Seeing George

by Cassandra Austin

While filing away some documents at work, Violet is interrupted by a new staff member, George. From the moment she sees him, Violet knows that George isn't ordinary. He surprises and enchants her in ways that her husband Frank never can. In two years of marriage Violet has never kept anything from Frank, yet she can't bring herself to tell him about George. Simply describing her new friend leaves her speechless. But some secrets are impossible to contain...Now, fifty years later, it's Frank's turn to surprise Violet - by asking her to stop seeing George. Why, having put up with him for so long, is Frank finally taking this stand? Does seeing George still have the power to end their marriage? From a fresh, original voice comes Seeing George - an irresistible tale about truth, trust and the waywardness of the heart.

Genres: Fiction

268 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Why can’t I see you the way the others do ?’

‘Seeing George’ is one of the most unusual novels I’ve read recently. It’s a love triangle, spanning fifty years, with a significant difference. But what makes it different?

Once upon a time and in the beginning, Violet and Frank were newly married. Violet works in an office. Violet is filing away documents one day when she is interrupted by a new staff member named George. George appears to be an ordinary man to all the other people in the office, but Violet sees him as a dragon.

Fifty years later, Violet is dying. Frank is caring for her. During that fifty years, George has been a frequent visitor. And now, as her illness renders her frail and gaunt, Violet resorts to makeup and wigs to try to hide the truth. Frank asks Violet to stop seeing George. Why?

There are just three main characters in this novel: Violet, Frank and George. Violet is central, George is magical and Frank is (to me at least) wonderful. Frank is grounded in the painful reality of Violet’s illness and takes care of her. Violet is torn between loyalty to Frank and the magic George brings to her life.

It took me a while to accept the magic and the different realities in this story. Relationships are complex. A different kind of romance with some delightful touches. An enjoyable and quick read.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A odd story but quite charming. Still not sure exactly how I felt about it!

[Courtney Benson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful looking book, but for me that was where it ended. The characters didn’t seem to have enough depth to be believable or feel much for them.

[Micki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and charming. Couldn't put it down! I can't wait for her next book to be released!

[Teena · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet fairytale, not to be read with logic but with the heart. A young woman trapped in an unsatisfying marriage meets a man at work who she sees as a dragon, tail and all. They maintain a platonic relationship for many decades until her death, under the watchful eye of her jealous husband.
I usually don't like fairytale-type books - I prefer people to say what they mean rather than having to interpret it - but I did enjoy this one. It must have been the writing style and certainly I enjoyed the description of the dragon and how he had to manipulate his tail!

[ClaireS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me in and delighted me. It is a story of accepting people as they are and the friendship and love that ensues. There are three characters involved: George, Violet and her husband. The story revolves around the relationships between the three and what happens when situations and needs change. There is magic along the way but that won't stop your heartstrings being severely tugged. To enjoy the book it is best to be able to accept the concept of a dragon as a person or is that person as a dragon?

[Fran Cusworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quirky story of a married woman who sees a magical dragon in a work colleague while all others just see a man. Made me think about how much of love is really just truly seeing and being seen. A small cast of characters and austin does domestic detail with a light touch that never gets mundane. A great portrayal of a close marriage moving towards one partners death.

[Ilyhana Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a good story somewhere in this novel. It's a little more sophisticated than it initially seems. The writing lacks somewhat, an odd mixture of old fashioned and immature.
The structure works eventually, with an interesting conclusion. The book is engaging enough and with time and experience this author might develop some intriguing work. The hardback copy is beautifully presented.

[Ruby Noise · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adult fairytale weaving between past and present in alternate chapters. Proving that some have the ability to see things that others cannot or will not. This book goes to show that magic does exist and if you see it, smile and enjoy it as you don't have to prove it to the ones that can't.

[David 'n' · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yuk! Ann

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsical, charming and thoroughly modern fairy tale.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an odd little piece! Not sure about this one, kept with it - mainly due to the tenacity and endurance of one of the characters. Am intrigued, can you see dragons too?

[Narda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read.
It is hard to get but well worth the effort.
It is set in Melbourne, Victoria.

I would love to hear other peoples opinions.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my case, this unusual little book took work, which was rewarded by its wonderful final pages as well as by its subtle insights into the give and take of love and marriage. Delightful!