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On Sackville Street: Love, Deceit, and Secrets Across Generations in Dublin's Turbulent Years
1869 – When Milandra Carter arrives to live on Sackville Street as a young widow, she becomes the talk of Dublin. Firstly, she scandalises society by refusing to wear the mandatory widow’s weeds. She then sets her sights on marrying Nicholas Fontenoy. But Nicholas is already engaged to Bishop Staffordshire’s daughter, Constance.But is there something darker behind Milandra’s professed love for Nicholas? As Milandra attempts to lure Nicholas away from Constance, a chain of events is set off that leads to bribery, blackmail and murder.1916 - Milandra Carter, now in her seventies, is one of the wealthiest and most respected women in Dublin. After attending a family reunion at Easter, on arrival back to her mansion on Sackville Street she is confronted by a gunman. Milandra fears he has come to avenge a past grudge. But quickly realises she has been caught up in something much bigger.1916 - As Dublin explodes with the Easter Rising, Amelia Robinson desperately tries to rescue her grandmother, Milanda, trapped in her house. But the events unfolding on Sackville Street will unravel a decades old mystery, a secret that was to be carried to the grave.
530 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2016
522 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
A. O'Connor
22 books103 followersA. O'Connor is the bestselling author of The House, The Secrets of Armstrong House, The Left Handed Marriage and The Footman. A graduate in History and English from the National University of Ireland Maynooth and Trinity College Dublin, the author has contributed to two collections of short stories in aid of Barnardos Charity and played a key role in A.M.D's Fighting Blindness campaign. The House has been translated into German and the Russian edition is due for publication in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 31, 2016
I love, love, love A O Connor's books. The story telling is marvelous. The characters are people you could meet in the street and the endings are always very satisfying.
This book is no exception. I was hooked from the first chapter.
Milandra and her story is fascinating. You will not see the many twists and turns coming. But, my what a horrible character Milandra is. If the main character is unlikable in a book, it usually puts me off, but not here. You just can't help but be drawn into Milandra's life and the ups and downs she goes through. I'm not saying any more as I don't want to spoil anything for an
It goes between 1886 and 1916. The changes in time era flows smoothly. If you love historical novels with a strong story and romance then this is the book for you.
This book is no exception. I was hooked from the first chapter.
Milandra and her story is fascinating. You will not see the many twists and turns coming. But, my what a horrible character Milandra is. If the main character is unlikable in a book, it usually puts me off, but not here. You just can't help but be drawn into Milandra's life and the ups and downs she goes through. I'm not saying any more as I don't want to spoil anything for an
It goes between 1886 and 1916. The changes in time era flows smoothly. If you love historical novels with a strong story and romance then this is the book for you.
October 25, 2016
An excellent book. Milandra was a disturbed woman. Over 600 pages but a fast read. Too good to put down.
November 2, 2016
I absolutely love books by A O'Connor and this one was no exception. Set in Dublin between late 1800's and 1916. This is a book you won't be able to put down.
February 24, 2017
Great story. Really enjoyable and hard to put down. Loved how all the characters tied together. Always a fan of A O'Connors work!
It lost 2 stars due to characters names being mixed up numerous times and simple grammar and spelling mistakes throughout the book. Doesn't seem to have been proof-read before being published ?
It lost 2 stars due to characters names being mixed up numerous times and simple grammar and spelling mistakes throughout the book. Doesn't seem to have been proof-read before being published ?
May 1, 2018
Rather convoluted story
This story is about a woman who is driven by her need to not just survive, but to excel and get revenge. It is told through flashbacks during the 1916 Irish rebellion as an elderly woman's life story is told from the time she is a young girl in mid 1800's to present 1916.
The social/religious attitudes of the times are used to formulate a convoluted plot as protagonist Milandra's unsettling story is told. Even with her unfortunate background circumstances I found nothing to feel sympathy for her. She's a manipulator, greedy, highly intelligent sociopath who gets her way in all things. Don't be end of the story I found nothing redeeming in her character. I found the writing uneven and the way situations were handled hard to believe. The dialogue is too modern. The ending clumbsy and unsatisfying......just ends. There are no good moments in the plot and the story just goes on and on without much emotion....rather colorless.
I personally was bored during so-called suspense-filled moments. The romance was dull. I would pass on a recommendation of this one.
This story is about a woman who is driven by her need to not just survive, but to excel and get revenge. It is told through flashbacks during the 1916 Irish rebellion as an elderly woman's life story is told from the time she is a young girl in mid 1800's to present 1916.
The social/religious attitudes of the times are used to formulate a convoluted plot as protagonist Milandra's unsettling story is told. Even with her unfortunate background circumstances I found nothing to feel sympathy for her. She's a manipulator, greedy, highly intelligent sociopath who gets her way in all things. Don't be end of the story I found nothing redeeming in her character. I found the writing uneven and the way situations were handled hard to believe. The dialogue is too modern. The ending clumbsy and unsatisfying......just ends. There are no good moments in the plot and the story just goes on and on without much emotion....rather colorless.
I personally was bored during so-called suspense-filled moments. The romance was dull. I would pass on a recommendation of this one.
March 16, 2019
This one hooked me right at the first sentence and continued to be intriguing right to the very last page. I will read more of A O'Connor.
July 7, 2021
I could not put this one down …. GREAT story .. the characters are strong .. you live some you want to hate others …. Well see for yourself … enjoy!
June 28, 2019
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book that I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day and a half. I did go back and forth on the rating however. This author writes great stories, but he/she definitely needs a better proofreading and editing team. There were so many grammatical and spelling errors throughout that I almost didn't finish it. However, I really liked the story and set aside my problem with these errors and read on. I'm glad I did! The story is about a woman, Milandra Carter, who moves into a neighborhood in Dublin in the late 1800's as a virtual unknown. She's a bit unconventional and doesn't fit in at first, but then starts to become a well liked and admired woman. Yet she holds many secrets that you as the reader are exposed to little by little. This book is filled with twists and turns and the viciousness of this woman is unbelievable. I've seen reviews where the people comment on Milandra's behavior and say she's a horrible person and they didn't like her, well I didn't much care for her either, but I think she was more psychotic than just a horrible person. She will do anything to get what she wants and she wants a man who's already engaged to be married to someone else! How she goes about her schemes and lies is the best part of the book. The author does do a good job in writing the characters, they are real and I felt as though I was in the book with them. Always a plus in my mind. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I won't go into anything in particular that she does, but it's a fantastic book and I highly recommend it. Like I said beware of the proofreading and editing problems, they're everywhere. It's a shame and shouldn't happen in today's world of book editing.
April 22, 2022
Oh what a Tangled web we weave...
I've been reading this tale not realizing in
a way was like Penny Way.(?)
I've also realized I've been reading them in the wrong Direction!.
Still an excellent read. I personally liked the end of it unless it shows the ending to Milanderas demise.
I've been reading this tale not realizing in
a way was like Penny Way.(?)
I've also realized I've been reading them in the wrong Direction!.
Still an excellent read. I personally liked the end of it unless it shows the ending to Milanderas demise.
March 4, 2023
Extraordinary work
A mesmerizing story that goes back and forth between 1916 and 1869. It includes love, deceit, murder, and more. It includes the Easter uprising in Ireland in 1869 as well as the first world war in 1916. The characters are well-thought-out, and brought to life in this historically, correct but fictional story.
A mesmerizing story that goes back and forth between 1916 and 1869. It includes love, deceit, murder, and more. It includes the Easter uprising in Ireland in 1869 as well as the first world war in 1916. The characters are well-thought-out, and brought to life in this historically, correct but fictional story.
September 4, 2018
A good story of family secrets and the power of money
O'Connor is a good writer that keeps you moving along through her books. The power of money has and will be what keeps the rich, rich and the poor looked upon as lowly. Every family has secrets some blacker than others.
O'Connor is a good writer that keeps you moving along through her books. The power of money has and will be what keeps the rich, rich and the poor looked upon as lowly. Every family has secrets some blacker than others.
September 9, 2018
Good read
Liked the story . I have always liked books where everything is answered and everyone gets their comeupens. While you can surmise what happens there is a huge gap in years. Seems like the writer Dan out of details for that time. Also what happens to Milandra at the end.?
Liked the story . I have always liked books where everything is answered and everyone gets their comeupens. While you can surmise what happens there is a huge gap in years. Seems like the writer Dan out of details for that time. Also what happens to Milandra at the end.?
December 20, 2020
Enjoyed
I chose five stars because this book is well written. It keeps the reader engaged, wanting to know what will happen next. The. !main character, Milandra, is strong, determined, and evil. She will stop at nothing to get her way.
I chose five stars because this book is well written. It keeps the reader engaged, wanting to know what will happen next. The. !main character, Milandra, is strong, determined, and evil. She will stop at nothing to get her way.
September 26, 2025
Exiting dance through the history of Ireland.
I loved the glimpses of history. The twists, some quite evident and predictable, yet worth the ride. The love/ hate relationships with the main characters are perfect!
An exciting read.
I loved the glimpses of history. The twists, some quite evident and predictable, yet worth the ride. The love/ hate relationships with the main characters are perfect!
An exciting read.
January 9, 2018
A bit dark for Me
I love a. O'Connor but this book is a little on the dark side. The main character is wicked and evil.
I love a. O'Connor but this book is a little on the dark side. The main character is wicked and evil.
March 8, 2019
The main character is a very rich, wicked and evil person but with all the twists and turns it was hard to put down.
May 6, 2019
To many errors!!
The author needs to hire an editor!
Names were mixed up. Partial sentences repeated. These errors distract the reader from the storyline.
The author needs to hire an editor!
Names were mixed up. Partial sentences repeated. These errors distract the reader from the storyline.
May 24, 2023
Bland, nothing of interest. Did not finish.
June 20, 2023
my second fav book by this author, after The Left handed Marriage. Read them all, loved them all.
August 1, 2023
Enjoyed it very much. A little sad tho.
January 4, 2024
What a wonderful read. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Couldn’t put the book down and read it in 3 days.
August 26, 2024
An intriguing story set in Dublin. Just fun, nothing deep in this book.
December 30, 2020
Easy read. Dreadful editing
February 5, 2019
Emotional rollercoaster
I really enjoy this author and have read the majority of the books. This book was just as exciting as all the others. An atmospheric rollercoaster of emotions with plenty of twists and turns. Many a late night as simply couldn’t put it down. The characters develop at the right pace and it’s almost as if your stood next to them. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
I really enjoy this author and have read the majority of the books. This book was just as exciting as all the others. An atmospheric rollercoaster of emotions with plenty of twists and turns. Many a late night as simply couldn’t put it down. The characters develop at the right pace and it’s almost as if your stood next to them. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
November 22, 2016
Dublin 1869, and Sackville Street is one of the most prestigious places to live. When young widow, Milandra Carter moves in, she shakes up the conservative society, with her bright clothes, her 'forward' attitude and her disregard for traditional etiquette. But behind her beauty lies a woman of purpose. She will do anything to get what she wants and she will take down anyone who gets in her way.
Constance Staffordshire is engaged to marry one of Dublin's most eligible bachelors, Nicholas Fontenoy, and is on the cusp of a bright future with the man she loves. But when Milandra sets her eyes on Nicholas, this future becomes uncertain. Constance has her suspicions about this glamorous, wealthy widow but no one else seems to agree with her. Is she imagining it?
Dublin 1916 and Milandra finds herself taken hostage by a group of rebels who are fighting for Ireland's Independence. As Sackville Street is crumbling under fire and the body count rises, she remains stoic and determined. The past catches up on her and the memories of long hidden secrets come seeping out.
Drama, subterfuge and secrets. All the ingredients of a novel you can escape into. From the very first page the reader is enveloped into the crazy world of Milandra Carter and her zany side-kick and cook, Flancy. A wicked pair, they land with aplomb on the stunning Sackville Street, surrounded by the elite of Dublin society and its genteel residents. Ignoring all advice to keep a low profile after her husbands death, Milandra immediately gets to work on becoming the most talked about lady in Dublin. Poor Constance doesn't stand a chance, as this femme-fatal inserts herself into the Fontenoy fold and takes control of Nicolas' future. The games begin and the reader is witness to the determined actions of Milandra and Flancy. The novel switches forward to 1916, where Milandra remains on Sackville Street, now in her old age, and is trapped in a volatile situation with a group of young and fearful rebels. She refuses to bow to their commands and in usual Milandra style, cooks up a storm.
This is a racy, pacy piece of historical fiction. Full of drama and decadence. It flies along with a steady pace and the characters immediately come to life. It may be just over 500 pages long but can be devoured in a few sittings. You will not be bogged down with historical facts, just the bare essentials to help the reader place Sackville Street in relation to the 1916 rising. If you enjoyed Downton Abbey, RTÉ's Rebellion and BBC's The Paradise, then this is for you. Improbable, addictive storylines which unfold gloriously as you turn the pages. Light and fun, not to be taken too seriously, this is pure escapism. Another enjoyable historical drama from A.O'Connor.
Constance Staffordshire is engaged to marry one of Dublin's most eligible bachelors, Nicholas Fontenoy, and is on the cusp of a bright future with the man she loves. But when Milandra sets her eyes on Nicholas, this future becomes uncertain. Constance has her suspicions about this glamorous, wealthy widow but no one else seems to agree with her. Is she imagining it?
Dublin 1916 and Milandra finds herself taken hostage by a group of rebels who are fighting for Ireland's Independence. As Sackville Street is crumbling under fire and the body count rises, she remains stoic and determined. The past catches up on her and the memories of long hidden secrets come seeping out.
Drama, subterfuge and secrets. All the ingredients of a novel you can escape into. From the very first page the reader is enveloped into the crazy world of Milandra Carter and her zany side-kick and cook, Flancy. A wicked pair, they land with aplomb on the stunning Sackville Street, surrounded by the elite of Dublin society and its genteel residents. Ignoring all advice to keep a low profile after her husbands death, Milandra immediately gets to work on becoming the most talked about lady in Dublin. Poor Constance doesn't stand a chance, as this femme-fatal inserts herself into the Fontenoy fold and takes control of Nicolas' future. The games begin and the reader is witness to the determined actions of Milandra and Flancy. The novel switches forward to 1916, where Milandra remains on Sackville Street, now in her old age, and is trapped in a volatile situation with a group of young and fearful rebels. She refuses to bow to their commands and in usual Milandra style, cooks up a storm.
This is a racy, pacy piece of historical fiction. Full of drama and decadence. It flies along with a steady pace and the characters immediately come to life. It may be just over 500 pages long but can be devoured in a few sittings. You will not be bogged down with historical facts, just the bare essentials to help the reader place Sackville Street in relation to the 1916 rising. If you enjoyed Downton Abbey, RTÉ's Rebellion and BBC's The Paradise, then this is for you. Improbable, addictive storylines which unfold gloriously as you turn the pages. Light and fun, not to be taken too seriously, this is pure escapism. Another enjoyable historical drama from A.O'Connor.
December 20, 2016
A bit of mindless bunkum but enjoyable none the less.When Malandra Carter's rich elderly husband dies she schemes plots and blackmails to get what she wants.
January 31, 2017
Love A O'Connor books, especially the historical novels.
April 24, 2023
I love the author. An interesting story in which the main character is a sociopath, but you just can't stop reading.
April 8, 2017
One of the worst books I have ever read. This is not my genre, but really? This was trash, awful editing, the word "smirk" used way too many times. Not sure why I finished reading it.
April 14, 2017
Well written trash
The story begins to unfold beautifully. Then it takes a dozen or two twists and turns bordering on soap opera unbelievable. Which leads to a great lull that makes you want to skip a few dozen boring pages at a time. Finally it picks back up with the totally insane plot that is so unbelievably dramatic and convoluted that you finally have to give up. Its worse than a daytime soap.
It's only lacking a haunting, some time travel and an alien or two.
The only reason for stars is that most of the writing is smooth and well written. The editor needs a good proof reader for a few glaring typos and errors that happen in any written material
The story begins to unfold beautifully. Then it takes a dozen or two twists and turns bordering on soap opera unbelievable. Which leads to a great lull that makes you want to skip a few dozen boring pages at a time. Finally it picks back up with the totally insane plot that is so unbelievably dramatic and convoluted that you finally have to give up. Its worse than a daytime soap.
It's only lacking a haunting, some time travel and an alien or two.
The only reason for stars is that most of the writing is smooth and well written. The editor needs a good proof reader for a few glaring typos and errors that happen in any written material
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews