Saffron Skies

by Lesley Lokko

In this glittering family saga, Amber has been raised in a world of wealth and priviledge. She jet-sets around the globe . . Saffron Skies is a magnificent story of sisters, family, friends and love!!

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Friendship, Family, Africa

613 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2005

About the author

LESLEY spent seven years training as an architect but always dreamed of writing a novel. Eight novels (and counting) later, and aside from building her own home in Ghana, she hasn’t looked back. She splits her time between Johannesburg, Accra and London, (although now she’s dreaming of a flat in Edinburgh) and counts the BA lounges at Heathrow amongst her favourite places in the world.

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I really wanted to finish reading..not because I wanted it to end, but because I felt like I really KNEW the main characters, and I wanted to be a part of their lives. When I was busy doing something else (like working..) my mind would often wander to this book. To me, that's the sign of a very well written book.

The story focuses around three childhood friends, and follows them as they grow up, move away from home and start families. Though all three girls go in very different directions, the author does a wonderful job of keeping them tied together.

Not only was I caught up in the characters, but I also learned from this book..a great portion of this story takes place in foreign countries, as the girls' lives take them there.

I would definitely recommend it to any female readers out there..or any males that enjoy stories from a female point of view.

Two thumbs way up.

[Jeana · Rating 1 out of 5]

A couple years ago, I was flipping through t.v. channels during the day and found Marlena (of Days of our Lives fame)--a show I hadn't seen since college ten years before and I could NOT believe it was still going on. Wow, same characters, different dumb plot lines. That's how I felt about Saffron Skies. Like it was a never-ending story following the lives of ridiculous, unbelievable characters charting more ridiculous, unbelievable circumstances.

First off, I didn't even buy the relationship between the three friends--Amber, Becky, and Madeleine--that seemed to last through the entire 600 pages. There wasn't enough there to set up the story, but for some odd reason the story acted like they had been so close friends that they'd always be there for each other. Please. (And what's up by every character calling eachother by a shortened version of their name adding an "s"--like Mads and Becks. I couldn't stand it and yet everyone seemed to call them by that.

I won't even talk about the writing in this--but the word "trite" comes to mind. I don't know how many times the characters can blush--either furiously, fiercely, or blush in any other manner.

All in all, this book had way too many characters (main and secondary), way too many perspectives, that you couldn't care about any of them. And I absolutely did not care about them. I just wanted the dumb book to end, but I had bought it so I felt an obligation to finish it. The book should have been 400 pages less and at least 20 characters less. And what's the deal with everyone migrating to Africa? I feel the author was trying to deal with a racial issue here that didn't quite work. I'm glad this is over.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, for many of the same reasons I loved Sundowners. A sweeping, dramatic yet intelligent journey through the lives of 3 main overlapping characters and their trials and growth throughout the years. I found myself thinking about it after putting it down, as if I were missing out on something while away, and have reread this book more times than I care to admit. This is the ultimate escapism in chick lit, with characters experiencing careers and travel that will leave you green with envy, despite their challenges.

I think it's important to know that many of Lokko's books have the same failing: Whoever chose the cover descriptions and blurbs either hasn't read the books, or...should have their head examined. Had I not flipped through the book before putting it down, I never would have been drawn in by such vapid, soap opera-esque descriptions.

"Two sisters. One man. One winner", makes this sound like a book full of backstabbing, man chasing drama. If this was what you were looking for, you will be sorely disappointed.

[Tory · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was extremely misleading. The blurb on the back, and the bit on the front that says: TWO sisters. ONE man. ONE winner...

There wasn't any part of the book that was about the two sisters falling in love with the same man. Or any fighting about him.

Otherwise, it was... fine. It's biggest weakness was too many characters. Instead of getting anyone's whole story, or exploring any issue in any depth... Rape, mommy issues, daddy issues, sibling rivalry, race, incest, abortion, single parenting, death, guilt... and so the list could continue.

There was more description of homes and clothes and landscape than there was of any thing that could of lead to some sort of literary exploration of the many themes just thrown around in a seemingly willy-nilly fashion. The overwhelming drama became dull and predictable.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un gran bel romanzo, un'epopea familiare che si sviluppa in 40 anni tra Londra e l'Africa, vera arma in più di questo libro che mi ha conquistato. Lungo sì, ma estremamente piacevole, non mi rendevo nemmeno conto di leggere 100 pagine al giorno. Lesley Lokko entra nella lista di scrittori di cui cercherò di leggere tutto.

[Preet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first Lesley Lokko book and I was expecting to be wowed, but wasn't. The blurb on the back of the book talks about two half-sisters falling in love with the same guy. That didn't happen. Instead the book focused on Amber, Becky, Madeline, and Amber's family members.

A lot happened in this book that was definitely out of the ordinary. It's not a light fluffy read, so be prepared for heavy material, some thought provoking, and some that may disgust you. I have to hand it to Lesley, she sure doesn't pull her punches.

Now that I know somewhat to expect, I won't be so surprised the next time I pick up a book by Lesley Lokko.

[Maribel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was written well and had great descriptions but there were so many subplots it was hard to keep track of all that was going on. It felt to me like a was reading a soap opera. One that could go on and on and if I put the book down and started reading at a different a different point I could easily get back in because it was just one predictable unsatisfying situation after another. Unsatisfying in that the characters never grew or developed.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me awhile to get through, which is rare; interesting characters and beautiful, intriguing settings, but a lot of storylines to follow, some of which weren't sufficiently developed.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

'Saffron Skies' is an embodiment of the phrase 'Never judge a book by its cover'. The cover of this book doesn't tell you anything about the story inside. I wish I meant this in a way that implies the story is incredibly meaningful and unexpected, but unfortunately I mean it literally converys nothing about the story correctly. Not the title, not the tagline. Not even the bloody blurb.

What I expected was the intertwining, overlapping story of 3 key characters who all fall for the same guy. What it is is a span of time following an unspecified number of people whose lives are loosely related, from about 12 or so points of view. The viewpoints appear random as well, with some characters apparently losing Lokko's interest and dropping away just when you begin to think they are one of the finally chosen key characters.

This means that the close of the book (which is obviously set up to be the final resolution between a long feud) just doesn't have much oomph. I can't really even work out why there IS a feudbetween the two sisters, when their lives are one of the many storylines that rarely overlap.

Having ranted about this (not even mentioning the inconsistent characterisation), I will now grudgingly admit to finding it okay. I must have, since I finished it! But mostly it was in anticipation of something happening. Nothing really does, but that's kind of alright. Sometimes it's just interesting to see someone's train of thought - I honestly think Lokko had no plan but just let the events trickle out of her pen, and I had no choice but to see which direction it trickled in as it maintained my interest - if not quite grabbing and thrilling it.

[Jason Maurer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this novel was a good read. The characters were compelling, believable, the plot itself was driven if just a bit predictable, but everyone [with maybe the exception of Francesca and Paola] learned a few things along the way.

This being said, the entire novel seemed a bit better suited for something on daytime television as a long-winded soap opera. Not a bad critique, just my own opinion.

I'm rating it 4 stars because it did keep my interest, even through the parts that were a bit slow, because I wanted to find out what happened. That's definitely a major plus.

And, to add one final note, I've read this novel twice.

[LC · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is really disappointing. Sorry Lesley, your books are great but this one really did not meet my expectations.
Humble feedback: too many characters, too many digressions and the finale is really a no-go.
I waited more than 200 pages to understand what would happened to the main characters, Paola, Francesca, Angela, Kieran, Amber and their future relationships but nothing explained.
Generally speaking, the author spent too much time on describing different lovers, and sexual encounters the characters have, but the bottom line and the end leaves the reader without anything. I'm really upset.

[Cora Tea Party Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as other Lesley Lokko books. Review to come.

I need to get some headphones...

[Sophia Villani · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was horrible.

[Brooksie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think "readable" is the most positive descriptor I have for this book. When most of the characters ended up in Africa just past the halfway mark, I have to admit that was a headscratcher. Like isn't that just a bit too much of a coincidence?

While overall Saffron Skies is interesting enough to keep reading, the tagline on the cover of my edition, along with the blurb on the back, grossly mislead the reader to expect a rivalry between two sisters over one man. These half-sisters, Amber and Paola, are rarely even in the same country and are never alone in the same room until the very end of the novel. There is no "rivalry" over one man. The focus of this book is a friendship triangle between three former schoolmates that somehow lasts for decades. It's what I consider a good bathroom book, as it doesn't take much focus and is easy to put down once you've done your business.

A couple of issues: Lokko treats Paola horribly, though she's done nothing terrible enough to warrant such treatment. Paola is brought up in a certain manner with certain expectations and acts accordingly. She is then punished for these actions beyond reason. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

Also (TRIGGER WARNING: SA): Becky is gang-raped by a trio of Africans, and we discover later her ex-boyfriend Henry set it up. He faces no repercussions and just disappears into the ether. Infuriating.

[Annuccia76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Questo romanzo lo avevo acquistato qualche anno fa, mi aveva incuriosita il titolo, dell'autrice infatti conoscevo poco o nulla. All'inizio dell'estate una nota rivista, a cui sono abbonata, recensiva questo ed altre opere della Lokko e così mi sono decisa a leggerlo.
E' un romanzo corposo, ricco di personaggi e ambientazioni, già dalle prime pagine e nel giro di poche righe si ha la sensazione di girare il mondo.
L'autrice ha uno stile fluido che permette alla storia di scorrere senza annoiare. L'utilizzo ricorrente del flashback e lo stile pacato mi hanno ricordato i libri della Modignani, soprattutto i primi che ho tanto amato.
Il personaggio che spicca è quello di Amber: la figlia prediletta di Max il capostipite, l'amica invidiata ed al tempo stesso idolatrata di Becky e Madeleine, la sorellastra di Paola, l'amore di Tendè, infine, l'erede suo malgrado di un importante patrimonio economico ed umano.

[dawn nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, what a read. I took this book on holiday and it was a perfect holiday read. I didn't want the book to end as I felt like I really knew the characters. The story doesn't really have a plot, but lots of separate stories of the characters making up the book. The story centers around Amber, Max's daughter and her 2 best friends Madeleine and Becky, however Ma'x family feature heavily in the book too. He has a wife and son in England and a mistress and daughter in Italy. I really warmed to all the characters apart from Mac and also Paula, however she does redeem herself eventually. I absolutely loved the descriptions of places in the book. A large part of the book is set in Africa and you could really picture it going by the authors descriptions. The only thing that i was a little disappointed about was that the book ended very suddenly, I could have done with another couple of chapters at the end tying everything up, but a 10 out 10 book for me.

[Monika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Przeczytanie tej powieści zajęło mi dużo czasu, więcej niż zazwyczaj. Czy mi się podobała? Przede wszystkim opis na obwolucie jest mylący, rzecz wcale nie dotyczy rywalizacji sióstr o tego samego mężczyznę, lecz ich wzajemnej niechęci do siebie w ogóle. Bohaterki są jednowymiarowe i średnio dają się lubić - Amber jest zbyt doskonała, piękna, dobra i szlachetna, zakochując się w ciemnoskórym muzułmaninie nie ma nawet cienia refleksji, jak to zostanie odebrane przez świat; Paola to leniwa celebrytka bez grama inteligencji; Becky nie potrafi żyć własnym życiem, nieustannie kogoś kopiuje; wreszcie Madeleine, chirurg dokonująca skomplikowanych operacji, a nie potrafiąca przez kilka dni rozpoznać zapalenia wyrostka u swojego faceta, miotająca się pomiędzy swymi pragnieniami, których spełnienie nie daje jej satysfakcji. Czy sięgnę po inne książki tej autorki? może, ale na pewno ich nie kupię.

[Beverly Rouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should have been a trilogy. There was so much to digest and so many stories, but that’s really how life is. At the end of the day do we truly know why people do what they do? It took me forever to read, but I was invested in the characters. Had she gave the characters as much depth as she gave the locations, I would given it 5 stars. The ending felt rushed and yet, I wanted more. I will definitely read another book from this author

[alison morton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great. I think it could have been shorter and also better researched instead of just guessing about how things are done in different cultures. Many things needlessly inaccurate and many descriptions of things were contradicted again a few pages later. Tedious.

[Laranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesley Lokko wrote another incredible book, and teaches so much about many other countries and cultures and conflicts. I love how we hear from all the characters, it gives you an insight into the reality that everyone has struggles and triumphs.

[Punit Sahani · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started off quite well with each character being distinguishesly introduced, but then the story line got too lengthy with no quick ending. I got a feeling of story being of three friends than three siblings.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The arch of the characters is amazing... strongly recommend if you have the time to read it!

[Becky Griffus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Lot of interesting lives woven together over the years. Sad how they lived separate yet not but how each life turned and played out

[Graci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Se me hizo largo y pesado.

[Joanna]

I enjoyed this book but at times it was a hard read. It took me two months to read. I feel like the ending could have been better. But it is a good book in general.

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago. I still remember how good it was. I would recommend it.

[lago laguito lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tremendo dramón de señoras, mejor que telenovela.

[Nova J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I literally felt like the book would nevvveeeeeeeeeerr end. It dragged and dragged and way too much on each character . I was so close to dnf this thing. So glad it’s over.

[Kelly S · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars