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The Summer of the Spanish Woman
When her grandfather dies without leaving a male heir, Charlotte Drummond and her mother are forced to leave their family home, Clonmara. A distant cousin, Richard Selwin, inherits her grandfather’s estate and the title of Lord Blodmore. He also claims Charlotte’s heart, but a cruel twist of fate prevents them from being together.Charlotte and her mother begin a new life in the Spanish town of Jerez among the families and vineyards of the great Spanish sherry dynasties. There she discovers the surprising secrets of her grandfather’s younger life, and the mystery surrounding “the Summer of the Spanish Woman” many decades before. As Charlotte learns more about the events of that long-ago summer she realises that its far-reaching consequences stretch into the present. Drawn into a web of deceit and vengeance, her destiny is shaped by both her enemies and her allies in this foreign land. And she must confront Isabel, Marquesa de Pontevedra, whose presence casts light or shadow over those whose lives she seeks to control.
444 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
About the author
Catherine Gaskin
93 books72 followersCatherine Gaskin (2 April 1929 – 6 September 2009) historical fiction and romantic suspense.
She was born in Dundalk Bay, Louth, Ireland in 1929. When she was only three months old, her parents moved to Australia, settling in Coogee, a suburb of Sydney, where she grew up. Her first novel This Other Eden, was written when she was 15 and published two years later. After her second novel, With Every Year, was published, she moved to London. Three best-sellers followed: Dust in Sunlight (1950), All Else is Folly (1951), and Daughter of the House (1952). She completed her best known work, Sara Dane, on her 25th birthday in 1954, and it was published in 1955. It sold more than 2 million copies, was translated into a number of other languages, and was made into a television series in Australia in 1982. Other novels included A Falcon for the Queen (1972) and The Summer of the Spanish Woman (1977).
Catherine Gaskin moved to Manhattan for ten years, after marrying an American. She then moved to the Virgin Islands, then in 1967 to Ireland, where she became an Irish citizen. She also lived on the Isle of Man. Her last novel was The Charmed Circle (1988). She then returned to Sydney, where she died in September 2009, aged 80, of ovarian cancer.
She was born in Dundalk Bay, Louth, Ireland in 1929. When she was only three months old, her parents moved to Australia, settling in Coogee, a suburb of Sydney, where she grew up. Her first novel This Other Eden, was written when she was 15 and published two years later. After her second novel, With Every Year, was published, she moved to London. Three best-sellers followed: Dust in Sunlight (1950), All Else is Folly (1951), and Daughter of the House (1952). She completed her best known work, Sara Dane, on her 25th birthday in 1954, and it was published in 1955. It sold more than 2 million copies, was translated into a number of other languages, and was made into a television series in Australia in 1982. Other novels included A Falcon for the Queen (1972) and The Summer of the Spanish Woman (1977).
Catherine Gaskin moved to Manhattan for ten years, after marrying an American. She then moved to the Virgin Islands, then in 1967 to Ireland, where she became an Irish citizen. She also lived on the Isle of Man. Her last novel was The Charmed Circle (1988). She then returned to Sydney, where she died in September 2009, aged 80, of ovarian cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 16, 2020
3.5 stars. When this is good, it's really good...but when it's boring, it's really boring. It wasn't the bits about wine-making that bored me so much as the loooong stretches of Nothing Happening (which is probably meant to mirror the process of vineyards & wine fermentation -- but discussion of such a juxtaposition is too tedious for a casual review). Suffice it to say, if you're looking for a fast, easy read, this is NOT one to pick up -- it's dense, involved, & (frequently) quite depressing.
There's very little romance; indeed, it's more of a soap about family succession. (Sidenote: rarely do I complain about first-person narration, but this one really needed third-person to do better justice to the characters.) Extreme-beta Richard made me want to shake his shoulders & push him from a carriage. Charlie's epic devotion to a guy who completely lacked backbone & ballsacks felt forced & silly...but I digress. Carlos was a dick, though a vibrant presence in the plot, but IMO the true hero was Luis, who gallantly took on all the shit for Charlie's sake & didn't bat an eyelash. My other fave was Lady Patricia, who was frequently drunk & only half-lucid (see, I told you it was depressing :P), but in a good way -- she never lost her piss & vinegar, & was the only one who had the guts to take action against that shrieking bitch Elena. Maria Luisa, the old maid/family accountant was another strong feature, what with her vast well of gossip & acidic self-deprecating editorials. Bless.
As already mentioned, SPANISH WOMAN has glaring issues with pace. Long, long stretches of slow movement are punctuated with really good scenes; meanwhile time passes in huge chunks, then pauses mid-swoop long enough for more interesting bits. The entire arc about the '30s & the Revolution buildup (i.e. the final 75-100 pages) could have been removed & the story would've been much stronger; by then I didn't GAF what happened because the time gaps made for such a disconnect. It should've ended with Paulo's death -- just transplant a few good scenes from the last section a bit earlier in the timeline, & presto! 4 stars.
...But that didn't happen, so I'm sticking with 3.5. I quite liked Gaskin's FIONA, but hated THE TILSIT INHERITANCE; this one falls somewhere in between.
There's very little romance; indeed, it's more of a soap about family succession. (Sidenote: rarely do I complain about first-person narration, but this one really needed third-person to do better justice to the characters.) Extreme-beta Richard made me want to shake his shoulders & push him from a carriage. Charlie's epic devotion to a guy who completely lacked backbone & ballsacks felt forced & silly...but I digress. Carlos was a dick, though a vibrant presence in the plot, but IMO the true hero was Luis, who gallantly took on all the shit for Charlie's sake & didn't bat an eyelash. My other fave was Lady Patricia, who was frequently drunk & only half-lucid (see, I told you it was depressing :P), but in a good way -- she never lost her piss & vinegar, & was the only one who had the guts to take action against that shrieking bitch Elena. Maria Luisa, the old maid/family accountant was another strong feature, what with her vast well of gossip & acidic self-deprecating editorials. Bless.
As already mentioned, SPANISH WOMAN has glaring issues with pace. Long, long stretches of slow movement are punctuated with really good scenes; meanwhile time passes in huge chunks, then pauses mid-swoop long enough for more interesting bits. The entire arc about the '30s & the Revolution buildup (i.e. the final 75-100 pages) could have been removed & the story would've been much stronger; by then I didn't GAF what happened because the time gaps made for such a disconnect. It should've ended with Paulo's death -- just transplant a few good scenes from the last section a bit earlier in the timeline, & presto! 4 stars.
...But that didn't happen, so I'm sticking with 3.5. I quite liked Gaskin's FIONA, but hated THE TILSIT INHERITANCE; this one falls somewhere in between.
July 5, 2012
Gaskin's novel is the kind of sweeping historical romance that I enjoy escaping into. Reminiscent of Gone with the Wind, it also has a fiesty female protagonist with Irish roots. Because i've just relocated for the first time, I identified with her move to another country, IWhile the story is engaging, it doesn't measure up to Mitchell's saga or meet the literary standards of the likes of A.S. Byatt. That did not influence my enjoyment one whit and I wasn't disappointed when the predictable narrative ended on a happy note. Who wants to escape to a somber reality?
December 31, 2021
This book moves between Ireland and Spain, beginning in the early 20th Century and ending on the eve of the Second World War. It combines the romance and mystery of Ireland with the exotic warmth of Spain and its wine-growing culture and traditions. The main character Charlie (Charlotte) is a strong female character who loves, suffers and grows, immersing herself in the vineyards and bodegas of Jerez, after she and her mother are forced to leave their beloved Clonmara estate in Ireland. The legend of the "Spanish Woman" who spent a summer with her grandfather, Lord Blodmore, decades before comes into play and weaves a tale of deceit, betrayal and revenge through the story; events from the past that keep reaching into the future. Charlie is thrown up against some daunting adversaries, the powerful Don Paulo and the rich and autocratic Marquesa de Pontevedra, both bent on destroying the Blodmores. She also has to care for her loveable but flawed, alcoholic mother, and many other people who are added to her household. I found the romance between teenage Charlotte and thirty year old, newly married Richard, the new heir to the estate, after a five minute horse-ride along the beach contrived and almost ludicrous, but the rest of the story had me gripped and showed me a Spain I knew little about.
June 20, 2016
Greatest epic novel written
Catherine Gaskin writes true lifelike novels. Life has many trials and tribulations and she covered them brilliantly, hard to put the book down. Thank you Catherine Gaskin.
Catherine Gaskin writes true lifelike novels. Life has many trials and tribulations and she covered them brilliantly, hard to put the book down. Thank you Catherine Gaskin.
December 22, 2023
Summer if the Spanish Woman.
I had read a condensed version of this once in a Readers Digest condensed book. I always wanted to read the real thing. It is an excellent novel, both historical and romance. Not a bodice ripper, but a real.historical romance. I learned a lot about Spanish history and a lot more about how sherry is made and developed. From Ireland in the early 1900s, through WW1 and the Spanish Revolution up to the Eve of WW2, our heroine Charlotte/Carlota fights her way through. She may get knocked down but she comes right back up. In the end she is reunited with the man she's always loved (the only sketchy part of the book but then I don't believe in love at first site) but father than run off into the sunset (or to Ireland) with him, she stays out to protect the inheritance of her sons who fight on opposite sides of the Civil War and to "remind each of them of the home they are fighting over". I do wish there had been a sequel, as the Spanish Civil War ended as the World War was escalating, and assuming all the kids did live, what exactly do they say to each bother when war is over? Do they gather around the family dining table in peace or do they smash their sherry glasses into each others faces? Its the question I had after reading Across Five Aprils or any other story where a family is torn apart by war.
I had read a condensed version of this once in a Readers Digest condensed book. I always wanted to read the real thing. It is an excellent novel, both historical and romance. Not a bodice ripper, but a real.historical romance. I learned a lot about Spanish history and a lot more about how sherry is made and developed. From Ireland in the early 1900s, through WW1 and the Spanish Revolution up to the Eve of WW2, our heroine Charlotte/Carlota fights her way through. She may get knocked down but she comes right back up. In the end she is reunited with the man she's always loved (the only sketchy part of the book but then I don't believe in love at first site) but father than run off into the sunset (or to Ireland) with him, she stays out to protect the inheritance of her sons who fight on opposite sides of the Civil War and to "remind each of them of the home they are fighting over". I do wish there had been a sequel, as the Spanish Civil War ended as the World War was escalating, and assuming all the kids did live, what exactly do they say to each bother when war is over? Do they gather around the family dining table in peace or do they smash their sherry glasses into each others faces? Its the question I had after reading Across Five Aprils or any other story where a family is torn apart by war.
September 3, 2019
I did enjoy reading this book and learned a lot from it, especially about the events leading up to the Spanish Civil War. The discussions about wine making contributed to the setting but were not overly informative even for someone who has made wine. The story is told as a saga, so there is no normal plot structure. You can't tell where you are in the novel except by looking at the page numbers. For this reason I have to disagree with the people who thought the ending was too abrupt. A work of this nature is not going to have a crisp resolution. It stopped in the right place. I also disagree that there were too many flat characters. Yes there were some, but all the characters who needed to be round were round. For the most part it is a very well written book but, to me at least, did not have the exciting type of scenes that would take one's breath away and it did have a tendency to drag in some places.
June 11, 2022
I wanted to like this book because I loved The Ambassador's Women but the 'epic love' literally started out of nowhere. Okay, I went along with it. Then Charlotte has to leave her home and meets this other guy Carlos and just kisses him like it's no big deal and there's no thought or hesitation considering her 'grand epic love' Robert. That coupled with how long and rambly and info-dumpy the dialogue was. Just nope. A disappointing DNF
March 14, 2024
Excellent read. Set in Ireland and then to Spain, the backdrop for this story is so inspiring. In some chapters' I felt the historical facts were a bit overwhelming, but very informative. I really enjoyed learning about life in Spain in the early 1900's and life around the vineyards, however, sometimes, the political information was a bit too 'heavy'. Overall, a good storyline, love, loss, and everything in between. Would recommend. 👍
July 4, 2017
I didn't think beginning this book I'd have given it four stars but it continually grew on me as I continued to read. I haven't read a family saga for a while and this one was a bit different, (perhaps it was the setting) but with the same bones of them all, strong woman, unfortunate circumstances. I loved the heroine.
February 8, 2020
This is one of the older books on my Waiting To Be Read pile. It's a long time since I read a Catherine Gaskin novel and I was not disappointed by this one. It turned into quite a page-turner, although there were places where it moved very slowly and there was a lot of detail about the art of making sherry but I found the story compelling and read it eagerly.
May 5, 2017
This author understands people and a good story.
I like historical fiction that seeks accuracy in its settings and good writing in its plot and characterizations. This a good book with characters to love and hate.
I like historical fiction that seeks accuracy in its settings and good writing in its plot and characterizations. This a good book with characters to love and hate.
September 29, 2017
Magnificent!!!
I was mesmerized. by this story. The characters beautiful yet flawed beckon us to read on and on. I felt the best of the Spanish sun, could taste the sherry, hear the Spanish flamenco.....oh how I would love to know how it ended!
I was mesmerized. by this story. The characters beautiful yet flawed beckon us to read on and on. I felt the best of the Spanish sun, could taste the sherry, hear the Spanish flamenco.....oh how I would love to know how it ended!
August 31, 2018
Excellent page turner.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of genuine advice on wine growing whilst the story was in progress. A strong story line and characters that you felt you knew.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of genuine advice on wine growing whilst the story was in progress. A strong story line and characters that you felt you knew.
July 22, 2017
Great Tale
Pure truth: love, hate, peace, war, lies! What a twisting and regally ordered family saga! Certainly a major historical rendering!
Pure truth: love, hate, peace, war, lies! What a twisting and regally ordered family saga! Certainly a major historical rendering!
August 7, 2018
Another wonderful read from Catherine Gaskin. I never get tired of this author.
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July 5, 2019Spain 1909-1934
April 17, 2020
My fave Gaskin book. I read this more times than I care to remember in my late teens.
September 24, 2020
Such a great storyline. I couldnt put it down. Felt it was rushed towards the end though 🤔
April 29, 2021
Captivating
Kept me turning the pages. Very interesting novel, learnt more scout the Spanish civil war and life in Spain at the turn of the last century. Interesting family ties.
Kept me turning the pages. Very interesting novel, learnt more scout the Spanish civil war and life in Spain at the turn of the last century. Interesting family ties.
June 27, 2021
This is a historical novel about the life of an Irish woman and her and her extended family’s path in the changing world of first quarter of the twentieth century Europe, and notably Spanish Jerez.
November 8, 2024
Spectacular read.
August 27, 2015
On the one hand, the window into the world of the Sherry families in Spain in the early twentieth century was fascinating and gripping in it's own right.
On the other, the people side of the story felt oddly skew-whiff throughout. I never felt a great deal of empathy for the heroine; the older people were more interesting. The juxtaposition of the very realistic depiction of the sherry trade and the heightened Gothic story-line was uneasy.
I also disliked the ending which seemed abrupt (especially considering the pages I had slogged through to get there)and unresolved.
I generally enjoy Catherine Gaskin, but for me this was not one of her best.
On the other, the people side of the story felt oddly skew-whiff throughout. I never felt a great deal of empathy for the heroine; the older people were more interesting. The juxtaposition of the very realistic depiction of the sherry trade and the heightened Gothic story-line was uneasy.
I also disliked the ending which seemed abrupt (especially considering the pages I had slogged through to get there)and unresolved.
I generally enjoy Catherine Gaskin, but for me this was not one of her best.
June 8, 2016
Very good story, although epic. A little too detailed in the Spanish sherry-making business. Charlotte "Charlie" Blodmore falls in love instantly with the male heir to the Blodmore homestead in Ireland but is forced to move to Spain when she finds out he is married. She marries twice in Spain, has 5 children and suffers a lot of hearbreak while becoming an influential woman. The story unfortunately leaves much open ended as it closes at the beginning of the Spanish civil war...
August 15, 2016
A romantic novel interesting to learn about sherry making
Sadly not my cup of tea.. A romantic tale of grand passion in the sun baked land of jeretz. The writing is OK for the genre the story line sadly
Predictable non of the characters is remarkable or particularly likeble.
If you enjoy historical romantic novels might be for you
Sadly not my cup of tea.. A romantic tale of grand passion in the sun baked land of jeretz. The writing is OK for the genre the story line sadly
Predictable non of the characters is remarkable or particularly likeble.
If you enjoy historical romantic novels might be for you
December 20, 2016
Almost gave up on it but I'm glad I stayed with it. Can get a little tedious in wine-making details and the web of relations got confusing. But the story gets more and more compelling. There are surprises and no trite endings. It also showcases a very interesting time in global politics. I think it's worth reading.
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September 5, 2015I gave up on reading it - maybe it was just the wrong book for my frame of mind lately, but I just couldn't get myself interested. It felt much too descriptive and not very active; but it seemed like my kind of thing, so I'm surprised it didn't hook me. Huh.
September 6, 2024
Read years ago…
July 19, 2010
An entertaining historical romance of sorts. I was more interested in the book's details depiction of the sherry wine making and wine grape growing culture of Spain.
July 27, 2011
OK, so it's a romance novel, but quite entertaining and I learned a lot about Spanish history and sherry making.
February 20, 2012
Read this book a LONG time ago, and decided I want to read again. I enjoyed Catherine Gaskins' books. They are gothic romance, but not bodice rippers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews