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Destiny
A passionate story, spanning several countries, rich with international characters, across three decades as it tells the tale of a rich and powerful couple.
900 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1987
287 people are currently reading
1260 people want to read
About the author
Sally Beauman
42 books167 followersaka Vanessa James
Sally Kinsey-Miles graduated from Girton College, Cambridge (MA in English Literature) She married Christopher Beauman an economist. After graduating, she moved with her husband to the USA, where she lived for three years, first in Washington DC, then New York, and travelled extensively. She began her career as a journalist in America, joining the staff of the newly launched New York magazine, of which she became associate editor, and continued to write for it after her return to England. Interviewed Alan Howard for the Telegraph Magazine in 1970 in an article called 'A Fellow of Most Excellent Fancy'. (Daily Telegraph Supplement, May 29th.) Apparently a very long interview. The following year they met again, and the rest is history. After a long partnership Sally and Alan married in 2004. She has one son, James, and one grandchild.
Sally had a distinguished career as a journalist and critic, winning the Catherine Pakenham Award for her writing, and becoming the youngest-ever editor of Queen magazine (now Harper’s & Queen). She has contributed to many leading newspapers and magazines in both the UK and the USA, including the Daily Telegraph ( from 1970-73 and 1976-8 she was Arts Editor of the Sunday Telegraph Magazine), the Sunday Times, Observer, Vogue, the New York Times and the New Yorker. She also wrote nine Mills & Boon romances under the pseudonym Vanessa James, before publishing her block-buster novel Destiny in 1987 under her real name. It was her article about Daphne du Maurier, commissioned by Tina Brown, and published in The New Yorker in November 1993, which first gave her the idea for writing Rebecca de Winter’s version of events at Manderley – an idea that subsequently became the novel, Rebecca’s Tale. In 2000 she was one of the Whitbread Prize judges for the best novel category.
Sally Kinsey-Miles graduated from Girton College, Cambridge (MA in English Literature) She married Christopher Beauman an economist. After graduating, she moved with her husband to the USA, where she lived for three years, first in Washington DC, then New York, and travelled extensively. She began her career as a journalist in America, joining the staff of the newly launched New York magazine, of which she became associate editor, and continued to write for it after her return to England. Interviewed Alan Howard for the Telegraph Magazine in 1970 in an article called 'A Fellow of Most Excellent Fancy'. (Daily Telegraph Supplement, May 29th.) Apparently a very long interview. The following year they met again, and the rest is history. After a long partnership Sally and Alan married in 2004. She has one son, James, and one grandchild.
Sally had a distinguished career as a journalist and critic, winning the Catherine Pakenham Award for her writing, and becoming the youngest-ever editor of Queen magazine (now Harper’s & Queen). She has contributed to many leading newspapers and magazines in both the UK and the USA, including the Daily Telegraph ( from 1970-73 and 1976-8 she was Arts Editor of the Sunday Telegraph Magazine), the Sunday Times, Observer, Vogue, the New York Times and the New Yorker. She also wrote nine Mills & Boon romances under the pseudonym Vanessa James, before publishing her block-buster novel Destiny in 1987 under her real name. It was her article about Daphne du Maurier, commissioned by Tina Brown, and published in The New Yorker in November 1993, which first gave her the idea for writing Rebecca de Winter’s version of events at Manderley – an idea that subsequently became the novel, Rebecca’s Tale. In 2000 she was one of the Whitbread Prize judges for the best novel category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 26, 2007
Written in 1987 and I still can't forget this book. I haven't read it since the 80's so my taste may have changed... I will have to re-read this to see if I still feel the same.
I worked for a bookstore in Aloha and saw this book. I have very ecletic tastes in books and have read a lot of historical fiction and Danielle Steele but wanted to try my hand at something different.
At first I was outraged by what was happening to the main character, Helene, to the point I almost quit reading as she gets molested.... later on the scenery and times change. From rural Alabama to glittering Paris Helene becomes a remarkable woman and meets a remarkable man, Edouard. When they see each other they experience "love at first site".
this story is not a romance - it is a true love story, filled with the life of the jet set and the love that knows no bounds... this story is haunting.
I worked for a bookstore in Aloha and saw this book. I have very ecletic tastes in books and have read a lot of historical fiction and Danielle Steele but wanted to try my hand at something different.
At first I was outraged by what was happening to the main character, Helene, to the point I almost quit reading as she gets molested.... later on the scenery and times change. From rural Alabama to glittering Paris Helene becomes a remarkable woman and meets a remarkable man, Edouard. When they see each other they experience "love at first site".
this story is not a romance - it is a true love story, filled with the life of the jet set and the love that knows no bounds... this story is haunting.
Read
November 20, 2008This is one of the most exquisite books I have ever had the pleasure to read!!!
August 4, 2013
3.5 Stars
The great thing about this book, is that you can easily get lost in the story, the characters. I find that almost mandatory when reading a novel this size. It is a sweeping love story spanning decades between the past and present lives of Edouard de Chavigny and Helene Craig. If I would liken it to anything I immediately think of Gone With The Wind. In scope and the passing of time and events lived through two characters who are meant to be together but obviously circumstance prevent. This is not a cheap thrills kind of romance either. It is richly layered and Beauman delivers beautifully flowing narrative. It was actually my love of "Dark Angel" that brought me back to her work. That being said, I did have a few issues. One, though I found the story intriguing, I did find she had me flipping through the pages of their past in high anticipation of when they would actually get together, and then once finally there I found she just skimmed over. Second, this book does have a twist nearing the end that could have been quite shocking if I hadn't seen it coming from very early on.
The great thing about this book, is that you can easily get lost in the story, the characters. I find that almost mandatory when reading a novel this size. It is a sweeping love story spanning decades between the past and present lives of Edouard de Chavigny and Helene Craig. If I would liken it to anything I immediately think of Gone With The Wind. In scope and the passing of time and events lived through two characters who are meant to be together but obviously circumstance prevent. This is not a cheap thrills kind of romance either. It is richly layered and Beauman delivers beautifully flowing narrative. It was actually my love of "Dark Angel" that brought me back to her work. That being said, I did have a few issues. One, though I found the story intriguing, I did find she had me flipping through the pages of their past in high anticipation of when they would actually get together, and then once finally there I found she just skimmed over. Second, this book does have a twist nearing the end that could have been quite shocking if I hadn't seen it coming from very early on.
June 17, 2015
This was the first book I read by Sally Beauman her characters seemed so real. The story starts in America and moves from there to Paris where she meets Edouard, has an illegitimate child who she assumes was the child of her childhood sweetheart. Begins a glittering new career and finally settles down to a life with Edouard. I cried as I read the last chapters, it had such a sad ending too... It was a truly wonderful book.
June 9, 2017
Okay, this is an odd one. The first third was immersive and characterful and had lots of hints dropped in about what might happen and the direction the novel would take. I'm not gonna lie, there was a lot of sex and it feels rather jarring because this novel is packaged as a romance saga rather than as a bonkbuster style novel like one from Jackie Collins.
My problem is that it felt like this novel had ended about 100 pages before it actually did, and one really crucial plot point was rushed over in very few pages. And then there was no true resolution to the novel, nothing that really let the reader know why they had bothered reading over 900 pages. It was long and way too self-indulgent and didn't seem to have any ultimate purpose. Sadly disappointing, given the more promising start.
My problem is that it felt like this novel had ended about 100 pages before it actually did, and one really crucial plot point was rushed over in very few pages. And then there was no true resolution to the novel, nothing that really let the reader know why they had bothered reading over 900 pages. It was long and way too self-indulgent and didn't seem to have any ultimate purpose. Sadly disappointing, given the more promising start.
April 22, 2012
my first thought about this book was that it would be big book that i could just read when i got bored.This was not so.i seriously couldn't put this book down it was amazing.I mean the whole history and timeline was done so well it captivated me from the beginning and i didn't want o stop reading till i read.If your looking for a good book to read one that would engage you and make you fall in love with all the characters.THIS IS THE BOOK.I cried ,its truly touching!!!
February 18, 2013
" Ci saranno sempre cose che non puoi controllare......."
Niente, nulla è certo, tutto quello che ci circonda è volontà del fato, di un destino già scritto per ognuno di noi.
Un destino ingiusto, impetuoso, che ha travolto i protagonisti di questa meravigliosa storia che non abbandonerà mai il mio cuore.
Helene e Edouard mi hanno fatto provare tante emozioni trascinandomi dalla gioia al dolore e dall'amore all'odio in un nanosecondo. Sono stati protagonisti della loro storia in maniera accesa, entrambi testardi e decisi, hanno saputo condurre due vite così diverse tra di loro, ma così concatenate. Entrambi con uno scopo deciso, uno di riportare il nome De Chavigny ai grandi albori, l'altra di far rivivere nella sua vita il sogno della madre perduta.
Questo non è il classico romanzo dove c'è una storia d'amore accesa, un impedimento, un trio o che ne sò qualche altro inghippo, e con un finale tutto rose e fiori.
Alla base della loro storia, c'è il vero amore. Un amore che è durato anni, superato ostacoli impossibili, ma soprattutto la speranza. Edouard ha vissuto nella speranza per cinque anni, ha resistito con una tenacia di cui è stato succube per un tempo infinito e nel momento in cui tutto era perduto si riscopriva ancor di più innamorato, seppur l'altra parte non avesse fatto nulla, anzi senza mai scambiarsi una parola.
Pochi squilli di un telefono, un nome pronunciato a fil di voce, una speranza.
Il loro ritrovarsi nello studio è stato meraviglioso. Il ticchettio dei tacchi sullo sfondo di un lungo silenzio, una porta che si apre ed il mondo che ritorna a vivere dopo che lui si alza dalla poltrona che lo teneva nascosto.
potrei star qui ore ed ore a scrivere dei tratti che più mi hanno segnata, della tristezza che mi ha avvolto e del pianto finale che mi sono fatta.
sono riuscita a star calma anche dopo il tragico evento e il dolore che ne è venuto dopo, ma mi è stato impossibile dopo, quando Cat riceve lo scrigno che custodiscono i pensieri del padre. sono gioielli, ma per me hanno un significato diverso, l'amore incondizionato di un padre che non può esser presente in un giorno speciale della sua vita, ma che non ha mai dimenticato di ricordarsene, un pensiero.
" io non credo nei limiti. Non ci crederò mai. Papà non ci credeva. Ci riuscirò, mamma. Te lo giuro. Lo giuro....."
parole forti, importanti dette da una ragazzina poco più che bambina, ma con un grande coraggio.
E' una sfida a non deludere il padre mai. Bellissimo. Non ho parole.
questo libro entra nella mia classifica Top Five
solo un'altra storia era stata capace di sconvolgermi così tanto ed è quella di Tatiana ed Alexander, ora se loro sono al primo posto, li precedono senza esitazione Helenè ed Edouard.
Grazie Manuela.
Niente, nulla è certo, tutto quello che ci circonda è volontà del fato, di un destino già scritto per ognuno di noi.
Un destino ingiusto, impetuoso, che ha travolto i protagonisti di questa meravigliosa storia che non abbandonerà mai il mio cuore.
Helene e Edouard mi hanno fatto provare tante emozioni trascinandomi dalla gioia al dolore e dall'amore all'odio in un nanosecondo. Sono stati protagonisti della loro storia in maniera accesa, entrambi testardi e decisi, hanno saputo condurre due vite così diverse tra di loro, ma così concatenate. Entrambi con uno scopo deciso, uno di riportare il nome De Chavigny ai grandi albori, l'altra di far rivivere nella sua vita il sogno della madre perduta.
Questo non è il classico romanzo dove c'è una storia d'amore accesa, un impedimento, un trio o che ne sò qualche altro inghippo, e con un finale tutto rose e fiori.
Alla base della loro storia, c'è il vero amore. Un amore che è durato anni, superato ostacoli impossibili, ma soprattutto la speranza. Edouard ha vissuto nella speranza per cinque anni, ha resistito con una tenacia di cui è stato succube per un tempo infinito e nel momento in cui tutto era perduto si riscopriva ancor di più innamorato, seppur l'altra parte non avesse fatto nulla, anzi senza mai scambiarsi una parola.
Pochi squilli di un telefono, un nome pronunciato a fil di voce, una speranza.
Il loro ritrovarsi nello studio è stato meraviglioso. Il ticchettio dei tacchi sullo sfondo di un lungo silenzio, una porta che si apre ed il mondo che ritorna a vivere dopo che lui si alza dalla poltrona che lo teneva nascosto.
potrei star qui ore ed ore a scrivere dei tratti che più mi hanno segnata, della tristezza che mi ha avvolto e del pianto finale che mi sono fatta.
sono riuscita a star calma anche dopo il tragico evento e il dolore che ne è venuto dopo, ma mi è stato impossibile dopo, quando Cat riceve lo scrigno che custodiscono i pensieri del padre. sono gioielli, ma per me hanno un significato diverso, l'amore incondizionato di un padre che non può esser presente in un giorno speciale della sua vita, ma che non ha mai dimenticato di ricordarsene, un pensiero.
" io non credo nei limiti. Non ci crederò mai. Papà non ci credeva. Ci riuscirò, mamma. Te lo giuro. Lo giuro....."
parole forti, importanti dette da una ragazzina poco più che bambina, ma con un grande coraggio.
E' una sfida a non deludere il padre mai. Bellissimo. Non ho parole.
questo libro entra nella mia classifica Top Five
solo un'altra storia era stata capace di sconvolgermi così tanto ed è quella di Tatiana ed Alexander, ora se loro sono al primo posto, li precedono senza esitazione Helenè ed Edouard.
Grazie Manuela.
October 13, 2014
I first read Destiny when it came out in 1987 (I think) and everybody was talking about it - it caused quite a sensation, even in the 80s, THE era for sensational blockbuster novels. I wondered if I would still like it, nearly 30 years on; oddly enough, I think I like it even more now. It is not as 'sensational' as it was (oh, how jaded we are!), but this time round I picked up far more on how intelligently written and plotted it is, how well crafted and structured, and how rounded out the characters are.
The novel tells the star-crossed love story of Edouard de Chavigny and Helene Craig, spanning 30 years and 4 countries, and with a cast list like a Russian tragedy. It is flawed, of course, in the way Romeo and Juliet is flawed; for the story to work some fairly major manipulations of plot are required, and characters don't always behave in a way more sensible people might behave, but that is of course in the nature of the great sweeping love story it is, and in fairness to Beauman, Edouard and Helene's thought processes are carefully detailed. I cried at the end - but I still cry at the end of Romeo and Juliet :)
Thanks Tara, for reminding me of this book!
The novel tells the star-crossed love story of Edouard de Chavigny and Helene Craig, spanning 30 years and 4 countries, and with a cast list like a Russian tragedy. It is flawed, of course, in the way Romeo and Juliet is flawed; for the story to work some fairly major manipulations of plot are required, and characters don't always behave in a way more sensible people might behave, but that is of course in the nature of the great sweeping love story it is, and in fairness to Beauman, Edouard and Helene's thought processes are carefully detailed. I cried at the end - but I still cry at the end of Romeo and Juliet :)
Thanks Tara, for reminding me of this book!
Read
June 23, 2013"The power you have when you're different. When people can't place you, sum you up..."
"We ARE our past, after all. Everything we've done, everything that has happened to us - that's what we are."
"We ARE our past, after all. Everything we've done, everything that has happened to us - that's what we are."
January 18, 2023
DNF p. 350 ……
i am deeply suspicious of any book where i can point to an element and call it a “literary device”
i am deeply suspicious of any book where i can point to an element and call it a “literary device”
February 20, 2020
This review is for a different book than one pictured here!
This review is for “Destiny” by DON BROWN
A fantastic Book! One of the best stories I've read in a long time! I enjoy historical fiction, especially stories about past wars, so this was "right up my alley"! This author was unknown to me, but, after this book, I want to read everything he has ever written! That is how much I enjoyed this book. The story was set during World War II and followed 3 main characters and their families, in both their native countries and their military countries. There were so many different relationships interwoven among the characters, which added to the story's intrigue. This was also the first time I read a story that followed the family life of a high level Nazi officer and portrayed the human side of his life. This story was so moving that I found myself with tears just rolling down my face! It was so well written and took you right into the area that was being relayed, that you forget you are reading a book, but feels as though you are right there at the location!
I highly recommend this book.
I received this book from the author through bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
This review is for “Destiny” by DON BROWN
A fantastic Book! One of the best stories I've read in a long time! I enjoy historical fiction, especially stories about past wars, so this was "right up my alley"! This author was unknown to me, but, after this book, I want to read everything he has ever written! That is how much I enjoyed this book. The story was set during World War II and followed 3 main characters and their families, in both their native countries and their military countries. There were so many different relationships interwoven among the characters, which added to the story's intrigue. This was also the first time I read a story that followed the family life of a high level Nazi officer and portrayed the human side of his life. This story was so moving that I found myself with tears just rolling down my face! It was so well written and took you right into the area that was being relayed, that you forget you are reading a book, but feels as though you are right there at the location!
I highly recommend this book.
I received this book from the author through bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
February 9, 2019
Gavus tokią storą (862psl.) ir sunkią rankose laikyti knygą nesitiki, kad taip greitai ji bus įveikta. Puikiai pavyko. Knyga įtraukianti, istorija meistriškai perteikta, ir per visą knygos storį nei kiek nepabostanti skaityti. Knygos pabaiga visiškai netikėta, prisipažinsiu teko verkt, bet to ir reikia tikėtis iš gerų knygų🤗.
Knygos pradžioje autorė pasakoja apie turtuolio Eduardo ir skurde gyvenančios Elen vaikystę. Eduardo šeima - garsi prancūzų juvelyrų dinastijoje. Brangakmenių verslas, prabangūs automobiliai, subtilios manieros. Visa tai supa jo šeimą. Skirtingai nuo Elen, kuri gyvena su mama skurdžiame vagonėlyje. Visai kiti dalykai užpildo jos skurdžią kasdienybę. Po mamos mirties, Elen išvažiuoja.
Susitikimas Eduardo ir Elen vienoje Paryžiaus gatvėje taip gražiai nupasakotas, kad buvo noras ne kartą atsiversti puslapius atgal ir pakartotinai perskaityti tas meile iš pirmo žvilgsnio pulsuojančias vietas. Labai daug teko jiems patirti. Daug ko neteko. Keliai buvo išsiskyrę, bet jų likimas, susiejo gyvenimus vėl ir iki pabaigos. Liūdna istorija, turinti gražių minčių apie gyvenimą, teisingų pamąstymų apie mirtį. Jei pasitaitys jūsų kelyje ši knyga, rekomenduoju. Jei neatgraso, aišku erotinės scenos, vietomis net per daug atviros😉
Knygos pradžioje autorė pasakoja apie turtuolio Eduardo ir skurde gyvenančios Elen vaikystę. Eduardo šeima - garsi prancūzų juvelyrų dinastijoje. Brangakmenių verslas, prabangūs automobiliai, subtilios manieros. Visa tai supa jo šeimą. Skirtingai nuo Elen, kuri gyvena su mama skurdžiame vagonėlyje. Visai kiti dalykai užpildo jos skurdžią kasdienybę. Po mamos mirties, Elen išvažiuoja.
Susitikimas Eduardo ir Elen vienoje Paryžiaus gatvėje taip gražiai nupasakotas, kad buvo noras ne kartą atsiversti puslapius atgal ir pakartotinai perskaityti tas meile iš pirmo žvilgsnio pulsuojančias vietas. Labai daug teko jiems patirti. Daug ko neteko. Keliai buvo išsiskyrę, bet jų likimas, susiejo gyvenimus vėl ir iki pabaigos. Liūdna istorija, turinti gražių minčių apie gyvenimą, teisingų pamąstymų apie mirtį. Jei pasitaitys jūsų kelyje ši knyga, rekomenduoju. Jei neatgraso, aišku erotinės scenos, vietomis net per daug atviros😉
October 11, 2015
This was the closest thing to watching a Lifetime TV mini series. I thought this book would never end. I was intrigued by the idea of this great love story in the beginning but it wore thin quickly. Way too much extraneous detail and way too many extraneous scenes that went on and on. Movie production is interesting to a point. Jewelry design is interesting to a point. Home decor is interesting to a point.
Even the characters were at times caricatures or stock persona. The poor little girl from Alabama who achieves fame and fortune, her deluded mother, the steadfast pal, the Southern racist, the tortured genius film producer etc etc.
I have enjoyed other books by this author, although many of them also fizzle out midway through. But this was a disappointment.
I am by nature a romantic but this love story just didn't ring true or remotely realistic.
Even the characters were at times caricatures or stock persona. The poor little girl from Alabama who achieves fame and fortune, her deluded mother, the steadfast pal, the Southern racist, the tortured genius film producer etc etc.
I have enjoyed other books by this author, although many of them also fizzle out midway through. But this was a disappointment.
I am by nature a romantic but this love story just didn't ring true or remotely realistic.
August 24, 2018
This book is different from anything I have ever read. It is magical, loving, daring, and heartbreaking all at the same time. This book has been through quite a journey. Because I took so long to read it I feel a lot more connected. Beauman was able to change my opinions and open up my eyes in ways no other book could. At first, I looked towards the book shallowly and without great depth, but as all the twist and turns of such exquisite lives hit you, you feel yourself changing as well. It took me over a month to read, but because of this, I think I loved it all the more. I grew very attached to this book, and it is one of the very few that I would not mind reading again.
September 29, 2020
I really do not understand why this book is beloved by so many and on the NY Times Bestseller list! I made it through half of it before finally deciding I have better things to do with my life. The characters were shallow, the story terribly unrealistic and cheap, and the plot annoyingly predictable. I just wonder why I invested 476 pages of my time.
May 20, 2022
This should really be a three and a half star rating. I couldn't put the book down until the last 50 pages. The characters were interesting and well developed to that point and then it just seemed that the author wanted to end the book and left her main character hanging. Overall this was a very interesting story and I really enjoyed it.
September 1, 2025
Long....3 generational epic. A bit trashy, but a nice love story.
June 17, 2020
This is way longer than what I normally read (850 pages yikes), but the sex kept me interested lol. Also was happy that none of it was too kinky or rough. Not interested in reading rape play.
February 20, 2011
E' per me difficilissimo scrivere una recensione, perché ho ancora le lacrime agli occhi, che non riesco a far smettere di scendere…
Prima di tutto un grazie infinito a Jamy per avermelo consigliato: mi hai fatto un dono preziosissimo.
Un romanzo che non vorresti mai terminare, nonostante le oltre 700 pagine, che non pesano in nessun modo. Lo stile è molto somigliante a quello di Judith Krantz, ma credo che la Beauman l’abbia superata per intensità e completezza.
Un romanzo duro, esplicito, con scene forti, descritte senza mezzi termini e con uno sguardo altamente realistico. Commovente e coinvolgente l’infanzia dei due protagonisti, tratteggiata parallelamente e che già unisce inevitabilmente i destini di Helene ed Edouard.
Le emozioni salgono oltre ogni limite quando la Beauman ci narra questo loro amore così profondo, completo, quasi inspiegabile con semplici parole, affrontato da Helene ed Edouard in maniera differente, ma complementare; non si può non provare rispetto ed emozione per la commovente attesa di Edouard, che eleva il suo amore oltre ogni limite.
Penso che la scena del loro ricongiungimento dopo anni mi rimarrà nella memoria per molto tempo: una delle scene d’amore più potenti e commoventi che mi sia mai capitato di leggere.
Il finale è ciò che lo rende unico: sono convinta che Edouard abbia fatto la cosa giusta. Per Helene sarebbe stato troppo doloroso sapere. Ma il mio cuore ha pianto per loro, perché al destino non si può sfuggire.
Prima di tutto un grazie infinito a Jamy per avermelo consigliato: mi hai fatto un dono preziosissimo.
Un romanzo che non vorresti mai terminare, nonostante le oltre 700 pagine, che non pesano in nessun modo. Lo stile è molto somigliante a quello di Judith Krantz, ma credo che la Beauman l’abbia superata per intensità e completezza.
Un romanzo duro, esplicito, con scene forti, descritte senza mezzi termini e con uno sguardo altamente realistico. Commovente e coinvolgente l’infanzia dei due protagonisti, tratteggiata parallelamente e che già unisce inevitabilmente i destini di Helene ed Edouard.
Le emozioni salgono oltre ogni limite quando la Beauman ci narra questo loro amore così profondo, completo, quasi inspiegabile con semplici parole, affrontato da Helene ed Edouard in maniera differente, ma complementare; non si può non provare rispetto ed emozione per la commovente attesa di Edouard, che eleva il suo amore oltre ogni limite.
Penso che la scena del loro ricongiungimento dopo anni mi rimarrà nella memoria per molto tempo: una delle scene d’amore più potenti e commoventi che mi sia mai capitato di leggere.
Il finale è ciò che lo rende unico: sono convinta che Edouard abbia fatto la cosa giusta. Per Helene sarebbe stato troppo doloroso sapere. Ma il mio cuore ha pianto per loro, perché al destino non si può sfuggire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2014
I began reading this book thinking it would be the typical romance book I like to pick up in between reading series. I was very wrong. I finished this book in two days. Work and sleep got in the way of devouring it all in 24hrs. I got swept up in the characters and wanted them all to get the happy ending I thought they deserved. I realized early on that something would become a problem. (Helen is his niece) I also totally thought I knew how it would be resolved and everything end well. ( Figured we would learn jean Paul was only his half brother or something along those lines) Sadly I was wrong. It's the type of book that leaves you feeling as though your heart was slightly ripped out. At first I wished they could have just lived happily ever after but then perhaps this book wouldn't have had the impact on me that it did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2015
I'm not ususally a fan of romance novels; however, I really like Sally Beauman's novels and this one in particular. This IS a love story, but the characters are interesting and do interesting things. It's not just a romance, and nary a pirate or virgin in distress in sight. This story is entertaining, and you will find yourself remembering the characters and scenarios long after reading. This book was written decades ago, but I think it is timeless and an engrossing, enjoyable read. I told my friend I was reading a trashy novel, and there is a good bit of raciness; however I think I sold it short by lumping it in with those sorts of formula books.
Read again 10/2015. Still a good one.
Read again 10/2015. Still a good one.
October 14, 2016
Wow what a long book! But the writing and story keeps you reading.
Helene starts out as a little girl in Alabama, growing up in a trailer. Her mom ran away from home, has an adventure that introduces you to the other side of the story where the mom's past has stuck with her and even though she's in America she raises her daughter for a life she wants to go back to in England. It's a love story with many twists and turns. I will read more by this author. The writing and story are both excellent.
Helene starts out as a little girl in Alabama, growing up in a trailer. Her mom ran away from home, has an adventure that introduces you to the other side of the story where the mom's past has stuck with her and even though she's in America she raises her daughter for a life she wants to go back to in England. It's a love story with many twists and turns. I will read more by this author. The writing and story are both excellent.
May 7, 2023
I bought this book either in an airport or a gas station in 1990. The copy I still have even! I don’t know why it’s still compelling to me. It’s grim, disturbing, trashy, and ultimately kind of a downer but I’ve read it so many times and k still enjoy reading it again every once in a while. The characters are very much fictional, the story isn’t realistic, but it’s just quality soapy 80s entertainment even today.
September 22, 2020
Fab mindless escapism here. 1959 and French businessman Edouard is travelling through Paris when he spots Helene. They become intimate with each other which leads Edouard to become obsessed with her. When she unexpectedly disappears he spends the following years trying to find her.Nothing heavy here, but loved it.
September 11, 2012
I read this probably about 15 years ago and was so tore up by the ending I decided to re read it here last month. I only got about half way through and decided not to live through the heartbreak again, but it is a very good book and I do recommend it!
August 21, 2012
I'm not usually into what seems to be fines as sappy, love driven romance sagas...especially by women authors. But this book is ahhhhmazing!!! I think it's about time to reread this one!
January 11, 2015
Part One- 4.5/5 stars
Part Two- 1/5 stars
Part Three- 2/5 stars
Overall rating of 2.5. So conflicted.
Part Two- 1/5 stars
Part Three- 2/5 stars
Overall rating of 2.5. So conflicted.
January 13, 2018
A long read in 900 pages , but a good one that has had me hooked by the life of Helene.
I can’t give it 5* as it was a bit slow at times and it was not always easy to remember all the characters .
I can’t give it 5* as it was a bit slow at times and it was not always easy to remember all the characters .
November 2, 2025
Destino tiene su punto de partida en plena segunda guerra mundial, en medio de escenarios bélicos nos narra la vida de Edouard De Chavigny a través del tiempo. Por otro lado tendremos la narración de la vida de Hèlene Craig.
Los caminos de Edouard y Hélene se cruzarán por primera vez en la imponente y romántica Francia. Lo que ninguno remotamente sospecha es quién es el otro y cuán profundos son los lazos que los unen y la sangre que comparten aún antes de conocerse, un secreto perturbador que no descubrirán hasta las últimas páginas de esta extensa historia.
Edouard es hijo de un importantísimo hombre de negocios y poderío, dueño de una de las joyerías más grandes e importantes en Francia con sedes repartidas a través de todo el mapa terráqueo, además de tener acciones en compañías de petróleo, terrenos, muchas mansiones en distintas partes del mundo desde Europa hasta Estados Unidos. A la muerte de este una vez acabada la guerra Edouard toma las riendas de la empresa, los negocios, las acciones para hacer de ello un imperio consagrado y a su vez honrar la memoria de su padre. A la vez que empieza a restaurar las mansiones devastadas por la guerra, tomadas como cuartel.
Edouard consagrado hombre de negocios, rico, honorable, tenaz, respetable, un hombre que se pone un objetivo en mente y no ceja en su empeño hasta cumplir la tarea con creces.
Por el contrario la vida de Hélene Craig es desolada, triste, solitaria. Ella y su madre son muy pobres, viven en un remolque en Estados Unidos en un pueblito llamado Orangeburg, Alabama y apenas les alcanza el dinero para las cosas básicas.
Hèlene es una visionaria y tiene planes ambiciosos para su vida, para salir de la pobreza, para que el mundo la conozca. Trabajar duro, hacerse rica y conocida (cosa que acaba logrando). Es una mujer llena de ambiciones y muy capaz, buena para los negocios y perspicaz.
A través de las 900 páginas no sólo se nos narra la vida de ambos protagonistas, sino también 35 años de cambios políticos y sociales, se nos habla de negocios, joyas, moda, arte, geografía, música, cine, países, arquitectura, diseño de interiores, literatura etc.
Como toda novela de época no le falta su cuota extra de drama, amor e intensidad.
Los caminos de Edouard y Hélene se cruzarán por primera vez en la imponente y romántica Francia. Lo que ninguno remotamente sospecha es quién es el otro y cuán profundos son los lazos que los unen y la sangre que comparten aún antes de conocerse, un secreto perturbador que no descubrirán hasta las últimas páginas de esta extensa historia.
Edouard es hijo de un importantísimo hombre de negocios y poderío, dueño de una de las joyerías más grandes e importantes en Francia con sedes repartidas a través de todo el mapa terráqueo, además de tener acciones en compañías de petróleo, terrenos, muchas mansiones en distintas partes del mundo desde Europa hasta Estados Unidos. A la muerte de este una vez acabada la guerra Edouard toma las riendas de la empresa, los negocios, las acciones para hacer de ello un imperio consagrado y a su vez honrar la memoria de su padre. A la vez que empieza a restaurar las mansiones devastadas por la guerra, tomadas como cuartel.
Edouard consagrado hombre de negocios, rico, honorable, tenaz, respetable, un hombre que se pone un objetivo en mente y no ceja en su empeño hasta cumplir la tarea con creces.
Por el contrario la vida de Hélene Craig es desolada, triste, solitaria. Ella y su madre son muy pobres, viven en un remolque en Estados Unidos en un pueblito llamado Orangeburg, Alabama y apenas les alcanza el dinero para las cosas básicas.
Hèlene es una visionaria y tiene planes ambiciosos para su vida, para salir de la pobreza, para que el mundo la conozca. Trabajar duro, hacerse rica y conocida (cosa que acaba logrando). Es una mujer llena de ambiciones y muy capaz, buena para los negocios y perspicaz.
A través de las 900 páginas no sólo se nos narra la vida de ambos protagonistas, sino también 35 años de cambios políticos y sociales, se nos habla de negocios, joyas, moda, arte, geografía, música, cine, países, arquitectura, diseño de interiores, literatura etc.
Como toda novela de época no le falta su cuota extra de drama, amor e intensidad.
September 20, 2020
A fascinating book covers the span of about 40 plus years but takes you on a roller coaster adventure. Its very emotional, very sexy at times and you know from the beginning there is some connection with all that's to come but it surprises you at the end. Its a long book and at times you feel like you are living their livers surreptitiously. You feel what the characters are feeling even through you may try to distance yourself. All in all its a great read but very lengthy and that in part is why you feel like your a living the story. Its a series of life's adventures that sometimes feel at too real. If you are prepared for a long read you will not be disappointed!
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