The House Above the Sea

by Elizabeth James

The magnetism of a colourful bohemian family bewitches a lonely girl. From the 1950s to the 1980s, Britains sweeping cultural changes are mirrored in the exploits of the Felixes, their loves and their friendships.Motherless Kate Stephens is temporarily dumped by her father on the easy-going, unconventional family of his old friend, Jerome Felix. Her stay becomes permanent, as she falls in love with her adopted family and their home, Plas Felix, a large and comfortable house on the North Wales coast. Over the years, Kate feels she owes everything to her association with the fascinating Felixes.Her obsession is gradually tempered by the painful realisation that the creatures she finds so splendid are merely human beings, their glamour hiding dangerous weaknesses. This is sharpened by a tragedy which the family must absorb to survive, and Kate discovers the power of her independence brings its own consequences.

553 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Mel Entrop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this when the narrative was flowing, but found it did ramble in places a little, and skip ahead with a jolt in other places.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but a bit over long, following Kate, from teenager abandoned by widowed father to live with noisy, confident, overwhelming family in rambling home on Welsh coast, to her middle age; through various traumas & experiences of life.