Starburst

by Robin Pilcher

Illuminating. Captivating. Stunning.

When the fireworks cascade over Edinburgh castle on the Festival's final night, the magic begins…

Every summer, the Edinburgh International Festival attracts celebrated artists, musicians, comedians, and actors to the beloved Scottish city. Hundreds of thousands of people descend on the town to join in the magnificent celebration.

This year, the annual Edinburgh festival draws six unique and vibrant individuals, who all come together to follow their dreams—-seeking success, love, fame, and happiness: Angélique, the beautiful and renowned violinist whose fame hides her secret heartache; Tess, a member of the festival marketing team and a newlywed struggling with her own secrets; Roger, whose dazzling fireworks display will be the grand finale of the festival and his career; Leonard, the aging cinematographer who wants one last time to shine; Rene, the feisty comedienne who is reaching for the stars; and Jamie, the handsome young flat owner who brings everyone together and finds love along the way. Each of them is trying to discover what destiny holds in store, and during this one magnificent summer, paths cross and lives are forever changed.

Inspiring, funny, engrossing, and full of vivid descriptions of the incredible sights and sounds of Edinburgh, Starburst is a poignant and enchanting novel in the grand Pilcher tradition.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Scotland, Contemporary, Drama, Relationships

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Robin Pilcher was born on 10 August 1950, the eldest son of author Rosamunde Pilcher, née Scott (aka Jane Fraser) and Graham Hope Pilcher.
He has been a cameraman, a songwriter, and a farmer, co-managed a mail order business, and has had numerous other jobs.
He lives with his wife and children near Dundee, Scotland, and in the Sierra de Aracena mountain area of Andalusia, Spain, where he plans to establish a writing institute supported by the Pilcher Foundation of Creative Writing.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went through a huge Rosamunde Pilcher phase in high school and read all of her books. Which is somewhat odd as I'm pretty sure a high school girl wasn't really the demographic for her books, but I loved them. They were stories of people whose lives got entwined in interesting ways and somehow these chance meetings helped them solve whatever problems they were having. I was sure my adult life was going to include many house parties in Scottish mansions and trips to Cornwall after reading those books (spoiler alert: it hasn't). Anyway, this is all a long, roundabout way of saying I decided to give Robin Pilcher a try because I loved his mother's books and I had heard his were similar. And, maybe they are similar, but this book just didn't share the same magic for me that hers did.

For one: there were too many characters. Like, way too many characters. Two: they took too long to meet up. For a while it was just a bunch of disjointed stories, and while you knew eventually it would all tie together, it just felt like it took too long. You didn't spend enough time with anyone to get very invested in their story, and it felt choppy and kind of boring until the stories began to meet up. Three: The way Angelique's attempted rape and assault was handled was VERY problematic for me. Four (and this is probably a complaint that will only bug me, but it did bug me): While props to Pilcher for having a fat character who didn't ever talk about trying to lose weight and was even described as sexy by a male character, it got old to constantly hear about her bulk and her apparent inability to do any kind of physical movement without heavy breathing.

So, overall this just didn't do it for me. I did like that it was set around the Fringe festival, which I've been lucky enough to go to and was amazing, and the narrator was quite good, so it wasn't a total loss, but it didn't live up to my love of his mother's books.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars...

His writing is definitely reminiscent of his mother's (whom I adore) but still different. For one thing, this book is set in modern times while Ms Pilcher's are of a"gentler" era. I did like how the main characters all intersect and the story ends on a happy note. Makes for a feel good book. But Don't read it expecting anything super deep. For fans of his mom, I say give him a try. I will read others of his. :)

[VeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author certainly inherited the gift of developing well-rounded and well-developed characters from his mother. I was immediately absorbed into each of their lives and was frustrated each time he started a new chapter with a new character. And there were a lot of characters in this book. However, once their lives started to intertwine and come together, I couldn't put the book down. The ending was a bit predictable with everything neatly tied up, but still a very enjoyable read.

[Tracy]

I lost interest...

[Richa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating - 3.5/5

The book has multiple characters, which makes it very difficult to follow. However, once everyone has been introduced, everything begins to make sense. Set amid Edinburgh Festival makes the story more happening as every character has a specific role in the festival. It is fascinating to see how they unexpectedly cross paths. The book starts with Tess Goodwin, who works in the Main office, then moves on to other characters like Albert Deussuin, Angelique Pascal, Rene Brownlow, Gavin, etc. The best thing is each character has a unique gift and struggles to overcome, yet it's interesting to see how they work together to support one another. Initially, you might be put off, but if you give it some time, you'll get hooked. I believe each character represents us in some or the other way.

When I first started reading this book, I didn't have high expectations, but by the time I finished it, I was happy with how well-structured it was. If you are planning to read a light book, go for it.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starburst is a delight! I actually enjoyed it more than two of Rosamunde Pilcher’s books that I recently tried. Starburst by Robin Pilcher, Rosamunde’s son, has a similar tone to his mother’s books but with a plot and characters that appeal more to modern-day sensibilities. In Starburst, multiple characters have their lives cross and permanently change at the August Edinburgh Festival. Read if you enjoy: books by Rosamunde Pilcher, a warm tone, found family

[Angie Barrile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Putting aside...

[Ana Duque · Rating 2 out of 5]

Demasiados personajes hacen que pierdas un poco el hilo. No ha llegado a convencerme la historia, la verdad.

[Mary Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, its easy to see why Robin writes as he does. He takes after his mother; eminently readable. Starburst is a wonderful story about several groups of people that intersect at various times in their lives. There is Angelique the violinist and Rene' and TK.... each of whom end up in Edinburgh, Scotland for the festival. Each has their own talent and their own trials - they represent each of us in our own way. Pilcher takes us with each person on a journey into their future. Each story reaches a crescendo and is followed by a reasonable denouement. For example; Angelique is a prodigy who spots a violin while her mom is cleaning an elderly lady's house. The woman becomes her patron and we see Angelique mature as a violinist and as a woman. We experience her naivety and her move towards maturity and, in the end, she completes her journey with her patron by her side. Each character has a complete story which reaches a logical conclusion. I strongly recommend this book as it is difficult to put down and will be missed when you are finished.

[Olive Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hooray for $.50 book sale purchases. Pretty sure I picked up because the back of the book mentioned Edinburgh and I'm a Albaphile. Still took me several years to actually get around to reading this.

Starburst started slowly as the characters were introduced, I didn't think I'd finish it. Add that to the unfamiliar vocabulary (I'm American) and unintelligible dialect (they're Scottish ;-) ), and it took a while for me to commit to it. I'm glad I did; eventually, the different threads began to come together and by the time I reached the last third of the book, it had reached "can't-put-it-down" stage.

Unfortunately, there was a sad lack of kilts so I had to knock off a few stars.

[Yen Lian · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this is one of the better books that tell the stories of multiple characters coming together by chance of fate. The introduction of characters seemed confusing at first but as I patiently read on the pace started to pick up and I thoroughly enjoy the narrative of each character. Set in the midst of the lively Edinburgh festival makes the story even more dazzling and happening. Compared to another book I've read which used a festival in Scotland as the background, I find this book definitely more engaging and in it I can feel the tinge of bustling and excitement in the air. A very enjoyable read!

[Georgetowner · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I have recently discovered Rosamunde Pilcher and LOVE her writing, so I was curious about Robin’s books. I lived 3 summers in Edinburgh and returned frequently for the Festival & Fringe, so this book was especially fun for me because of the setting and the wonderful familiar accents on the audio book. All of this added a star to what I otherwise would have rated 3 stars. Overall, it was a modern novel, without the spectacular character development of his mother’s books, that I enjoyed, but would have bailed on if it were not for the aforementioned appealing factors. Now, back to the other Pilcher…

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Edinburgh Festival/Fringe The story follows the newly Tess Goodwin who works in the main office, the headliner: Angelique Pascal, a violin virtuoso, her tutor, chaperone & manager, Albert Deussuin, Roger Dent, head of the fireworks finale for 25 yrs, Rene Brownlow, a comedienne from a small Yorkshire town, Leonard Hartson a retired cinematographer, and T.K. a 19-yr. old juvie with a penchant for auto theft. Their stories are entwined with the aid of Nick Sprinter, Jamie Stratton, Gavin Mackintosh, and Harry Wills. I loved following them through the streets of Edinburgh.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mirrors Meave Binchey's style of introducing a cast of characters that somehow all come together in one place. A comedian, firework specialist, internationally famous violinist are among the characters that all converge in Edinburgh for an international performing arts festival. They each have their own stories and through several chain of events, meet and work together to help one the one who needs it.

Robin Pilcher's descriptions of Scotland are beautiful and the devlopment of the characters makes you care how the problem is solved.

[Lewestover · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get the main characters straight in my mind -- because each one has his/her own story -- but once that was accomplished, I loved this book! Each one of the characters has their own dreams, challenges and heartaches. Yet as they are brought together, the strength of relationships and their natural instincts to help are channeled to achieve what every human wants -- to make a difference in this world and to be loved. Nicely done, Robin Pilcher!

[Crystal Toller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out from the library because it was written by a great author's son. The book is all about the Edinburgh festival that happens for three weeks in August. It follows a number of characters and how they all have some part in the Edinburgh festival. The author writes differently than his mother but it was a really good book. It took me a while to get into the book but it was a great story. Highly recommend this book.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audio version of this book has been on my MP3 for several years but I kept skipping over it. I finally listened to it in between book group requirements. What a delightful listen ... the Scottish, British and French accents were very well done. The story is delightful, at times suspenseful, it moves right along. I may start calling my cell phone my "mobile."

[JodiP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book. I really like all of the characters and love learning more about all the festivals that makeup the Edinboro Festival. The writing and the stories were so reminiscent of Maeve binchy. This makes me very happy because I think I've read everything she's written. I even wrote the author halfway through through reading to thank him for being a writer.

[Florence Primrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every summer the Edinburgh International Festival attracts celebrated artists. In this story we follow a brilliant young French violinist, a comedienne from the the outposts, a former legendary film director, a member of the marketing team and others.

This is a really enjoyable story as we follow their activities as the week unfolds.

[Maren · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*
Rated down because of the confusing first 100 pages in which too many characters and plotlines were introduced. But it pulled through with a conclusion that connected everything and wrapped it all up nicely. Overall really enjoyable!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, but the first 100+ pages are spent leapfrogging from one character to another. I wouldn't have waded through all of that had I not previously read two of Robin Pilcher's books, and had great hope that at some point the meandering would stop. It did.

[Kathleen Pullaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fan of his mother,Rosemunde Pilcher. A light story with lots of characters, difficult to track , will have to read another of his to see if he truly is like his Mothers quality of writing. Enjoyed though

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Rosamund Pilcher and her son doesn't have quite the same touch for bringing the everyday into the story, but then this story does not take place during an everyday. The characters grow as we get to know them.

[Laura Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rewarding

A bit of a slow start. Took a while to get all the characters straight. But once I did, I became interested in the character's lives, and how they all fit together, almost like a giant jigsaw puzzle. I really enjoyed the book.

[Barbara Wicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a random book about a comedienne who gets a slot at tge Edinburgh Festival, a homeless druggie who finds his way with an old guy making his last film at the Festival and others. Easy to read, wouldn't necessarily recommend it.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this story five stars because the narrator, John Lee, speaks all the characters voices, and there are many, in several different accents! It was incredibly fun to listen to. It is not a book I would typically choose to read and it does contain some rude language. Rosamunde Pilcher is Robin’s mom and I have enjoyed reading some of her books.

[Lianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounding up to 3.5 stars. As stated by most other reviews, there were too many characters being introduced all at the same time so it was difficult to keep them straight for the first third of the book. I did enjoy the various storylines and how they all came together in the end.

[Kendra DeMartino · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gosh, this book was awful . Way too many characters . Like way too many . I would have shelved this book after the third chapter but I had to finish it because we were reading it for bookclub . Don’t read it !

[Patricia Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book, Robin Pilcher is an amazing story teller, so many different lives and points of view are so acurately described and captured in this amazing book!

[La Wagmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my kind of book. Too many characters, not an opportunity to care about any of them. Just wasn't interesting to me.