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The Quantock Quartet #1
Sarah's Story
(Originally published in Britain as The Silent Shore.)
Four independent-minded sisters come of age in the early 1900s -- and four interwoven novels tell their stories, each through a different sister's eyes.
The year is 1910, and the four Purcell sisters have only each other. Their mother has died, leaving them orphans in a rambling country estate. But with the help of the Mackenzies -- their guardian and his family, whom the sisters come to love in very different ways -- Sarah, Frances, Julia, and Gwen find the courage to follow their own paths in a world that is rapidly changing.
Four independent-minded sisters come of age in the early 1900s -- and four interwoven novels tell their stories, each through a different sister's eyes.
The year is 1910, and the four Purcell sisters have only each other. Their mother has died, leaving them orphans in a rambling country estate. But with the help of the Mackenzies -- their guardian and his family, whom the sisters come to love in very different ways -- Sarah, Frances, Julia, and Gwen find the courage to follow their own paths in a world that is rapidly changing.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
5 people are currently reading
897 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Elwin Harris
6 books23 followersRuth Elwin Harris says that her historic quartet of novels, THE SISTERS OF THE QUANTOCK HILLS, had its beginnings while she was growing up during World War II. To escape the wartime bombing, she and her brother were sent to live with their grandfather in rural Somerset, England. His house and garden became the model for Hillcrest, the Purcell sisters' family home in the four-part series.
Another influence came later, when Ruth Elwin Harris emigrated to Canada at the age of twenty-one . "There was no such thing as e-mail then," the author says, "and the telephone was rarely used -- it was expensive and calls had to be booked. Letter writing was the way we kept in touch. Friends and family wrote often, and I was amazed at how accounts of the same incidents and people were often so different."
Years later, when Ruth Elwin Harris sat down to tell the story of the orphaned Purcell sisters, she remembered those letters and their different viewpoints and incorporated the idea into her writing. Each book has a different sister as heroine, and the story is told from that sister's point of view. "It was strange how partisan I became," the author says . " When I was writing SARAH'S STORY, the first in the series, I became very indignant about the way Frances was behaving, yet when I came to write about the same incidents in FRANCES'S STORY Frances's behavior seemed to me absolutely logical and right."
Ruth Elwin Harris won writing competitions as a schoolgirl, and also dramatized a children's novel for a school production. Before starting on the Quantocks series she wrote short stories for the British Broadcasting Corporation and for magazines. While researching the background for JULIA'S STORY, she came across a collection of family letters in the Imperial War Museum in London, which resulted in her only nonfiction book, BILLIE: THE NEVILL LETTERS 1914-16.
The author enjoys gardening ("very good for working out writing problems in one's mind"); music, particularly opera; traveling; and, of course, reading. She lives with her husband in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England.
Another influence came later, when Ruth Elwin Harris emigrated to Canada at the age of twenty-one . "There was no such thing as e-mail then," the author says, "and the telephone was rarely used -- it was expensive and calls had to be booked. Letter writing was the way we kept in touch. Friends and family wrote often, and I was amazed at how accounts of the same incidents and people were often so different."
Years later, when Ruth Elwin Harris sat down to tell the story of the orphaned Purcell sisters, she remembered those letters and their different viewpoints and incorporated the idea into her writing. Each book has a different sister as heroine, and the story is told from that sister's point of view. "It was strange how partisan I became," the author says . " When I was writing SARAH'S STORY, the first in the series, I became very indignant about the way Frances was behaving, yet when I came to write about the same incidents in FRANCES'S STORY Frances's behavior seemed to me absolutely logical and right."
Ruth Elwin Harris won writing competitions as a schoolgirl, and also dramatized a children's novel for a school production. Before starting on the Quantocks series she wrote short stories for the British Broadcasting Corporation and for magazines. While researching the background for JULIA'S STORY, she came across a collection of family letters in the Imperial War Museum in London, which resulted in her only nonfiction book, BILLIE: THE NEVILL LETTERS 1914-16.
The author enjoys gardening ("very good for working out writing problems in one's mind"); music, particularly opera; traveling; and, of course, reading. She lives with her husband in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 14, 2011
Though this book has been on my shelf for well over a year, it wasn't until it was chosen for the February group read over at the Kindred Spirits group that I finally decided to read it. We chose the book as one "in the spirit of" the works of L. M. Montgomery (i.e., "Anne of Green Gables") and, while Harris' book doesn't equal LMM's in my esteem and affection, I think it was definitely a good choice as it is evocative of LMM's adoration of nature, love of beauty and writing, and her position that girls and women have equal intelligence to men (even in a time when many would argue against it) and deserve a chance at education and a career.
The book follows the story of the four Purcell sisters in England beginning in 1910 up through 1920 from youngest Sarah's perspective. The first portion of the book was probably the slowest for me--it took me awhile to get really interested in the characters, whether because Sarah's ten-year-old perspective was itself limited or due to deficiencies in Harris getting the story moving I cannot say. However, the story and characters become much more absorbing as the war years begin and Sarah becomes more aware of the world beyond her own home and village. She also becomes more aware of her sisters as complex human beings. And the girls' relationship with the McKenzie boys deepens (whose father and mother became guardians of the girls when their mother died) all regarded as friends, some as brothers and some as love interests. There are some heartbreaking chapters during the war years, but ultimately the story leaves off on a note of hope and new horizons--at least for Sarah. And much of the book involves the quiet, cozy home life near the beautiful Quantock Hills that are so dear to many of the characters, for a variety of reasons.
There are some really beautiful and astute passages in this book that just "got" me. Aside from the rather slow beginning, I was utterly absorbed. I would have been happy with more character development, especially for middle sisters Julia (the happy domestic and helpmate) and Gwen (the gardener), but I suppose I will have to read their stories in the sequels. The characters that stood out the most for me, besides Sarah, were eldest sister Frances (the opinionated, sometimes selfish ever alluring, artist); Gabriel, the eldest McKenzie brother who is very kind to Sarah but has his heart set on Frances; and the Purcell sisters' cheerful, wise housekeeper and friend, Annie.
All in all, I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for books "in the spirit of" LMM's.
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I found this at the library sale. My version is from the British publisher (I admit that the fact it still had the original price tag in pounds added to the charm!) and is called "The Silent Shore" but has the same cover art.
*For February's Kindred Spirits/LMM Group Read*
The book follows the story of the four Purcell sisters in England beginning in 1910 up through 1920 from youngest Sarah's perspective. The first portion of the book was probably the slowest for me--it took me awhile to get really interested in the characters, whether because Sarah's ten-year-old perspective was itself limited or due to deficiencies in Harris getting the story moving I cannot say. However, the story and characters become much more absorbing as the war years begin and Sarah becomes more aware of the world beyond her own home and village. She also becomes more aware of her sisters as complex human beings. And the girls' relationship with the McKenzie boys deepens (whose father and mother became guardians of the girls when their mother died) all regarded as friends, some as brothers and some as love interests. There are some heartbreaking chapters during the war years, but ultimately the story leaves off on a note of hope and new horizons--at least for Sarah. And much of the book involves the quiet, cozy home life near the beautiful Quantock Hills that are so dear to many of the characters, for a variety of reasons.
There are some really beautiful and astute passages in this book that just "got" me. Aside from the rather slow beginning, I was utterly absorbed. I would have been happy with more character development, especially for middle sisters Julia (the happy domestic and helpmate) and Gwen (the gardener), but I suppose I will have to read their stories in the sequels. The characters that stood out the most for me, besides Sarah, were eldest sister Frances (the opinionated, sometimes selfish ever alluring, artist); Gabriel, the eldest McKenzie brother who is very kind to Sarah but has his heart set on Frances; and the Purcell sisters' cheerful, wise housekeeper and friend, Annie.
All in all, I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for books "in the spirit of" LMM's.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I found this at the library sale. My version is from the British publisher (I admit that the fact it still had the original price tag in pounds added to the charm!) and is called "The Silent Shore" but has the same cover art.
*For February's Kindred Spirits/LMM Group Read*
March 20, 2015
What beautiful writing. I love the way Ms. Harris set the scene. Sarah's story, is about four sisters who are orphaned in 1910, and this book is the youngest girl's story. It starts off when she is seven years old, and takes us till she is seventeen.
I guess the easiest way for me to describe this book would be a mix between Little Women and Rilla of Ingleside. Neither of those books are perfect summer tales, but both have a sweetness that this book does. Sarah is very much a mix of Jo and Amy, but with Beth's quite sweetness. Since we see everything through Sarah's eyes, other people can be hazy and seem unkind because we only see how they act with her.
That makes the book rather bittersweet, because Frances, Sarah's oldest sister is like Jo (little women), she is bohemian, an artist and nothing under the sun is worth as much to her as her work, at least that's how Sarah sees it. In some ways I feel that Frances is the heroine just as much as Sarah because Frances is a flamboyant character, she doesn't let anyone ignore or forget her. And sometimes I wished she would disappear under the floorboards and stop ragging at everyone.
Sarah is hopeless in love/enamored with Gabriel, who unfortunately only has eyes for Frances (she is more his age anyway), and so much of what Sarah does it to please him, make him happy and to take the sting out of Frances' sharp tongue.
I did enjoy this book, and I'm going to read the next three books in the hopes that Sarah will find what she's looking for, Julia will find peace, Frances will see what's more important that art before it's too late and that Gwen will find a voice.
G A few swears from Gabriel's brother when he comes home from the war on leave and nothing else.
I guess the easiest way for me to describe this book would be a mix between Little Women and Rilla of Ingleside. Neither of those books are perfect summer tales, but both have a sweetness that this book does. Sarah is very much a mix of Jo and Amy, but with Beth's quite sweetness. Since we see everything through Sarah's eyes, other people can be hazy and seem unkind because we only see how they act with her.
That makes the book rather bittersweet, because Frances, Sarah's oldest sister is like Jo (little women), she is bohemian, an artist and nothing under the sun is worth as much to her as her work, at least that's how Sarah sees it. In some ways I feel that Frances is the heroine just as much as Sarah because Frances is a flamboyant character, she doesn't let anyone ignore or forget her. And sometimes I wished she would disappear under the floorboards and stop ragging at everyone.
Sarah is hopeless in love/enamored with Gabriel, who unfortunately only has eyes for Frances (she is more his age anyway), and so much of what Sarah does it to please him, make him happy and to take the sting out of Frances' sharp tongue.
I did enjoy this book, and I'm going to read the next three books in the hopes that Sarah will find what she's looking for, Julia will find peace, Frances will see what's more important that art before it's too late and that Gwen will find a voice.
G A few swears from Gabriel's brother when he comes home from the war on leave and nothing else.
October 1, 2019
The first of four novels devoted to the lives and adventures of the Purcell sisters - Sarah, Frances, Julia and Gwen - who grow to adulthood in the shadow of Somerset's Quantock Hills, The Silent Shore is told from the perspective of the youngest sister, Sarah. In fact, in the United States the book has been published as Sarah's Story, and that's just what it is, following Sarah from the time of her mother's death, in 1910, through her years being raised by her sisters (as well as the family maid, Annie), to the day she is ready, as a young woman, to go off to study at Oxford. In between is happiness and heartbreak, as Sarah studies under the tutelage of the Purcells' neighbor, and the village Rector, the Rev. Mackenzie; is wrapped up in the Purcells' complicated relations with the Mackenzie boys; endures the tragedy of World War I, and the loss it brings to her family circle; and comes to terms with the fact that, unlike her sisters, she is not an artist, and must follow another path.
Starting out in a quiet - one almost might say, slow - fashion, with the aftermath of Mrs. Purcell's death, The Silent Shore felt immediately authentic, and completely convincing, to me. Sarah's concerns, and her perspective, are genuinely those of a seven-year-old, which I appreciated. I also appreciated the fact that, as Sarah grows, her narrative seems to widen and deepen. Her love for Gabriel, the eldest Mackenzie boy - himself deeply in love with Frances - her friendships with Antony and Geoffrey Mackenzie, her gradual awakening to her own calling as a writer and a scholar: all were deeply satisfying themes within a larger story that was itself very satisfying. I did feel that, with the exception of Frances, the other two Purcells - Julia and Gwen - don't really come alive, but then, I guess I will have to read their books! In sum: a work I would recommend to anyone who enjoys quality historical fiction, or emotionally resonant family stories. Those with an interest in the relationships between sisters will find it particularly appealing, I think!
Starting out in a quiet - one almost might say, slow - fashion, with the aftermath of Mrs. Purcell's death, The Silent Shore felt immediately authentic, and completely convincing, to me. Sarah's concerns, and her perspective, are genuinely those of a seven-year-old, which I appreciated. I also appreciated the fact that, as Sarah grows, her narrative seems to widen and deepen. Her love for Gabriel, the eldest Mackenzie boy - himself deeply in love with Frances - her friendships with Antony and Geoffrey Mackenzie, her gradual awakening to her own calling as a writer and a scholar: all were deeply satisfying themes within a larger story that was itself very satisfying. I did feel that, with the exception of Frances, the other two Purcells - Julia and Gwen - don't really come alive, but then, I guess I will have to read their books! In sum: a work I would recommend to anyone who enjoys quality historical fiction, or emotionally resonant family stories. Those with an interest in the relationships between sisters will find it particularly appealing, I think!
August 2, 2008
First in an outstanding four book series about four sisters - Frances, Julia, Gwen and Sarah Purcell - and their neighbors, the Mackenzie boys. Set during the early part of the 20th century and during WWI, this one (which I think is the best) is told from the perspective of Sarah, the youngest sister. I like that the author didn't write the books chronologically. In fact, the stories all overlap somewhat but as the youngest, Sarah is also the best observer of the others.
Sadly this author has only written these four novels and one adult work of nonfiction.
Sadly this author has only written these four novels and one adult work of nonfiction.
November 30, 2019
Oh wow, I think I would've loved this book as a kid. It wasn't quite what I expected from the description, but that wasn't a bad thing! I really liked seeing Sarah grow up.
I do feel like I didn't really get to know Gwen and Julia at all, which is too bad, but I liked Frances a lot.
Anyway, I liked it, but probably not enough to work to get my hands on the other three.
I do feel like I didn't really get to know Gwen and Julia at all, which is too bad, but I liked Frances a lot.
Anyway, I liked it, but probably not enough to work to get my hands on the other three.
March 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this beautifully written story of four young women/girls who become orphans but are unwilling to leave their family home and move to Taunton, played out in the years before and during WWI. Instead they are able to stay with supervision by the vicar and his family. Each of the sisters has their own unique gifts and personalities but are committed to staying together at Hillcrest. I am intrigued enough to search out the other three girls' stories.
March 12, 2011
This is actually a 4.5 rating, not quite "amazing" but a beautiful read! I love the concept of a series in which each book is written from the point of view of each of four sisters.
In this first volume, Ruth Elwin Harris somehow captures the spirit of Sarah, the youngest sister, thru her growing up years. I could feel her awkwardness in certain social situations, her thrills at simple pleasures and privileges, and her "tween" dilemma of both reluctance and hurry to grow up. I can see how each of the four sisters will have a very unique perspective on the same events going on around them.
Set before, during, and after World War I, you won't find a break-neck pace or non-stop action in the narrative. There is an absorbing, somewhat thoughtful pace that lets you enter the lives of the main characters. This is one of those gentle books that is also realistic and intelligent. Recommended!
In this first volume, Ruth Elwin Harris somehow captures the spirit of Sarah, the youngest sister, thru her growing up years. I could feel her awkwardness in certain social situations, her thrills at simple pleasures and privileges, and her "tween" dilemma of both reluctance and hurry to grow up. I can see how each of the four sisters will have a very unique perspective on the same events going on around them.
Set before, during, and after World War I, you won't find a break-neck pace or non-stop action in the narrative. There is an absorbing, somewhat thoughtful pace that lets you enter the lives of the main characters. This is one of those gentle books that is also realistic and intelligent. Recommended!
January 16, 2012
The first time I read this book I was 12 years old. Ten years later I am still re-reading and enjoying it.
The Purcell-stories are wonderful. No matter how many times you read about them, you never grow tired of the Purcells and the Mackenzies! I'm quite in love with all of them!
While looking up information about the VAD's (in the Imperial War Museum) for writing Julia's Story, the author found this letters of Billie Nevill, a guy serving in WW 1. She wrote a book about him later. It is a really touching story too. I would warmly recommend this book to everyone who liked Ruth Elwin Harris' other books and is interested in WW 1 !
(Billie: The Nevill Letters: 1914-1916)
I think it a pity her books are not more well-known!
The Purcell-stories are wonderful. No matter how many times you read about them, you never grow tired of the Purcells and the Mackenzies! I'm quite in love with all of them!
While looking up information about the VAD's (in the Imperial War Museum) for writing Julia's Story, the author found this letters of Billie Nevill, a guy serving in WW 1. She wrote a book about him later. It is a really touching story too. I would warmly recommend this book to everyone who liked Ruth Elwin Harris' other books and is interested in WW 1 !
(Billie: The Nevill Letters: 1914-1916)
I think it a pity her books are not more well-known!
January 21, 2019
When I started high school I was obsessed with this series of books and read them repeatedly. Back then I was younger than the main characters and looked at them with a sort of awe at how grown up they were, their somewhat bohemian lifestyle and ambitions. I really wanted to be Frances. Now over ten years later I picked up my dog eared and battered copy of this book and began the series again. They’ve not lost their charm. Strangely I’m now older than all the characters and probably am most like Sarah. I’m still a bit envious of their bohemian ways but they seem a bit more real this time round. Still a brilliant series.
December 28, 2012
It's as if Ruth Elwin Harris was commissioned to write a book that I would love: the time, the place, the delicate prose, the flowers and sunlight, the sweetness and the melancholy. It's just what I needed at this moment. And my name is on the cover!
January 13, 2021
2.5
Slow moving. I bet I would have enjoyed it more in audio format. The paperback nearly put me to sleep.
Slow moving. I bet I would have enjoyed it more in audio format. The paperback nearly put me to sleep.
February 7, 2018
This was the first time I had reread this series in many, many years, and for the most part I still enjoyed it. I did, however, find these books rather more slowly going than I remember them being. The writing is very descriptive - beautiful! Yet descriptive. And yet there were scenes I remember being powerful and heartbreaking that on this reread felt emotionally lacking. An interesting reread of a series I remember fondly, but not sure I would recommend to many younger readers today (even if it wasn't out of print!).
March 2, 2011
This book was picked as a group read. It was sweet and I found the younger age Sarah to be enduring in her innocence. Even her crush on the older Gabriel is cute and understandable. For most of the book though, I kept waiting for something to happen. It just seemed to go on and on - something would happen and then a sentence or two and it's over. It became difficult for me to finish the book. The best part for me was when Sarah encountered Geoffrey in the cemetery. I remember thinking, finally something is going to happen . . he's distraught and she's there to see it and help him. But unfortunately, that excellent encounter ended too quickly and the book moved one.
As Sarah got older - I found it hard to believe that she continued the crush on Gabriel even though he was "courting" (somewhat) her older sister. It's a shame Antony came to an early end in the book as he seemed to be a good character. Geoffrey was also a favorite with me, I really thought they would develop him more. I'm sure I would have liked the sisters more had I gotten to know them better. But I do understand they have their own books. While I liked Frances overall, I did think she was horrible to Gabriel and should have put an end to them a lot sooner. I'm glad when Julia finally spoke up about that. In the end, the book ended on a positive note and I think Sarah is going to lead a fufilling life.
As Sarah got older - I found it hard to believe that she continued the crush on Gabriel even though he was "courting" (somewhat) her older sister. It's a shame Antony came to an early end in the book as he seemed to be a good character. Geoffrey was also a favorite with me, I really thought they would develop him more. I'm sure I would have liked the sisters more had I gotten to know them better. But I do understand they have their own books. While I liked Frances overall, I did think she was horrible to Gabriel and should have put an end to them a lot sooner. I'm glad when Julia finally spoke up about that. In the end, the book ended on a positive note and I think Sarah is going to lead a fufilling life.
January 12, 2013
It's like someone brought up on the work of L.M. Montgomery wrote a book with a Suzanne Martin-esque (Song of Years) main character!
Those two things equal perfection, by the way.
I'd buy the rest of the series now, except I've accumulated a lot of books lately. (Which makes feel guilty. Stupid inexplicable, all-encompassing guilt complex...) Though I doubt I shall find them as kindred a spirit as my new friend Sarah, I'm eager to get to know Julia and Gwen. I have to admit, I am less interested in Frances. Perhaps because she was in Sarah's Story quite a bit and she irritated me half of the time.
Thank you infinitely, Sarah, for bringing this book to my attention! ! ! (No, not fictional Sarah. Real-life Sarah. :P)
Those two things equal perfection, by the way.
I'd buy the rest of the series now, except I've accumulated a lot of books lately. (Which makes feel guilty. Stupid inexplicable, all-encompassing guilt complex...) Though I doubt I shall find them as kindred a spirit as my new friend Sarah, I'm eager to get to know Julia and Gwen. I have to admit, I am less interested in Frances. Perhaps because she was in Sarah's Story quite a bit and she irritated me half of the time.
Thank you infinitely, Sarah, for bringing this book to my attention! ! ! (No, not fictional Sarah. Real-life Sarah. :P)
May 17, 2011
Set in England during WWI, this is the first in a series of four books about four sisters. Sadly, they are out-of-print, although still readily available. I’ve had these on my to read list for several years and this one certainly lived up to my expectations. I’m really looking forward to the rest.
June 25, 2018
This was a perfect book for me -- set in a time (1910-1920) and place (England) that I am endlessly fascinated by, written by someone who clearly understands that time and place from the inside, yet who has enough perspective on it that she never becomes sentimental -- or at least not too much so. There is a definite feminist thread running through the book, in the struggles of the various characters to make a life they choose rather than simply follow the pattern society expects, but it is not overt, and the possibilities seem very realistic to me, neither too much freedom for the period nor too little given the class aspects of it.
I got this from the library but need to own it, because I think it is a book I will go back to over the years as a comfort read. I think a young person could read it and enjoy it, but it was originally published in the 80s and is not much like a modern YA novel; it moves slowly, taking its time over Sarah's childhood and her slow understanding of herself and the people around her, and it does not explain what Sarah is not yet ready to understand, although all the pieces are there for the reader.
I got this from the library but need to own it, because I think it is a book I will go back to over the years as a comfort read. I think a young person could read it and enjoy it, but it was originally published in the 80s and is not much like a modern YA novel; it moves slowly, taking its time over Sarah's childhood and her slow understanding of herself and the people around her, and it does not explain what Sarah is not yet ready to understand, although all the pieces are there for the reader.
December 2, 2017
I wanted to love this book, it is a lovely premise. Unfortunately, it seemed disjointed and confusing. It was episodic, but the episodes seemed to have no continuity, and the years changed often. As it is the first in the quartet and Sarah us a young child, I can only hope the other girls are more coherent.
February 1, 2021
Repeatedly read. One of my favourites
October 24, 2022
Juvenile fiction about one of four sisters who are orphans living on their own during WW I in England
September 22, 2018
Lovely writing. Like PBS Masterpiece period drama.
March 19, 2023
I have not re-read The Sisters of the Quantock Hills in almost twenty years (!) because I was held back by two fears: What if I couldn't handle how sad the stories are in places? What if my memories are colored by nostalgia and the writing not as good as I remember? This re-read put both fears to rest. The sadness is realistic but not without hope. And the writing is amazing. I will always feel that this series is an underappreciated gem.
This series was one of my favorites when I was 15. I loved the physical books- the gorgeous cover art, the font, the thick pages, even the smell of the paperbacks. I loved the story. The same period of time, told four times over, from four different perspectives, the readers gaining a deeper understanding of the "whole story" with each new point of view. These stories are beautifully written - vivid descriptions and strong emotion but all done in a very tight, almost sparse writing that makes the feelings hit that much harder because it is not effusive and wordy. I loved the plot - four newly orphaned sisters under the care of their housekeeper, their lives entwining with the Rector and his sons and daughter next door, as they all face the build up and resolution of World War I. This short book spans ten years of time, and it does it well.
Sarah's Story is just that, a focus on Sarah, who begins the book at age 7 in 1910 with the death of her mother and ends it at 17 in 1920, the war over, her sisters home, and she going away to Oxford. A lot of her interest is focused on Frances, the sister ten years her senior, and Frances' relationship with Gabriel, the Rector's oldest son. We see the events of their relationship through Sarah's youthful perspective, and have to wait until Frances' Story to find out more about the why behind Frances' actions. Middle sisters Julia and Gwen are introduced, but not developed much as characters, though we learn more about them as the series goes on.
The British title of this book is A Silent Shore, which is much more romantic and less utilitarian than the Sarah's Story we get in America.
This series was one of my favorites when I was 15. I loved the physical books- the gorgeous cover art, the font, the thick pages, even the smell of the paperbacks. I loved the story. The same period of time, told four times over, from four different perspectives, the readers gaining a deeper understanding of the "whole story" with each new point of view. These stories are beautifully written - vivid descriptions and strong emotion but all done in a very tight, almost sparse writing that makes the feelings hit that much harder because it is not effusive and wordy. I loved the plot - four newly orphaned sisters under the care of their housekeeper, their lives entwining with the Rector and his sons and daughter next door, as they all face the build up and resolution of World War I. This short book spans ten years of time, and it does it well.
Sarah's Story is just that, a focus on Sarah, who begins the book at age 7 in 1910 with the death of her mother and ends it at 17 in 1920, the war over, her sisters home, and she going away to Oxford. A lot of her interest is focused on Frances, the sister ten years her senior, and Frances' relationship with Gabriel, the Rector's oldest son. We see the events of their relationship through Sarah's youthful perspective, and have to wait until Frances' Story to find out more about the why behind Frances' actions. Middle sisters Julia and Gwen are introduced, but not developed much as characters, though we learn more about them as the series goes on.
The British title of this book is A Silent Shore, which is much more romantic and less utilitarian than the Sarah's Story we get in America.
November 25, 2010
Un énorme coup de coeur, une très belle histoire, de très beaux personnages et le tout très bien écrit;
L'histoire de 4 soeurs, en angleterre en 1910, et qui viennent de perdre leurs parents; l'histoire est racontée du point de vue de la plus jeune des soeurs qui raconte le quotidien de sa famille entre 1910 et 1920, avec, au milieu, la première guerre mondiale qui va changer pas mal de chose; chacune des soeurs à son tempérament et son caractère, chacune à un talent et des faiblesses; elles vont grandir dans leur maison familiale, au coté de leurs voisin, les Mackensie;
L'histoire de 4 soeurs, en angleterre en 1910, et qui viennent de perdre leurs parents; l'histoire est racontée du point de vue de la plus jeune des soeurs qui raconte le quotidien de sa famille entre 1910 et 1920, avec, au milieu, la première guerre mondiale qui va changer pas mal de chose; chacune des soeurs à son tempérament et son caractère, chacune à un talent et des faiblesses; elles vont grandir dans leur maison familiale, au coté de leurs voisin, les Mackensie;
August 5, 2016
Oddly, not only did my wife pick up this book thinking I'd like it, but the Kindred Spirits group (http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/6...) also choose it some months back. I did like the story - something "Akin to Anne" yet a bit like Little Women & the like - but it was difficult to get through, slow and times, not quite what I was hoping for. I'd like to read the rest of the series, perhaps sometime down the road...
October 23, 2016
Most of the characters blended together because only a few had distinct characteristics that differentiated them from one another. I read the book half way and was so disinterested I did not want to finish. I did skip to the last chapter though and was just as disinterested and unamused. The back of the book summary/teaser was not a good representative of the story line. I would categorize this as a historical fiction.
September 21, 2009
I found this book slow at first, but it grew on me. It's a literary, old fashioned style book set in England before and during WWI. It would appeal to readers who like a literary challenge and who enjoy historical fiction. It's a gentle read. Although I don't think it has wide appeal, I do think there are some teen readers who would enjoy it.
March 3, 2012
Frankly I found the whole series rather boring and ended up skimming alot. In the first book I was appalled at how cold the older sister was to her grieving younger sister Sarah, I couldn't get past that.
April 25, 2012
I liked this one, but wanted it to be fleshed out a bit more. Interesting idea to have four books from four perspectives essentially telling about the same time period, but I think it would have worked better if it was done in first person.
November 1, 2016
I really enjoyed the character development in this beautifully told historical fiction tale. Sarah is a such a sweetie - I'm so glad I got to meet her and will definitely look into reading the other three books in this series.
November 3, 2007
A nice an easy read. Probably best for women since it's all about a bunch of sisters.
June 14, 2011
it was a amazing book!
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