Celeste Ascending: A Novel

by Kaylie Jones

In this splendid novel, Celeste finds herself engaged to Alex, a wealthy man whose standards are as exacting as her own -- or so she thought. As she begins to question their relationship and herself, Celeste is haunted by painful of her past in well-heeled, blue-blooded Connecticut; of the friends and family who seem to have disappeared from her life; and of Nathan, for whom Celeste still carries a lingering passion. At last coming to terms with the lies and illusions that have propelled her forward for years, Celeste must take responsibility for the choices she has made. She decides to be true to herself -- and so challenges her fiancé, her family, and the very society in which she's steeped.

Genres: Fiction, Adult Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2000

About the author

Kaylie was born in Paris, France and attended French schools until she returned with her family to the U.S. in 1974. Her father was the novelist James Jones.

Kaylie began to study Russian as her third language at age 8, and continued to study the language and literature through her four undergraduate years at Wesleyan University and her two years at Columbia University’s School of the Arts, where she received her MFA in Writing.

Kylie Jones has published six books, the most recent a memoir, Lies My Mother Never Told Me. Her novel A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries was adapted as a Merchant Ivory film in 1998.

Jones has been teaching for more than twenty-five years, and is a faculty member in the Stony Brook Southampton MFA in Creative Writing & Literature program and in Wilkes University’s MFA in Creative Writing program. She is the author of Speak Now and the editor of Long Island Noir. Her newest endeavor is her publishing imprint with Akashic Books, Kaylie Jones Books.

Reviews

[Mari Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nicely written but ultimately annoying story of a whiny self-indulged so-called writer. This book was interesting to a point but ended up just being irritating. The story didn't seem to go anywhere much and the main character's life garnered more confusion than sympathy.

[Lynne Reeves Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and compelling story. Jones writes a strong heroine who endures early childhood trauma and ultimately finds her voice.

[Lynn Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the writing is excellent, the characters are one dimensional with the exception of the grandmother who is a hoot. Celeste, the heroine, is a self-absorbed, spoiled young woman who I care for not the least despite her romantic and alcoholic issues. The story rambled all over the place and I got lost several times trying to figure out who is who. Still don't get the point of the book.

[:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celeste Ascending is an amazing dark emotional roller coaster ride that talks about loss, trauma, love, and courage. So interesting and definitely is now one of my favorites. The main character, Celeste, can also be pretty relatable at times.

[shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the typical romance novel. More like a memoir of a woman struggling to overcome the emotional damage caused by a traumatic childhood. Very well-written. It kept me going, hard to put down.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay read and I'm glad Celeste found her way by the end of the book.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

An alcoholics story of recovery. The book was interesting but included more details of her sexual exploits, etc. than I wanted to know. Not a book I would recommend.

[Heather Browning · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started off really liking this. I thought it was going to be typical fluffy chick-lit and was pleasantly surprised by the fact there was a bit of depth and darkness, dealing with loss, grief, mental illness, poverty, addiction and abuse. By the end though, I felt it was all a bit too much, too many little threads like this and none of them explored in any real depth. The split in narrative between past and present also became confusing after a while, with not enough time spent in either to be really satisfying.

[Meri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a novel that has "real life" written all over it, no pun intended. The characters are likely people you've met, and the city is one you're familiar with, and the issues aren't easily wrapped up, but then, life isn't either. Jones' language is lovely, and her tone is not only unique but inherently read-able. This is an excellent book.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting read. I was intrigued by the social status and lifestyle of the main character. How she developed relationships with others and how she destroyed them was heartbreaking. She used alcohol as a mask for every facet of her life and when she realized it others would not acknowledge it for fear of looking at themselves too.

[Carlainya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Great characters, who really develop and grow. The author cleverly adds a few bits over several chapters so that you really begin to understand them, and become emotionally interested in them. I like the way the novel developed.

[Brodie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really just Meh... I lost interest in the characters and the ending was more than just a little predictable you saw it coming from the first chapter. Very glad that I didn't spend more than a couple of dollars for this.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites!!! I've read it a few times, and it's always amazing.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked it, interesting life story.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaylie Jones is a brillant storyteller! Celeste Ascending is an amazing and luminous story of love, loss, and courage that will leave you in awe.

[Jill Moffett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely recommend this book to all. Beautifully written and I found the main character (Celeste) so relatable.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiographical?

[Jolie G.]

May 5, 2010

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story of self-awakening. The main character, Celeste, is not always likable but that only makes her more real. And brave. I highly recommend this one.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooked from the first paragraph!

[Jennifer Dawn]

Beautifully written and thought provoking.