A Woman of Substance
by Barbara Taylor Bradford
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 426)
Read in January, 2006
This is a very long, verbose book that has a good story buried among its endless descriptions of, well, just about everything. This book left a lot of unanswered questions in my mind, and there were a lot of times when I was skimming through the long, boring descriptions of Emma's furniture and
china and walls and clothes and the color of the sky and the degree of greyness of the clouds - ack!! The interactions between the characters were generally quite good, but it was like slogging through...more
china and walls and clothes and the color of the sky and the degree of greyness of the clouds - ack!! The interactions between the characters were generally quite good, but it was like slogging through...more
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I read this book in '86 and loved it. It was about such a strong, formidable woman, dragging herself from poverty to immense wealth with such guts and tenacity. Emma Harte as a character was really inspiring and I loved the descriptions of Yorkshire at that period in history. The only reason I've not given it a 5 star rating is I think at times, the author has a way of writing conversation between characters that I find is not quite natural. A little stilted perhaps. And this is true in all her ...more
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Read in January, 2003
recommends it for:
everybody
This is an amazing story that takes place in England. Emma Hart is a poor, hard working maid working for the rich locale family. She falls in love with Edmond and gets pregnant. Edmond won't/can't marry her and to avoid bring shame to her family she runs off to the big city.
Here she works hard to make sure she and her family never have to struggle for money. She climbs the latter of success to own one of the largest department stores in England....HARTS.
You love and hate. Cheer and ...more
Here she works hard to make sure she and her family never have to struggle for money. She climbs the latter of success to own one of the largest department stores in England....HARTS.
You love and hate. Cheer and ...more
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This book is very, very long. It could have been at least 500 pages less. Plus, it isn't very interesting until about 150 pages into it...I ended up skipping about 50 pages at the beginning and didn't miss anything. Overall, a good little message about rising up and making something of yourself no matter what your background is, but I would recommend asking someone to tell you the short version rather than read it.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
The story of a young girl growing up in Great Britian as a maid for one of the richer families. She has a love affair with one of the son's, who leaves her abandoned and pregnat. Emma vows that she will raise her daughter and become just as succesful as the family. She does this slowly, making her way up in the ranks of the fashion industry, until she buys out the family, and ultimately the young man who left her.
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recommends it for:
All women
I read this in the 80's and it is still one of my very favorite books. I should pick it up again and read it. Compelling story of a youn woman in the UK and how she creates a dynasty.... traveling around the glove, life choices she makes that make her a woman of substance and character, the loves, and how she becomes defined through her actions.... incredible read.
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Another book I read when I was young. I thought it was very well written and better than your average trash novel. It is pretty big, and I remember having a dictionary on hand to look up some the words. I remember the heroine, Emma Harte, to be somewhat inspirational in her drive to succeed. As I think of it now, I remember it fondly and recommend it.
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Read in July, 2008
I read this book for my public library's adult summer reading program. This is the first time I've one her novels and I found I neither liked nor disliked it. It's over 900 pages long and I'm surprised I didn't form an opinion after all that reading.
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This book was ok, very long and a bit drawn out for a story detailing the life of a poor child building a retail empire as an adult. I enjoyed it fine, but would not recommend anyone that reads as slowly as I do to take the time for this novel.
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Read in January, 1997
recommended to Joann by:
my high school librarian recommends it for: anyone who reads for pleasure
Amazing. I was 15 when I read this, and was immersed into this woman's life. I was in awe and love. I knew it was fiction... but it gave hope that it could be real. I don't know if that makes sense. ;) It's great...it's long... but great.
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I'm not sure I should write anything about a book that I read 13 years ago. I read it voraciously because I was in Germany at the time and had hardly any contact with an English-speaking world. I remember enjoying very much!!
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Oh Lord! This was one of the best bodice ripping books I ever read. I have read it twice, which is saying a lot for me.
Must read this if you're into a great heroine who has a bit of a bitchy side and is totally driven.
Must read this if you're into a great heroine who has a bit of a bitchy side and is totally driven.
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Read in March, 2008
I am reading it right now and I can hardly put it down!! I read it over thirty years ago when it was first published but I can't remember what happens so I am enjoying it all over again!
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Read in January, 1985
recommends it for:
Female 17+
This is one of those books I cannot get out of my head. It is a moving and triumphant saga of one woman's battle to survive through the decades of hardship and love. This is a must read.
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This is my absolute favorite book of all time! I have all her books in hardcover, and this one is well worn due to so many readings! I love, love, love it!
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Read in January, 1979
recommends it for:
women ages 18-30 for sure
I found this book very inspirational when I was young. It made me believe that I could do anything and nothing could stop me if I put my mind to it...
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Read in January, 1986
Even though I read this book years ago, I still remember the heroine, Emma Harte and her never give up attitude. It inspired me as a young girl.
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Read in January, 1990
recommends it for:
Fans of historical fiction
So much more than your typical romance novel. In fact, I hate that it's often categorized as a romance in bookstores. Bradford's best novel.
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Enjoyed the "woman can do it" story even if she's a little cold. I haven't read many of the rest of the series but would like to.
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One of the absolute best books I have ever read. Not my typical pick of books but absolutely amazing. I own this book forever!!
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