risks with a beloved story and only manages to cobble a storybook romance and ending for her Elizabeth and Robin that can be best described as "generic". Personally, I do not buy the fact that Deravenel succeeds in living a happy life once she gains control of the company. After all, where's the drama and suspense that was promised in the book summary? It is such a shame because I really wanted to like this book.
December 21, 2015
Oh dear, I loved the first instalment (Ravenscar Dynasty) for it's rich history and narration. I enjoyed the second instalment (Heirs of Ravenscar) but only as it provided a continuation and some answers. Being Elizabeth, as a grand finale, was so poor. I did read it to the end but it was a struggle. I kept thinking something was going to happen, and it didn't.
My main annoyance at this book was that if felt so rushed. Almost as if BTB wanted to close off this saga and start a new one. The main character, Elizabeth, is the new director of Deravenels in the 1990s-2000s. She is supposed to be taking over this grand company, and is described, by the author, as being a strong businesswoman. Yet, the company is run by her male companions and in a contradictory sense, the author writes several times that she couldn't run the company without them" We receive more insight into Elizabeth's designer clothing than we do the business. It's a bit Jackie Collins to say the least. I also found the narrative annoying; the characters speak to eachother as if they don't know eachother (and I know this is to remind the reader, or accommodate those who have not read the first two books) but it just sounds silly.
SPOILER: One reason I didn't give up on this book is because I thought we would learn what happened to the two little missing boys. But nothing. At one point Elizabeth inherits a chest of paperwork from Grace Rose and I thought YES!!! she's going to find out!! But...nothing, the chest of paperwork is not even mentioned again.
I'm really disappointed that this promising saga ended in such a rushed way. It could have been so much more.
My main annoyance at this book was that if felt so rushed. Almost as if BTB wanted to close off this saga and start a new one. The main character, Elizabeth, is the new director of Deravenels in the 1990s-2000s. She is supposed to be taking over this grand company, and is described, by the author, as being a strong businesswoman. Yet, the company is run by her male companions and in a contradictory sense, the author writes several times that she couldn't run the company without them" We receive more insight into Elizabeth's designer clothing than we do the business. It's a bit Jackie Collins to say the least. I also found the narrative annoying; the characters speak to eachother as if they don't know eachother (and I know this is to remind the reader, or accommodate those who have not read the first two books) but it just sounds silly.
SPOILER: One reason I didn't give up on this book is because I thought we would learn what happened to the two little missing boys. But nothing. At one point Elizabeth inherits a chest of paperwork from Grace Rose and I thought YES!!! she's going to find out!! But...nothing, the chest of paperwork is not even mentioned again.
I'm really disappointed that this promising saga ended in such a rushed way. It could have been so much more.
May 2, 2009
Even for an easy "read" in the car to and from school, this book just didn't measure up. First of all, it was pretty poorly written. I kept listening because I am fascinated by Elizabeth I, and I liked the idea of a modern re-telling of her story. In fact, that’s why the book gets 2 stars (as opposed to 1). It made me think about what it would like in today’s world to be so young (25) and inherit such responsibility along with such a mess. This book also made me realize just how awful Elizabeth’s childhood was, especially her father’s treatment of her when she was very young. But I think where the author failed is truly making the connection to modern times and providing a real plot. I heartily agree with other reviewers who said they kept waiting for something to happen, and it didn’t. I also was VERY aggravated by the Epilogue. Not to spoil it, but it just didn’t make sense to have something so dramatic finally happen in the Epilogue and then patch everything up and end the book on a happy (?) note in a couple of sentences. The best part of this book was that it inspired me to finish the biography I started a few years ago about Elizabeth by Alison Weir, and pick up Weir’s recent novel about Elizabeth’s early years before she became queen.
October 6, 2013
Being Elizabeth is the final chapter in the Ravenscar Dynasty series by Barbara Taylor Bradford. The final chapter chronicles the life of Elizabeth (Tudor) Turner.
Synopsis:
Elizabeth Turner will finally inherit the Managing Director of Deravenels. Her sister Mary has passed after her bout with cancer. She is advised by Cecil Williams and Robert Dunly. Their goal is to turn around Deravenels after Mary’s death. Elizabeth is adamant that she won’t marry but will that keep her from future happiness? Her cousin Marie Stuart also wants the Managing Director position will she find the power necessary to overtake Elizabeth?
My Thoughts:
I looked forward to reading this novel because Barbara Taylor Bradford is one of my favorite authors. I was not impressed with this novel. I wonder if the title came from the fact that they had no idea what to otherwise call the novel. Another title could be Elizabeth’s Decisions.
What was Queen Elizabeth really like? Did her life truly involve her decisions and the men involved in it? I wonder if anything more exciting happened?
Unfortunately I can’t really offer any more insight than the above.
Synopsis:
Elizabeth Turner will finally inherit the Managing Director of Deravenels. Her sister Mary has passed after her bout with cancer. She is advised by Cecil Williams and Robert Dunly. Their goal is to turn around Deravenels after Mary’s death. Elizabeth is adamant that she won’t marry but will that keep her from future happiness? Her cousin Marie Stuart also wants the Managing Director position will she find the power necessary to overtake Elizabeth?
My Thoughts:
I looked forward to reading this novel because Barbara Taylor Bradford is one of my favorite authors. I was not impressed with this novel. I wonder if the title came from the fact that they had no idea what to otherwise call the novel. Another title could be Elizabeth’s Decisions.
What was Queen Elizabeth really like? Did her life truly involve her decisions and the men involved in it? I wonder if anything more exciting happened?
Unfortunately I can’t really offer any more insight than the above.
November 5, 2009
A real disappointment. I really loved "Woman of Substance" and some of her other books but "Being Elizabeth" showed no imagination. Hard to get through because it was boring and I agree with the other negative reviews. I kept waiting for something to happen but it never did and even the main characters were stagnant. Very repetitive, too, in describing Elizabeth's relationships with the other characters. How many ways can you describe "their love was never ending"? And, enough with the inventories and lists of possessions...makes one wonder how an author can be so spotty in quality.
November 6, 2014
The first book in this series, Ravenscar, kept me on the edge of my seat. I could not wait to find out what would happen next! The second book, The Heir, was not quite as good but there was still enough mystery to keep me wanting to hear more. This one; however, was pretty anticlimactic. I kept listening hoping that something interesting would happen but nothing ever did. Not only that, the writing itself was not great. The way the book jumped through time was disjointed & I had a hard time at points figuring out what year it was.
Read
November 3, 2008Not as good as all other BTB books
December 30, 2016
I could not finish this book. I did get to page 130 and it was all about meetings, getting money back from a husband of a deceased sister, more meetings with no plot what so ever. Boring .......
February 5, 2025
'L’amore non può attendere' è il terzo volume della trilogia 'La dinastia di Ravenscar' di Barbara Taylor Bradford che racconta la storia di una famiglia nel corso di più di un secolo (dai primi del Novecento ai giorni nostri). Presentato al pubblico come una storia di potere ed intrighi, di soldi e di successo, il libro è preceduto da 'Passioni e tradimenti' e 'L’eredità', che io non ho letto (né credo che leggerò mai). Non per questo si ha difficoltà a capire la trama, tanto che si riescono a seguire gli intrighi in maniera abbastanza semplice, anche perché… è unicamente la trasposizione ai giorni nostri della storia dei Tudor. Possibile che in Italia non lo abbiano messo in risalto? Non una riga nella trama, non un’osservazione tra i commenti, nulla di nulla…
Indubbiamente la Bradfrod si è documentata a fondo sulla storia di Elisabetta I (tanto che al termine del romanzo è presente anche la bibliografia di riferimento). Forse si è documentata troppo. Perché troppo?, vi domanderete. Perché la storia in questo modo prende troppo le distanze dall’autrice, che tenta pedissequamente di asservire i personaggi ad una trama che non appartiene al cuore della scrittrice (e dei protagonisti), costringendola ad andare esclusivamente lì dove deve andare.
I personaggi risultano quindi quasi imbalsamati, senza un briciolo di passione o sentimento, che recitano la loro parte in maniera assai blanda.
Oltretutto Elizabeth viene fatta passare per l’eroina assoluta della storia, quando nel leggere l’intreccio si rimane quasi storditi per la sua totale mancanza di valori.
Muore la sorellastra? C’è esclusivamente gioia, anzi tripudio. Non un briciolo di umanità nei suoi confronti, dopo una morte avvenuta in così giovane età. Non un ricordo, un rimorso, un rimpianto. No, Mary era la sorella cattiva e malvagia, mentre Elizabeth era la buona e pura (e per questo balla sulla sua tomba).
Robin è sposato? Non importa. Elizabeth lo ama, quindi non si interessa della moglie e si presenta a balli, feste, iniziative di beneficenza al fianco del suo amato. Il fatto che la stampa ci vada a nozze e scriva di tutto e di più su di loro, facendo arrivare così la notizia alla moglie senza che loro si siano degnati di avvertirla, non ha importanza. Loro devono vivere la loro vita giovane e allegra.
Il marito della mia matrigna è seducente? Beh ho solo sedici anni, ma perché non provare ad andarci a letto visto che lui è rimasto affascinato dal mio bel faccino? Chi se ne importa se tento di farlo nella casa stessa della mia matrigna, mentre la mia matrigna è presente!
Vivamente sconsigliato.
Per la recensione completa visita il mio blog: https://dilettanicastro.blogspot.com/...
Indubbiamente la Bradfrod si è documentata a fondo sulla storia di Elisabetta I (tanto che al termine del romanzo è presente anche la bibliografia di riferimento). Forse si è documentata troppo. Perché troppo?, vi domanderete. Perché la storia in questo modo prende troppo le distanze dall’autrice, che tenta pedissequamente di asservire i personaggi ad una trama che non appartiene al cuore della scrittrice (e dei protagonisti), costringendola ad andare esclusivamente lì dove deve andare.
I personaggi risultano quindi quasi imbalsamati, senza un briciolo di passione o sentimento, che recitano la loro parte in maniera assai blanda.
Oltretutto Elizabeth viene fatta passare per l’eroina assoluta della storia, quando nel leggere l’intreccio si rimane quasi storditi per la sua totale mancanza di valori.
Muore la sorellastra? C’è esclusivamente gioia, anzi tripudio. Non un briciolo di umanità nei suoi confronti, dopo una morte avvenuta in così giovane età. Non un ricordo, un rimorso, un rimpianto. No, Mary era la sorella cattiva e malvagia, mentre Elizabeth era la buona e pura (e per questo balla sulla sua tomba).
Robin è sposato? Non importa. Elizabeth lo ama, quindi non si interessa della moglie e si presenta a balli, feste, iniziative di beneficenza al fianco del suo amato. Il fatto che la stampa ci vada a nozze e scriva di tutto e di più su di loro, facendo arrivare così la notizia alla moglie senza che loro si siano degnati di avvertirla, non ha importanza. Loro devono vivere la loro vita giovane e allegra.
Il marito della mia matrigna è seducente? Beh ho solo sedici anni, ma perché non provare ad andarci a letto visto che lui è rimasto affascinato dal mio bel faccino? Chi se ne importa se tento di farlo nella casa stessa della mia matrigna, mentre la mia matrigna è presente!
Vivamente sconsigliato.
Per la recensione completa visita il mio blog: https://dilettanicastro.blogspot.com/...
September 20, 2020
This book was truly awful! I finally got the connection with the history. Perhaps, I thought desperately, the repeated dangling of expectations, never-resolved "suspense" (why does Elizabeth get pnuemonia?), phony emotional scenes (like the closing one when poor lifeless coat-rack Robin once again has a tantrum over Liz's refusal to get married) are down to the author's inability to create convincing modern accounts of robber baron behaviours and activities of the past.
Or perhaps it was simply her own lack of interest in this shallow and rambling, obsequious homage to power mongering, stolen wealth and the white supremacist paradigm. It is a very mind numbing worldview.
This is a piece of publishing that made me realise yet again how much getting into mass print is about who you are. Or have been.
A great disappointment in a time of pandemic when absorbing reading matter is an essential service!
Or perhaps it was simply her own lack of interest in this shallow and rambling, obsequious homage to power mongering, stolen wealth and the white supremacist paradigm. It is a very mind numbing worldview.
This is a piece of publishing that made me realise yet again how much getting into mass print is about who you are. Or have been.
A great disappointment in a time of pandemic when absorbing reading matter is an essential service!
August 11, 2021
When Elizabeth's half sister passes away, Elizabeth takes over as director of the largest commodities company in the world at age 25. She has excellent council from the senior managers but she is definitely the one in charge. One of those by her side is Robert (Robin) Dunlevy, childhood friend. The two grow ever closer until they are living together. There are, naturally, both business and personal challenges for everyone but Elizabeth's Great Aunt Grace Rose assures Elizabeth that she will always triumph. I have enjoyed all of Barbara Taylor Bradford's stories, starting with Woman of Substance, for the savviness of the women, the friendships and rivalries, and the romance. This was no exception. Excellent performance and narration by Katherine Kellgren.
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November 6, 2019I have to agree with many of the other reviews, I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing really did. It was about a wealthy, young, beautiful woman that with the exception of her father disowning her for a couple of years her life is all glitter and unicorns. She had everything she wanted and got everything she wanted.
This was the first book I have read from the author and I would try reading another book from here and hope the next one has more excitement. I noticed this was the last book in the trilogy and I am glad I didn't read the first two.
This was the first book I have read from the author and I would try reading another book from here and hope the next one has more excitement. I noticed this was the last book in the trilogy and I am glad I didn't read the first two.
Read
June 11, 2022Young British woman becomes CEO of huge multinational conglomerate after her sister dies and confidently manages it all - fending off challenges from factions of the board of directors, selling jewels & artwork to make millions. She then starts her own company of spas & make-up salons and weathers more challenges from a cousin who thought she should have gotten the company. She resists marrying her long-time friend who is on the management team until the end of the book, when she accepts an engagement ring.
June 18, 2017
This is a book of things. Of lists. Of nothing of importance. The jacket promised the author's "most provocative, sizzling novel yet" NOT! I gave up around page 100. I was tired of hearing how absolutely fabulous the protagonist was, and tired of hearing about all the riches she inherited after being the sad little girl that nobody loved except the help. Where was the story line? Not anywhere to be found. A waste of time.
October 4, 2017
While I have liked this author in the past, I thought this book was just okay. I thought the story kind of dragged and although a fiction, it was cheesy. It kept going on about the threat to Elizabeth's company from her cousin Mary Stewart but that never happened. Their was continual emphasis on Elizabeth's wealth and everything always worked out in all her business ventures, never a failure. It ends without revealing whether her and Robert ever do get married or have a child.
May 2, 2018
A decent story of a young women’s power running an international company after she inherits it and the family fortunes. Also, a love story with some family history and drama. Maybe because I listened to the books vs. reading, I didn’t feel the energy that the author usually puts forth in these types of upper crust wealthy English family sagas. Enormously enjoyed A Woman of Substance, but felt this was just okay.
July 30, 2018
Bit of a let down, kept hinting at great things but nothing happened, then it jumped forward a few years with no explanation, people had died etc; I only kept on reading it because when ~Grace Rose gave Elizabeth some old family documents I though it might explain what really happened to the two little boys - but no. It ended without really explaining anything or making it clear whether they got married or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2019
Most boring book ever. Although Elizabeth had a pretty crumby childhood, the rest of her life which is this story, was nearly perfect! No conflict, almost no drama, nothing! There were a couple hints at what could have been some interesting storylines, but they never went anywhere!! (these were why I kept reading, thinking they would solve these mysteries, but NO.)
Don't waste your time. I'm sorry I did.
Don't waste your time. I'm sorry I did.
May 3, 2020
This is a very "rich" book, full of big houses, diamonds and expensive jewelleries, famous paintings, branded handbags and clothing, etc. Imagine if someone really owns all these in the real world! I always enjoyed BTB's Saga books. Just like the Harte Series. Interesting storyline where mystery and sickness is also mixed in. And also not forgetting the colorful characters in this story. Overall an interesting book to read.
November 4, 2017
This is a story of a woman with a horrible childhood who inherits a failing family company. I really enjoy these stories of strong women who overcome the worst of conditions and become successful. Barbar Taylor Bradford writes another good book that leaves you thinking and glad you opened the book. Good read....
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