The Seasons Hereafter

Lover's Trilogy #2

by Elisabeth Ogilvie

Part of the second trilogy of life on Bennett's Island.

Genres: Fiction, Romance

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Elisabeth Ogilvie’s striking evocation of the atmosphere of the Maine seacoast that is the background of The Seasons Hereafter is no accident, for she lived in just such an area for many years, and her love for its people and their way of life has influenced all her novels.
Her activities on Gay’s Island, where she spent most of the year, included writing, gardening, and “trying not to suspect that a bear is at the door, a moose lurking in among the alders, or a horned owl hovering overhead about to bear away the cat.”
She contributed a considerable amount of writing of magazine fiction and children’s books, and is the author of several novels, including There May Be Heaven, The Witch Door, Rowan Head, The Dawning of the Day, Storm Tide, and one book of nonfiction, My World Is an Island.

Reviews

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ogilvie’s books! When I’m reading one I feel the ocean breeze and smell the smells of the fishing boats. I am truly transported to Maine. This was a re-read, but it was so long ago I didn’t remember most of it.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bennett’s Island series, Lovers Trilogy 2
Vanessa Barton doesn’t want to follow her feckless husband Barney to Bennett’s Island to work for Philip Bennett, but the building she manages is to be torn down. She is an unhappy woman, hiding from the past and the world in the books she reads. She avoids the women on the island until she saves a boy from drowning, and then cares for three children after the father’s terrible accident sends the parents to the mainland for medical care, making her a hero, someone who steps up to the mark. Even as Vanessa demeans her husband, he is working hard and proving himself to the Bennett Family. However there is an unspoken attraction between Vanessa and Owen Bennett that threatens the well being of the islanders.
As much as I was caught up in the story, my empathy kept getting stomped on, and I got angry at a number of the protagonists. It’s well written and unsettling.

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was well written as are all Elisabeth Ogilvie's books, however if I were to ever re-read the Bennett's Island series I'd skip this one. Besides the strong adultery plot the main character is so emotionally dysfunctional and mentally unstable as to make the reading an unpleasant experience.

Not recommended. 1 star

[Robin McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Ogilvie has turned a critical eye to the world of her own creation. The setting is as rich as any Bennett’s Island novel and the plot is quick and compelling. I was really disappointed in the ending, which felt rushed and tidy to me. The values driving what serves as a “resolution” in THE SEASONS HEREAFTER don’t stand up to a contemporary reading. But will I read more Elisabeth Ogilvie? Of course I will.

[Gia Pilgrim Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a strange Bennett’s Island book, but I enjoyed it because it was so unique. I especially liked the complexity of Vanessa’s character and that she was not entirely likeable the whole time. Ogilvie is so talented, per usual!

[Carol Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read; I was surprised at the direction that the book went but it was still interesting. Not as good as some of her others

[Trish Remley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trilogy #2

[Jo-jean Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elisabeth Ogilvie has the skill to bring her characters to life with all their problems and charms.

[Cathy Ouellette · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book. Difficult to finish. Mental instability, lies and marital cheating. Not my idea of a good read

[Bexter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Much darker than the first book in this trilogy.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seasons Hereafter by Elizabeth Ogilvie
Bennett's island book 2 of the lovers trilogy follows the life of Vanessa Barton when she goes to live on the island with her lobsterman husband.
Like hearing of the offisland adventures.
Love the detailed descriptions of the walks she takes on the shore, I feel I am right there.
Knitting trapheads, this is priceless! Tragedy happens on the island and they band together.
She likes Owen and he's married but she agrees to knit traps for him for pay and he supplies her with the cone of material and instructions.
Van loves to read books and that gains her access to the other woman's houses to exchange books at any time.
Hate how she gives her all and it slams her in the face, leaving her devastated. Was cool to hear of the fire and how they combat it.

[Dorrit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book of Maine island life!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A read again that always is sad but the descriptive writing and conflicts are so real. I love this author.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much sadder than I remember her books being. Well written. Interesting study of characters.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, one of the few that I would reread.