Ambition

by A. O'Connor

Book by O'Connor, A.

655 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

A. 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.

Reviews

[Kymm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been on an A. O'Connor binge lately and have read 7 of his books in the last couple weeks. They've all been great, however I think I like his historical reads better. This was a good book and I enjoyed reading it, but it just wasn't up to the standards I've grown to love in his books. Ambition is about a failing department store in London and all the people who are involved in the present running of the store and those who are trying to take it over. There are lots of twists and turns with the characters and their individual roles within the store, as well as their personal lives, but I found the characters to be somewhat flat and I didn't ever feel the bond I usually get between me, the reader and them. A. O'Connor is usually so good about drawing me into the characters lives and making me feel a part of the story. I will say that the ending came as a huge shock to me. I was reading along, enjoying the book and then BAM something happened I never saw coming and I thought I'd had it all figured out. I used to work in retail management, so reading about the inner workings of this store brought back many memories for me. Much of what went on does actually go on in the bowels of a dept. store. In my mind, this wasn't his best book, but it was still a really good book and I would recommend it to those who want a good story with twists and turns that you won't see coming.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I often wondered if it’s based on Harrod’s in London because Furstin certainly seems to embody the accusations thrown at Mr Fayad. I hate the HR Director character Nicola, what a desperate and needy woman. She deserved to be fired! Why marry Oliver?! He seems like a decent bloke and he definitely deserved someone better. I am glad that Anna never found out about Paul’s affairs too! Also delighted that Rachel and Leo ended up together, I was rooting for Leo from the get go. Hetty and Danny would sicken your happiness, most pointless character award goes to Hetty! Saw a few reviews saying the twist towards the end news excellent but I kept waiting for a big twist and was disappointed that everything was wrapped up in a perfect little quick ending.

[Vicki Pieranunzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

I enjoy this author. I will continue reading her books. The pace is good and keeps you curious about upcoming action.