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The Long Road Home
Bestselling novelist Danielle Steel takes us on a harrowing journey into the heart of America's hidden shame in a novel that explores the power of forgiveness, the dark side of childhood, and one woman's unbreakable spirit.
From her secret perch at the top of the stairs, Gabriella Harrison watches the guests arrive at her parents' lavish Manhattan townhouse. At seven, she knows she is an intruder in her parents' party, in her parents' life. But she can't resist the magic. Later, she waits for the click, click, click of her mother's high heels, the angry words, and the pain that will follow. Gabriella already knows to hide her bruises, certain she is to blame for her mother's rage--and her father's failure to protect her. Her world is a confusing blend of terror, betrayal, and pain. Her parents' aristocratic world is no safeguard against the abuse that knows no boundaries, respects no person, no economic lines. Gabriella knows that, try as she might, there is no safe place for her to hide.
Even as a child, her only escape is through the stories she writes. Only writing can dull the pain of her lonely world. And when her parents' marriage collapses, Gabriella is given her first reprieve, as her father disappears, and then her mother abandons her to a convent. There, Gabriella's battered body and soul begin to mend. Amid the quiet safety and hushed rituals of the nuns, Gabriella grows into womanhood in a safe, peaceful world. Then a young priest comes into her life.
Father Joe Connors never questioned his vocation until Gabriella entered the confessional and shared her soul. Confession leads to friendship. And friendship grows dangerously into love. Like Gabriella, Joe is haunted by the pain of his childhood, consumed by guilt over a family tragedy, for which he blames himself. With Gabriella, Joe takes the first steps toward healing. But their relationship leads to tragedy as Joe must choose between the priesthood and Gabriella, and life in the real world where he fears he does not belong, and cannot cope.
Exiled and disgraced, and nearly destroyed, Gabriella struggles to survive on her own in New York. There she seeks healing and escape through her writing again, this time as an adult, and her life as a writer begins. But just when she thinks she is beyond hurt, Gabriella is once again betrayed by someone she trusts. Brought to the edge of despair, physically attacked beyond recognition and belief, haunted by abuse in her present and her past, she nonetheless manages to find hope again, and the courage to face the past. On a pilgrimage destined to bring her face-to-face with those who sought to destroy her in her early life, she finds forgiveness, freedom from guilt, and healing from abuse. When Gabriella faces what was done to her, and why, she herself is free at last.
With profound insight, Danielle Steel has created a vivid portrait of an abused child's broken world, and the courage necessary to face it and free herself from the past. A work of daring and compassion, a tale of healing that will shock and touch and move you to your very soul, it exposes the terror of child abuse, and opens the doors on a subject that affects us all. The Long Road Home is more than riveting fiction. It is an inspiration to us all. A work of courage, hope, and love.
From her secret perch at the top of the stairs, Gabriella Harrison watches the guests arrive at her parents' lavish Manhattan townhouse. At seven, she knows she is an intruder in her parents' party, in her parents' life. But she can't resist the magic. Later, she waits for the click, click, click of her mother's high heels, the angry words, and the pain that will follow. Gabriella already knows to hide her bruises, certain she is to blame for her mother's rage--and her father's failure to protect her. Her world is a confusing blend of terror, betrayal, and pain. Her parents' aristocratic world is no safeguard against the abuse that knows no boundaries, respects no person, no economic lines. Gabriella knows that, try as she might, there is no safe place for her to hide.
Even as a child, her only escape is through the stories she writes. Only writing can dull the pain of her lonely world. And when her parents' marriage collapses, Gabriella is given her first reprieve, as her father disappears, and then her mother abandons her to a convent. There, Gabriella's battered body and soul begin to mend. Amid the quiet safety and hushed rituals of the nuns, Gabriella grows into womanhood in a safe, peaceful world. Then a young priest comes into her life.
Father Joe Connors never questioned his vocation until Gabriella entered the confessional and shared her soul. Confession leads to friendship. And friendship grows dangerously into love. Like Gabriella, Joe is haunted by the pain of his childhood, consumed by guilt over a family tragedy, for which he blames himself. With Gabriella, Joe takes the first steps toward healing. But their relationship leads to tragedy as Joe must choose between the priesthood and Gabriella, and life in the real world where he fears he does not belong, and cannot cope.
Exiled and disgraced, and nearly destroyed, Gabriella struggles to survive on her own in New York. There she seeks healing and escape through her writing again, this time as an adult, and her life as a writer begins. But just when she thinks she is beyond hurt, Gabriella is once again betrayed by someone she trusts. Brought to the edge of despair, physically attacked beyond recognition and belief, haunted by abuse in her present and her past, she nonetheless manages to find hope again, and the courage to face the past. On a pilgrimage destined to bring her face-to-face with those who sought to destroy her in her early life, she finds forgiveness, freedom from guilt, and healing from abuse. When Gabriella faces what was done to her, and why, she herself is free at last.
With profound insight, Danielle Steel has created a vivid portrait of an abused child's broken world, and the courage necessary to face it and free herself from the past. A work of daring and compassion, a tale of healing that will shock and touch and move you to your very soul, it exposes the terror of child abuse, and opens the doors on a subject that affects us all. The Long Road Home is more than riveting fiction. It is an inspiration to us all. A work of courage, hope, and love.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
671 people are currently reading
5258 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Steel
911 books16.8k followersDanielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 561 reviews
March 2, 2013
I think the last time a book gripped me this much was when I read "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. On that note, I don't think I have ever read a book that made me feel so angry, saddened, and hopeful many times throughout the whole story. It was riveting and left me feeling broken hearted for the poor girl who could never catch a break. I have NEVER teared up this much while reading a book in my life. Steele's writing made the characters feel so real, to the point where I actually HATED a handful of fictional characters! Hated to the core of my very being; I even shouted at the book at times (which caused many weird looks from my family so I took to reading when I was alone). I will recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a good tear jerker and will probably read it again myself someday when I recover from the traumatic experience of reading it the first time.
February 22, 2020
*Would have rated a 3.5, but the strength of the main character was far too vulnerable, which weakened the storyline for me.*
OMG, as I started reading and got to page 4, I was completely ticked off. At age six, the rage of Gabrielle's mother and the child abuse this poor kid had to endure at such an innocent and tender age made me furious. By the end of Chapter 2 I was ready to slap some freaking good sense in Gabriella's father John Harrison and force him to not remain complicit as he witnessed the devastating and deadly child abuse his wife inflicted mercilessly onto his daughter. Eloise Harrison's outright cruelty left numerous bruises on Gabriella's fragile little body and her severe beatings broke some of Gabby's ribs which Eloise could give a flying flip about.
Her father abandoned them and her mother quickly abandoned Gabriella by leaving her at a convent. Gabriella feels alone but believes she has found a place of safety at the convent, even though her guard is still up. She has a lot of adjusting to do because although she feels she's in a better place than she was at home, she is socially awkward and she is like that little bird that does not want to leave the safe haven of her new nest.
She went on to become a Postulant (Sister Bernie) and didn't want to leave the convent. She is quite gifted at writing. However, her innocent world is turned upside down when she meets a young priest, Father Joe. He leads her into a forbidden love affair which eventually led to him committing suicide leaving her pregnant, shamed and forced to leave the confines of the convent forever.
With nowhere to go she finally finds a boardinghouse to stay in, but only a couple of months into her newly found freedom there, she gets into a relationship with a con-artist named Steve who uses her, robs from her and finally beats her so badly to the point of death. She suffers so many severe injuries that it was a miracle that she lived. Her doctor Peter, who is 12 years her senior, takes a liking to Gabriella and after her couple of months of release from the hospital, they get into a relationship.
Now, while I was intrigued by the storyline, I disliked how Gabriella's character was woven into crazy relationships so quickly behind each other due to her naivete, only to leave her gullible and easily hurt once again. I liked the fact that she found her strength from the disappointments in her life but I didn't like how her character was woven into this beautiful wounded bird that kept looking like she lacked common sense and intellect, while falling for someone so quickly who said they were so intrigued by her beauty and gentle spirit. UGH! C'mon now Danielle Steel! And now here comes hot-tailed Dr. Peter traveling to San Francisco, to be with his true love Gabby. Geez, Louise!
Oh, and one last thing, both of Gabriella's parents BTW were total weak "anal" passages and the authorities caught up with that no account, lying weasel Steve, locked his butt up for attempted murder and was tried for all of the other previous crimes he committed while he was on the run from state to state!
OMG, as I started reading and got to page 4, I was completely ticked off. At age six, the rage of Gabrielle's mother and the child abuse this poor kid had to endure at such an innocent and tender age made me furious. By the end of Chapter 2 I was ready to slap some freaking good sense in Gabriella's father John Harrison and force him to not remain complicit as he witnessed the devastating and deadly child abuse his wife inflicted mercilessly onto his daughter. Eloise Harrison's outright cruelty left numerous bruises on Gabriella's fragile little body and her severe beatings broke some of Gabby's ribs which Eloise could give a flying flip about.
Her father abandoned them and her mother quickly abandoned Gabriella by leaving her at a convent. Gabriella feels alone but believes she has found a place of safety at the convent, even though her guard is still up. She has a lot of adjusting to do because although she feels she's in a better place than she was at home, she is socially awkward and she is like that little bird that does not want to leave the safe haven of her new nest.
She went on to become a Postulant (Sister Bernie) and didn't want to leave the convent. She is quite gifted at writing. However, her innocent world is turned upside down when she meets a young priest, Father Joe. He leads her into a forbidden love affair which eventually led to him committing suicide leaving her pregnant, shamed and forced to leave the confines of the convent forever.
With nowhere to go she finally finds a boardinghouse to stay in, but only a couple of months into her newly found freedom there, she gets into a relationship with a con-artist named Steve who uses her, robs from her and finally beats her so badly to the point of death. She suffers so many severe injuries that it was a miracle that she lived. Her doctor Peter, who is 12 years her senior, takes a liking to Gabriella and after her couple of months of release from the hospital, they get into a relationship.
Now, while I was intrigued by the storyline, I disliked how Gabriella's character was woven into crazy relationships so quickly behind each other due to her naivete, only to leave her gullible and easily hurt once again. I liked the fact that she found her strength from the disappointments in her life but I didn't like how her character was woven into this beautiful wounded bird that kept looking like she lacked common sense and intellect, while falling for someone so quickly who said they were so intrigued by her beauty and gentle spirit. UGH! C'mon now Danielle Steel! And now here comes hot-tailed Dr. Peter traveling to San Francisco, to be with his true love Gabby. Geez, Louise!
Oh, and one last thing, both of Gabriella's parents BTW were total weak "anal" passages and the authorities caught up with that no account, lying weasel Steve, locked his butt up for attempted murder and was tried for all of the other previous crimes he committed while he was on the run from state to state!
December 15, 2011
Very easy to read and hard to put down. Seems to have crazy twists and turns. Very enjoyable!!! Tear jerker and leaves warm smiles. Can't wait to see how the ending turns out.Read the first half within part of a day. :) (12/13/11)
This book was very difficult to put down. Throughout the whole book there are so many unexpected twists and turns. Would recomment it to anyone who wants to read an unforgettable book. Amazing author. Never have been disappointed with her style of righting. (12/15/11)
This book was very difficult to put down. Throughout the whole book there are so many unexpected twists and turns. Would recomment it to anyone who wants to read an unforgettable book. Amazing author. Never have been disappointed with her style of righting. (12/15/11)
January 12, 2025
Primera lectura del año: El largo camino a casa de Danielle Steel.
Esta es mi primera vez leyendo a Danielle Steel y, siendo sincera, esperaba más. Tenía altas expectativas con este libro, ya que me lo habían recomendado bastante, y admito que el inicio es impactante y logra captar la atención de inmediato. Sin embargo, conforme avanza la trama, el nivel decae considerablemente.
Entiendo la intención de la autora al abordar un tema tan serio como la violencia infantil por parte de los padres, pero la falta de investigación sobre el tema debilita el mensaje que podría haber sido poderoso. Las escenas son tan poco realistas que resultan ridículas, los personajes carecen de profundidad, y la escritura deja mucho que desear: está llena de redundancias y explicaciones innecesarias, lo que hace que la lectura se vuelva tediosa. Este libro es un ejemplo claro de por qué es tan importante “mostrar, no contar”.
La autora insiste en recordarnos constantemente lo fuerte que es la protagonista y cómo supera los obstáculos de la vida, pero todo esto se queda en palabras. Hubiera esperado que Steel transmitiera un mensaje más empoderador, demostrando que la felicidad puede depender de uno mismo y no necesariamente de un interés amoroso. Sin embargo, la protagonista parece encontrar su felicidad cuando está con un hombre, lo que hace que el mensaje final resulte un tanto confuso. Mi frustración aumentó con el desenlace: SPOILER: nos encontramos, una vez más, con el clásico “príncipe azul”, lo que le resta originalidad a la historia.
Pensé en darle 3 estrellas porque al menos la primera mitad fue interesante, pero no puedo ignorar la pésima escritura y las escenas tan inverosímiles que me hicieron poner los ojos en blanco. Por eso, se queda en 2,7 estrellas ⭐.
Esta es mi primera vez leyendo a Danielle Steel y, siendo sincera, esperaba más. Tenía altas expectativas con este libro, ya que me lo habían recomendado bastante, y admito que el inicio es impactante y logra captar la atención de inmediato. Sin embargo, conforme avanza la trama, el nivel decae considerablemente.
Entiendo la intención de la autora al abordar un tema tan serio como la violencia infantil por parte de los padres, pero la falta de investigación sobre el tema debilita el mensaje que podría haber sido poderoso. Las escenas son tan poco realistas que resultan ridículas, los personajes carecen de profundidad, y la escritura deja mucho que desear: está llena de redundancias y explicaciones innecesarias, lo que hace que la lectura se vuelva tediosa. Este libro es un ejemplo claro de por qué es tan importante “mostrar, no contar”.
La autora insiste en recordarnos constantemente lo fuerte que es la protagonista y cómo supera los obstáculos de la vida, pero todo esto se queda en palabras. Hubiera esperado que Steel transmitiera un mensaje más empoderador, demostrando que la felicidad puede depender de uno mismo y no necesariamente de un interés amoroso. Sin embargo, la protagonista parece encontrar su felicidad cuando está con un hombre, lo que hace que el mensaje final resulte un tanto confuso. Mi frustración aumentó con el desenlace: SPOILER: nos encontramos, una vez más, con el clásico “príncipe azul”, lo que le resta originalidad a la historia.
Pensé en darle 3 estrellas porque al menos la primera mitad fue interesante, pero no puedo ignorar la pésima escritura y las escenas tan inverosímiles que me hicieron poner los ojos en blanco. Por eso, se queda en 2,7 estrellas ⭐.
December 9, 2012
Oh, my God! I have never read Danielle Steel before, and I certainly expected more than what I got from this bestselling author. The story was full of pathos and grabbed my attention all right, but much of the horror came from the poor quality of her writing and research. Such stories of abuse do exist, but I don't think Steel has a clue about the real impact that the (unrealistic) conditions she set up would have on a young girl like Gabriela. The dialogue was pedestrian and she continually "told" us what emotions her characters were having, rather than "showing" us through skillful storytelling. I will run rather than walk if I see another book by this author coming my way. I guess I'll be getting lots of exercise!
August 1, 2016
I honestly to God wasn't expecting to love this book, It was those books that lived inside my bag, not even my shelf. I feel really guilty for not appreciating or making it a top priority on my reading list.
I don't where to start with this book!!!!!
Being the first time I have read her book... I didn't honestly thought it packed a punch. My emotional stability was put to test with this book. Touching on strong themes, such as Child Abuse, Love, Life Struggles, Confronting the past and a lot of life issues. She focuses on a girl who has seen nothing but disappointments in life, she grows to such a strong character and I honestly loved it.
I don't where to start with this book!!!!!
Being the first time I have read her book... I didn't honestly thought it packed a punch. My emotional stability was put to test with this book. Touching on strong themes, such as Child Abuse, Love, Life Struggles, Confronting the past and a lot of life issues. She focuses on a girl who has seen nothing but disappointments in life, she grows to such a strong character and I honestly loved it.
March 13, 2012
Audiobook, abridged.
The good things about this book - hence the 2 stars:
Anthony Fusco is a great narrator. Did both the male and female voices excellently and I could feel the pain and happiness as he read.
The first half was good, but . . .
The bad things about this book:
Can't Gabrielle ever have a happy life.
WARNING! SPOILERS GALORE!!!
First she's beat by her mother constantly while her dad stands there and watches and thinks, "Oh my, I wish she would stop."
Then she's sent to a convent where she finds happiness and then the freaking priest that she has a romance with commits suicide because he can't live with what he's done after he finds out she's pregnant. She then loses the baby.
They kick her out of the convent and she finds a boardinghouse and some more happiness with the friends she makes there until Steve moves in and first turns into a moocher then a murdering psychopath after he kills the older man who became her mentor and friend.
Then Steve beats the shit out of her and she finds this weird out of nowhere romance with the doctor who operates on her. I felt she had more chemistry with Psycho Steve than with Peter the doctor.
I'm a Danielle Steel snob in that I read her a long time ago and grew out of her books. This book reminded me that I have not regressed. They're just one bad thing after another books. Too draining! I'd like some cheese with my whine please.
The good things about this book - hence the 2 stars:
Anthony Fusco is a great narrator. Did both the male and female voices excellently and I could feel the pain and happiness as he read.
The first half was good, but . . .
The bad things about this book:
Can't Gabrielle ever have a happy life.
WARNING! SPOILERS GALORE!!!
First she's beat by her mother constantly while her dad stands there and watches and thinks, "Oh my, I wish she would stop."
Then she's sent to a convent where she finds happiness and then the freaking priest that she has a romance with commits suicide because he can't live with what he's done after he finds out she's pregnant. She then loses the baby.
They kick her out of the convent and she finds a boardinghouse and some more happiness with the friends she makes there until Steve moves in and first turns into a moocher then a murdering psychopath after he kills the older man who became her mentor and friend.
Then Steve beats the shit out of her and she finds this weird out of nowhere romance with the doctor who operates on her. I felt she had more chemistry with Psycho Steve than with Peter the doctor.
I'm a Danielle Steel snob in that I read her a long time ago and grew out of her books. This book reminded me that I have not regressed. They're just one bad thing after another books. Too draining! I'd like some cheese with my whine please.
January 22, 2019
Una hermosa historia de superación donde nuestra protagonista a pesar de todos los obstaculos con los que se cruzó desde muy pequeña nos logra demostrar que la educación, la bondad y las buenas intenciones no se heredan sino que se están dentro de uno mismo.
May 11, 2018
It's a really sad story. I liked her writing style in this book but the characters weren't exactly well developed.
October 16, 2018
une belle lecture , émouvante ayant creusé au fond de moi un profond abîme, et réveillant ce que je voulais éteints à jamais
February 7, 2011
I haven't read this since I was about 16 or so, having found it lying around my sister's house when i was living with her, but here's what I remember:
It doesn't just skim through like a story told, it's deep and long and solid. Telling of a life, letting you live that life with her. Details of abuse, aftermath, darkness, and the hard journey to the other end to the light. It's an emotional read. I think I might have cried, shuttered, and sat in stone-faced silence through this piece of work. I can't be sure anymore; But I am going to pick it back up soon.
I've never read anything else by Danielle Steele, might have seen a movie or two, but she comes out with the big guns. Maybe I'll sit down one afternoon with another book, when I want to run the emotional gamut.
It doesn't just skim through like a story told, it's deep and long and solid. Telling of a life, letting you live that life with her. Details of abuse, aftermath, darkness, and the hard journey to the other end to the light. It's an emotional read. I think I might have cried, shuttered, and sat in stone-faced silence through this piece of work. I can't be sure anymore; But I am going to pick it back up soon.
I've never read anything else by Danielle Steele, might have seen a movie or two, but she comes out with the big guns. Maybe I'll sit down one afternoon with another book, when I want to run the emotional gamut.
December 4, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Danielle Steel novel was good but heart wrenching to read. Gabbie is a character that will stay with readers way past the last page, also the story tugs on your heart strings along with opening your eyes to the injustice for children in real life who go through that hell. Good book that I would highly recommend.
This Danielle Steel novel was good but heart wrenching to read. Gabbie is a character that will stay with readers way past the last page, also the story tugs on your heart strings along with opening your eyes to the injustice for children in real life who go through that hell. Good book that I would highly recommend.
December 21, 2023
3 Stars
This was my first Danielle Steele book and it was surprisingly engaging and well written, although the over-the-top drama was off-putting at times.
What's it about? After more than ten years of viscious abuse at the hands of her evil mother and shamefully weak father, Gabriella is (finally) abandoned at a convent, where the Mother Superior and her young nuns take her under their wing. Gabriella thrives under their care and grows up as one of their own. Things become complicated however, when she finds herself falling for the young priest there.
The best bit: I always like stories that shine a light on the mysterious lives of postulates and nuns behind the walls of a convent. Always have time for those!
The worst bit: Even though there is a HEA, the heroine endures so much abuse and so much misfortune to get there, to me it hardly seemed worth it. It was a difficult read - I am not good with reading about some much pain and torture without also reading about equal retribution and and comeuppance. And this book had very little of it.
This was my first Danielle Steele book and it was surprisingly engaging and well written, although the over-the-top drama was off-putting at times.
What's it about? After more than ten years of viscious abuse at the hands of her evil mother and shamefully weak father, Gabriella is (finally) abandoned at a convent, where the Mother Superior and her young nuns take her under their wing. Gabriella thrives under their care and grows up as one of their own. Things become complicated however, when she finds herself falling for the young priest there.
The best bit: I always like stories that shine a light on the mysterious lives of postulates and nuns behind the walls of a convent. Always have time for those!
The worst bit: Even though there is a HEA, the heroine endures so much abuse and so much misfortune to get there, to me it hardly seemed worth it. It was a difficult read - I am not good with reading about some much pain and torture without also reading about equal retribution and and comeuppance. And this book had very little of it.
February 28, 2010
A long road to the end of the book. It had been awhile since I had read a Danielle Steele. It may be another while.
January 19, 2013
It was a typical DS, I did my usual quick skipping reading, it was ok, easy to read which suits a purpose.
January 18, 2021
¿Quieres un libro realista, un libro que no sólo sea romance? Éste es para ti. Es hermoso, pero muy, muy fuerte. y tenemos como tema central el maltrato infantil y psicológico. Eloise, madre de Gabriella, trata de lo peor a su hija, maltratándola físicamente desde que nació. LA historia comienza cuando gabi tenía 7 años, dándonos cuenta de la crueldad de esta mujer. para que se den una idea, llegó a romperle el tímpano de uno de sus oídos, y a quebrarle algunas costillas. Para bien de gabi, la madre decide dejarla en un convento por 6 meses, pero pasa el tiempo y ella se queda ahí, lo cual le sirvió a ella para que iniciara una nueva vida. Si hay algo que creo que fue muy destacable al final del libro es cómo, a medida que se convierte en una mujer, va buscando respuestas a lo que ha sido su vida, por qué la trataron así. el libro queda perfecto a la trama, pues el volver a casa no se refiere sólo a estar en su hogar como tal, sino a encontrar esa paz y calma que ella necesitaba. sí. me explayé en esa opinión, pero es que es muy impactante, y además que lo leí conjuntamente con una amiga. Léanlo.
September 20, 2012
I remember reading this book while I was a freshmen in high school and even then I could not put it down! I felt like such a nerd while all my friends were talking after our work was done or in between classes and I was quietly reading and at times even tearing up or crying. This was an excellent book and was one of the first that would lead me to becoming a huge lover a books. I remember feeling the pain from an unwanted young girl and more and more getting badly abused and getting very little to no help at all from her father. After he left it got worst until the mother found another man and had discarded the daughter for good by dropping her off at church for nuns to take care of. The detail and horror that I felt along with this character was amazing and in my opinion was very well written. You would think things got better from there and how could they really move on with the storyline but they did and it still makes me sad as I remember it like I have just read the book when in reality it's been over 10 years and it's still one of my favorites!
November 10, 2018
Parecía interesante la trama, pero no termino de convencerme. El eterno lamento de la protagonista, las idas y vueltas poco creíbles, no se demasiado lacrimógeno. Además esta autora me parece muy redundante en su manera de escribir, repitiendo mil veces los mismos pensamientos, los mismos comentarios. Y encima, la protagonista solo podía ser feliz si era con un hombre al lado. Se Lee rápido y fácil, original la idea pero mal llevado a cabo.
April 20, 2012
Always embarrassed to admit having read a Danielle Steel book, this is the first of hers that I ever picked up. The story grabs you in an 'Oh my God I cant believe this is happening, how awful!' kind of way but after the first half of the book it tends to become somewhat mismatched and I found myself feeling that I have been sad with this book long enough and wanted it to just finish. The relationship between Gabriella and the nuns of the convent is lovely and I enjoyed the slight exploration of religion. The heroine is easy to like and her naivety is completely believable. It is a depressing issue that Ms. Steele tackles here so I wouldnt recommend it as a holiday read. Maybe when there is a storm outside and you are feeling pensive.
January 16, 2010
This incredible book brought me to tears, and was one I promptly suggested for my sister. If anyone has suffered at the hand of an abusive parent, you'll immediately connect with this book. It tore my heart out, and gradually rebuilt it piece by piece as she told the story. Incredible.
December 4, 2022
Une histoire bouleversante. Parmi les meilleurs titres de l'auteur.
October 12, 2018
Kao što sam već napisala, ova Danijelina knjiga me je totalno oduševila!
Nakon što ju je majka poslije deset godina zlostavljanja ostavila u samostanu i kada su je časne sestre odgojile i učile da bude jedna od njih, Gabrijela upoznaje sveštenika po imenu Džo. Pomislim da je to zaslužila, ljubav koja ih je obavijala, radost kada su čekali bebu...Međutim, kraj njihove veze me je šokirao! Danijela je uspjela da me ostavi s otvorenim ustima od šoka :D
(Spojleri dalje)
Nakon što je napustila samostan i upoznala prof. Tomasa u pansionu, koji joj je pomagao oko pisanja i bio njen agent u izdavanju njenih priča i koji ju je na neki način spojio sa Stivom, mladićem koji je također živio u pansionu, mislila sam OK - ovo je kraj, konačno je sretna, voljena, pažena.. Zaljubljena je i sretna, ima prijatelje, ima lijep posao u knjižari i to je sve što joj treba. Međutim, Danijela zadaje novi udarac! Stiv je prevarant, kreten koji je samo išao za njenim novcem iako ga je često bilo nedovoljno i za nju samu! Nakon smrti profesora Tomasa koji je btw saznao da je on prevarant, ali nije uspio Gabrijeli da otvori oči, Stiv je saznao da joj je prof. Tomas ostavio mnogo novca, on gubi kontrolu i Gabi ponovo preživljava udarce, gore nego što je ikada preživjela!
Nova izdaja, ponovo slomljeno srce, patnja, bol, nemoć... Nalazi se u bolnici sa polomljenim rebrima, otečenim mozgom, slomljenom rukom, sva izubijana i pada u komu! U fazi njenog (po ko zna koji put) liječenja, upoznaje doktora Pitera (i onda pomislim, e ako će je i ovaj tući, Danijela pretjerala si!) i shvata da joj je lahko s njim da razgovara. Priča mu svoju priču i on se kroz nekoliko sedmica zaljubljuje u nju, ali nakon svega što je preživjela boji se da joj to prizna.
Ona odluči da mora pronaći oca i majku i da im postavi pitanje koje ju muči cijeli život "Zašto je nisu voljeli?" Saznaje da joj je majka umrla, a nakon susreta s ocem uvidi da je i on bezosjećajni 'gad' koji je nije htio u životu baš kao ni majka, otišao je sa drugom ženom, dobio novu djecu i nije htio da Gabrijela kvari njegovu skladnu porodicu.
Nakon što je upoznala majčinog novog i bivšeg muža, on joj priča kakva je ona žena bila, kako nije bila sposobna da voli, kako je bila ljubomorna na Gabrijelu i ona se oslobađa svih sumnji da je ikada bila kriva. Piter dolazi za njom u San Francisko i ona se prepušta novoj ljubavi i sigurnosti koju s njim osjeća. Shvata da je njen život bio jedan dugi put i da je jaka jer je sve preživjela i naravno - da je sada stigla kući! Predivna priča. Najbolja od Danijele koju sam dosad čitala!
Ostavlja snažne utiske, uzburkane emocije i izaziva saosjećanje i empatiju
Nakon što ju je majka poslije deset godina zlostavljanja ostavila u samostanu i kada su je časne sestre odgojile i učile da bude jedna od njih, Gabrijela upoznaje sveštenika po imenu Džo. Pomislim da je to zaslužila, ljubav koja ih je obavijala, radost kada su čekali bebu...Međutim, kraj njihove veze me je šokirao! Danijela je uspjela da me ostavi s otvorenim ustima od šoka :D
(Spojleri dalje)
Nakon što je napustila samostan i upoznala prof. Tomasa u pansionu, koji joj je pomagao oko pisanja i bio njen agent u izdavanju njenih priča i koji ju je na neki način spojio sa Stivom, mladićem koji je također živio u pansionu, mislila sam OK - ovo je kraj, konačno je sretna, voljena, pažena.. Zaljubljena je i sretna, ima prijatelje, ima lijep posao u knjižari i to je sve što joj treba. Međutim, Danijela zadaje novi udarac! Stiv je prevarant, kreten koji je samo išao za njenim novcem iako ga je često bilo nedovoljno i za nju samu! Nakon smrti profesora Tomasa koji je btw saznao da je on prevarant, ali nije uspio Gabrijeli da otvori oči, Stiv je saznao da joj je prof. Tomas ostavio mnogo novca, on gubi kontrolu i Gabi ponovo preživljava udarce, gore nego što je ikada preživjela!
Nova izdaja, ponovo slomljeno srce, patnja, bol, nemoć... Nalazi se u bolnici sa polomljenim rebrima, otečenim mozgom, slomljenom rukom, sva izubijana i pada u komu! U fazi njenog (po ko zna koji put) liječenja, upoznaje doktora Pitera (i onda pomislim, e ako će je i ovaj tući, Danijela pretjerala si!) i shvata da joj je lahko s njim da razgovara. Priča mu svoju priču i on se kroz nekoliko sedmica zaljubljuje u nju, ali nakon svega što je preživjela boji se da joj to prizna.
Ona odluči da mora pronaći oca i majku i da im postavi pitanje koje ju muči cijeli život "Zašto je nisu voljeli?" Saznaje da joj je majka umrla, a nakon susreta s ocem uvidi da je i on bezosjećajni 'gad' koji je nije htio u životu baš kao ni majka, otišao je sa drugom ženom, dobio novu djecu i nije htio da Gabrijela kvari njegovu skladnu porodicu.
Nakon što je upoznala majčinog novog i bivšeg muža, on joj priča kakva je ona žena bila, kako nije bila sposobna da voli, kako je bila ljubomorna na Gabrijelu i ona se oslobađa svih sumnji da je ikada bila kriva. Piter dolazi za njom u San Francisko i ona se prepušta novoj ljubavi i sigurnosti koju s njim osjeća. Shvata da je njen život bio jedan dugi put i da je jaka jer je sve preživjela i naravno - da je sada stigla kući! Predivna priča. Najbolja od Danijele koju sam dosad čitala!
Ostavlja snažne utiske, uzburkane emocije i izaziva saosjećanje i empatiju
April 26, 2013
Weak protagonist! Gabriella is labelled 'strong' in this book because she overcame all the obstacles but I personally feel that it made her character weak & pathetic when she allowed people to kick her around. And then it ends with a happily ever after with Prince Charming. Boring...
"Most things are complicated in life, arent they? It's a shame it has to be that way. Sometimes it seems like nothing can ever be easy. But there are also times it's easier than we make it. I think we all complicate things ourselves. Things can be easier if we let them."
"Most things are complicated in life, arent they? It's a shame it has to be that way. Sometimes it seems like nothing can ever be easy. But there are also times it's easier than we make it. I think we all complicate things ourselves. Things can be easier if we let them."
December 2, 2021
So here’s what you get when you take a book off the bookshelf of an AirBnB you’re staying at.. originally to use it as a yoga block substitute, and then you decide to read it coz it’s a real paperback (and not one of the several decent e-books awaiting you in your kindle). Big mistake. It made a half decent yoga block; however, it was the worst book I have read in ages.
Complete trash. I plan to throw it in the trash, for I want no one to make the mistake I made. Terrible writing, horrible story, pure rubbish.
Complete trash. I plan to throw it in the trash, for I want no one to make the mistake I made. Terrible writing, horrible story, pure rubbish.
October 3, 2010
I have not read Danielle Steel since college, when I thought it was the greatest literary work around LOL, but this .25 pickup at a library sale was sitting on my TBR forever, it was wonderful. It sucked you in completely and just when you think that the heroine can take no more, more is thrust upon her. I really enjoyed this one, a great book and completely engrossed me, finished it in two partial days!!!
July 11, 2011
I'm not a fan of Steel... But I read this book MANY years ago and I couldn't put it down. My classmates used to tease me because they thought it was a bible. Lol. Now that I've read it again, it was still hard to put it down but now that I'm more experienced with reading I was very irritated by how she repeated things over and over. other than that, it is still a breathtaking experience. A great book!
March 5, 2017
El largo camino a casa
Increíble historia de como una niña sobrevive a maltratos por parte de las personas que deberían haberla protegido.la verdad es que llore por Gabriela por sus circunstancias por lo que tuvo que pasar pero me admiro su fortaleza y su fuerza para salir adelante.aunque creo que el libro terminó precipitadamente .esperaba más del final.con todo me a encantado .la recomiendo.
Increíble historia de como una niña sobrevive a maltratos por parte de las personas que deberían haberla protegido.la verdad es que llore por Gabriela por sus circunstancias por lo que tuvo que pasar pero me admiro su fortaleza y su fuerza para salir adelante.aunque creo que el libro terminó precipitadamente .esperaba más del final.con todo me a encantado .la recomiendo.
March 26, 2011
I thought I would try some authors I have seen a lot but never read. Danielle Steele is one. I don't know if this is representative of her other books but it was not a romance. It was a book about abuse. It seemed she had done her homework and really understood what abused children go through and how they think. The book was long and tedious though because of that.
October 2, 2016
نمیدونم چطور این کتابها" بست سلینگ" میشن. مردم آمریکا تو چه حال و هوایین؟ مردمی که تو ثروتمندترین کشور دنیا زندگی میکنن در چه شاخصهای دیگری ثروتمندن؟
March 23, 2019
Wonderful book. It took me longer to read it than my usual time, but it was well worth it. Good job.
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