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The Land of Mango Sunsets
Dorothea Benton Frank writes highly addictive tales of life's conundrums with hilarity and heat. Meet Miriam Elizabeth Swanson, in a full-blown snit, buoyed by a fabulous cast that runs the gamut from insufferable to wonderful. First is the arrival of Liz Harper, Miriam's tenant from Birmingham, who sets a new cycle in motion. Her other tenant, Kevin, stalwart companion with more style than Cary Grant, shakes Miriam out of her fog to see which battles are worth the fight. Then there's Miriam's estranged son, who announces he's marrying a Jamaican woman. And what about her ex-husband, Charles, and that sordid lingerie model of his? Finally, you'll laugh and cry when Miriam meets a man named Harrison who changes her into a gal named Mellie. Miriam spins out from the revolving door of her postured life as a Manhattan quasi-socialite while she thirsts, no, starves for recognition. It takes a few spins, dips, and one spectacular fall until Miriam gets her head on straight. Then in a whoosh she's off to the enchanted and mysterious land of Sullivans Island, deep in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Told straight from the heart in Frank's vivid, highly entertaining style, The Land of Mango Sunsets just might be her finest work to date. If you decide to read this book, don't make plans to do anything else for a while.
528 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
532 people are currently reading
3447 people want to read
About the author
Dorothea Benton Frank
64 books5,205 followersDorothea Benton Frank was a New York Times best-selling American novelist of Southern fiction. She worked in the apparel industry from 1972 until 1985 and then organized fundraisers as a volunteer, before becoming a novelist.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 557 reviews
April 10, 2012
It is no big secret why I love Dorothea's novels. Most of them take place along the South Carolina coast which is where my heart longs to be each and every day. But, the characters she creates in this most perfect setting are amazing. At the end of every one of her books, I almost feel as if the main characters are real people in my life.
I put off reading The Land Of Mango Sunsets because it isn't part of "The Lowcountry Novels" and the synopsis says that is takes place in New York City. However, I was greatly mistaken to not have this one listed as a MUST read. It will now be on my FAVORITES list. It does partial take place in the Big Apple, but only enough to make the reader greatly appreciate the beauty of Sullivan's Island, SC. The characters are all flawed, which made me relate to them even more.
This is a story of hope....and reinforces two major themes. 1. That family is the MOST important part of this life we walk on earth. 2. That is it NEVER too late to become your true self.
If you have never read any of Dottie's books, this one would be a good place to start.
I put off reading The Land Of Mango Sunsets because it isn't part of "The Lowcountry Novels" and the synopsis says that is takes place in New York City. However, I was greatly mistaken to not have this one listed as a MUST read. It will now be on my FAVORITES list. It does partial take place in the Big Apple, but only enough to make the reader greatly appreciate the beauty of Sullivan's Island, SC. The characters are all flawed, which made me relate to them even more.
This is a story of hope....and reinforces two major themes. 1. That family is the MOST important part of this life we walk on earth. 2. That is it NEVER too late to become your true self.
If you have never read any of Dottie's books, this one would be a good place to start.
May 27, 2020
Having never read any Dorothea Benton Frank before, I wasn't entirely sure quite what I was getting myself into with this - honestly, this pick was influenced by the cover (😳) - and I was not disappointed at all. Just a good, mostly wholesome, story about a mother and her relationships with those around her as she strives to become a better person. I was, by the end, rooting for Miriam and, for once with these types of novels, found myself genuinely happy with the wrapped up ending. Intrigued to read some more Dorothea Benton Frank, now!
March 7, 2011
Thoroughly enjoyed this was a book of relationships, of honesty, of pride, and of knowing oneself. The messages the book sent were forthright (don't neglect to get mammmograms, colonoscopies when due) and subtle: take control and grab all the happiness you can; isn't it amazing what could happen when you "laid down our sword and opened your arms"; don't let anybody or anything come between you and your family. Lessons we can all learn from. Through the characters, we learn how to be a good daughter, and a good friend. I really enjoyed the friendship that existed between Kevin and Mellie; and how the friendship grew between Liz and Mellie. It brought tears to my eyes when Mellie put aside her know it all attitude and pride, and reached out to her sons and accepted them, and their wives (or wife to be) with open arms. Throughout the book I thought about my relationship with my parents, my sister, my friends and am thankful they are all in my life.
May 20, 2015
Quick, light, humorous and predictable romantic fluff about midlife crisis, strengthening family relationships, importance of forgiveness, and reinventing oneself after divorce, life threatening illness, sexual abuse, death &/or other life crises, all of which occur in this very short novel. Unfortunately it tends to give a stamp of approval to casual & unprotected extra marital sex and would hardly inspire any reader to strengthen or renew any spiritual or religious affiliation. Dorothea Benton Frank is a gifted writer, I've read, & enjoyed, several of her low-country tales and am disappointed she does not use her talents to uplift and strengthen the moral fiber of society. The overall message of the book is everything happens for a reason, y'all. Absolutely.
March 11, 2020
I read this as part of a reading challenge, this was my choice for local author part.
The book definitely got better the further in I got. I really enjoyed the chapters that took place In South Carolina. The New York chapters were ok , but less enjoyable. The character’s journey was interesting , but kind of trite in sections. Overall I thought it was a sweet book , but just seemed unoriginal. Not sure I’d read this author again.
The book definitely got better the further in I got. I really enjoyed the chapters that took place In South Carolina. The New York chapters were ok , but less enjoyable. The character’s journey was interesting , but kind of trite in sections. Overall I thought it was a sweet book , but just seemed unoriginal. Not sure I’d read this author again.
May 18, 2014
I bought this book on audio and am sad that I bought the abridged version and not unabridged. I hate that I missed out on anything in this book! Having just listened to it for the SECOND time, I realize this is probably one of my all time favorite books written for reasons of entertainment, humor, pacing, plot, and especially characterization. Wish I could give it 13 on a scale of 5.
August 6, 2016
Magnificent read. A story of female empowerment with just the right amount of charming southern-ness. I was captivated from the start only to pick up in intensity the more I read. The characters were interesting and quirky and totally endearing. I laughed and I cried. A must read.
March 3, 2020
How do you learn to recover from heartache; from all sides of your life? This is a story that demonstrates a mother's love and how much she's willing to do to correct her life and inspire the lives of those around her.
Miriam Elizabeth Swanson is a woman that lives her life by the opinions of others. She's lost her husband to another woman, she feels like her life is over, she single-handedly destroyed her relationship with her sons because she wanted them to do something that a mother should never ask a child to do. The final straw of everything falling apart happened during the time she was volunteering. Now she's seeing everything clearly and realizes that her life is hers to live any way she wished.
A book of forgiveness, love, learning about yourself and how to be okay with just who you are and grateful for the people that you have in your life.
Miriam Elizabeth Swanson is a woman that lives her life by the opinions of others. She's lost her husband to another woman, she feels like her life is over, she single-handedly destroyed her relationship with her sons because she wanted them to do something that a mother should never ask a child to do. The final straw of everything falling apart happened during the time she was volunteering. Now she's seeing everything clearly and realizes that her life is hers to live any way she wished.
A book of forgiveness, love, learning about yourself and how to be okay with just who you are and grateful for the people that you have in your life.
March 16, 2022
The Land of Mango Sunsets was a force all on its own. And whether you understand mango sunsets or not, the ending of most days in the Lowcountry of South Carolina was so beautiful it would wrench your heart.
August 5, 2009
Read this on the plane to California for my mother's Memorial. She died a month ago frommetastatic breast and colon cancer.
I'd heard this book was a bi different from Dotty Frank's usual books. Yes and no. A woman of a certain age still runs home to mama and finds her own brand of truth and honesty. A little bit of frivolity, too. I liked how Miriam turned into Mellie. Miriam was a bain in the arse; Mellie is a work in progress. But some one should have warned me how close certain aspects of this book would tally with my own life and I might have not read it right now. The foreshadowing was pretty blatent, but I still read on.(Spoiler alert)
When it was clear that MEllie's mom was "losing weight and getting tired" I literally threw the book at the passenger in the next seat (who luckily was my husband) and said, "I'm tired of reading about dying mothers. The blurb on the back said nothing about dying mothers. We all have them, but why does everyone have to stick them in their book?" I charged on and kept finding the parallels, except they maybe used a different Hospice than we did in the Charleston area. HAd Ii known, I would have recommended Hospice of Charleston.
Anyhow, it was a quick, mostly light, read and I plan to totally confuse someone here in California, because the cover has a "local author" sticker on it as well as a BookCrossing one. Local for the point of origin.
Dottie (who went to my high school, Ashley Hall, but a few years ahead of me) gets points in my book for her descriptions of the lowcountry and for pointing out some of the great stuff going on in hte area to help preserve and conserve this beautiful earth of ours.
I'd heard this book was a bi different from Dotty Frank's usual books. Yes and no. A woman of a certain age still runs home to mama and finds her own brand of truth and honesty. A little bit of frivolity, too. I liked how Miriam turned into Mellie. Miriam was a bain in the arse; Mellie is a work in progress. But some one should have warned me how close certain aspects of this book would tally with my own life and I might have not read it right now. The foreshadowing was pretty blatent, but I still read on.(Spoiler alert)
When it was clear that MEllie's mom was "losing weight and getting tired" I literally threw the book at the passenger in the next seat (who luckily was my husband) and said, "I'm tired of reading about dying mothers. The blurb on the back said nothing about dying mothers. We all have them, but why does everyone have to stick them in their book?" I charged on and kept finding the parallels, except they maybe used a different Hospice than we did in the Charleston area. HAd Ii known, I would have recommended Hospice of Charleston.
Anyhow, it was a quick, mostly light, read and I plan to totally confuse someone here in California, because the cover has a "local author" sticker on it as well as a BookCrossing one. Local for the point of origin.
Dottie (who went to my high school, Ashley Hall, but a few years ahead of me) gets points in my book for her descriptions of the lowcountry and for pointing out some of the great stuff going on in hte area to help preserve and conserve this beautiful earth of ours.
August 27, 2021
This was a great beach read. I only gave it three stars as the plot was somewhat predictable. I knew where it would end up, not how it would get there. Miriam Swanson transforms from a divorced failed socialite longing for the comfort of the "in crowd" like she was in high school again to a well balanced daughter, mother and grandmother who has values that lead to a rewarding family life and a new man in her life. She leaves the busy and disappointing life of NYC to move to the laid back Sullivan Island of her youth and must contend with the chickens and a goat her mother is raising to eat "green." The transformation comes on the heels of an embarrassing fall holding a coffee pot while serving on the invitations committee for the art museum. Almost overnight she decides this is not the life for her and begins to mend the family discord with unbelievable maturity and grace. A little too trite, but it's no worse that what happens on a 30 minute sit com. I enjoyed the read. I applaud the values. Wish life were like this, but it is not.
December 3, 2019
If you like Hallmark movies then this author is for you. It was a silly, light read with the main character completely transforming herself from a bitter, divorced shrew into the bloom of a rose in a relatively short period of time. The message and reminder to make your own choices/life is always a good one (and one I can appreciate right now); however, her transition was too abrupt to ring true and not be rather ridiculous in the process. More power to her though. May we all become better people.
April 25, 2008
A quick read while away from home...mind candy. Wouldn't everyone love to have a friend like Kevin, a
mother like Miss Josie and a bird like Henry.
mother like Miss Josie and a bird like Henry.
July 14, 2014
I think I need to skip the book recommendations in Real Simple and Coastal Living!!
November 24, 2019
While I enjoyed this book, I think it wasn't her best. I can't say exactly where or why, it flowed like the others, I just couldn't get as vested in it as I did the others...
August 22, 2017
Summer is not summer without reading a D Benton Frank novel! And boy was this such a great read!!! This book was sitting on my shelf for almost 10 years - why oh why did I not read it? I have no answers except to say I am glad I finally did. It reads so so smoothly - and it will make you laugh and cry with such emotions! Her characters are wonderful! If you need to get off the major literary or suspense reading track - pick up one of her books, I do not think you will be disappointed!!! Sullivan's Island has been calling to me for a number of years now. I hope I can visit there soon!!!!
September 27, 2021
The cover of this book caught my eye on a table of feel good reads at my local library. Then when I saw it’s by an author I’ve wanted to read since seeing her on a panel of southern women writers at the big South Carolina book festival, I had to read it. The prologue is so beautifully written, I read it twice. The story itself is full of humor and quite a chick-lit tone. It would make a fun film. My favorite parts are when it took me to a favorite getaway of mine, Sullivan’s island near Charleston, SC. The main character is flawed and she knows it, then grows to realize what's most important in life.
July 17, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Simple sweet writing that is easy to read. I've been wanting to try this author and will read some more of hers.
A mom following her own mom's advice finds ways to live a richer life by reconnecting to what's important in life.. her family.
Simple sweet writing that is easy to read. I've been wanting to try this author and will read some more of hers.
A mom following her own mom's advice finds ways to live a richer life by reconnecting to what's important in life.. her family.
February 19, 2019
Basically, it's a sweet book.
April 9, 2024
Super cute as usual. This one wasn’t my favorite, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
September 1, 2018
A delightful read with many laugh out loud moments.
April 29, 2022
Awesome
February 17, 2021
Another great read from the incomparable Ms. Frank!
October 21, 2021
I will always miss Dorothea Benton Frank. She died much too soon. I saw this title and realized I hadn’t read it. A gift! Set on her beloved Sullivan’s Island, and also in New York City, The Land of Mango Sunsets is about family love and friendship in its truest forms. The book begins with estrangements but takes some turns with in-your-face realizations that changes must be made.
A good deal of the story centers on the strong relationship between Marion and her mother Miss Josie and then on the wedding of Marion’s son Charlie and his love Priscilla. No more info forthcoming here without spoilers! Marion lives in a townhouse in New York. She leases an apartment to her beloved friend Kevin who quite literally holds her up in times of trouble. A new leader is Liz who turns the plot on its head. But the real star is Harry, Marion’s African Gray parrot, who provides pithy statements throughout the book.
The evilest of evil women social climbers gets your heart racing and kicks off the first of many layers of this endearing book. I can’t wait to forget enough of it so I can read it again!
A good deal of the story centers on the strong relationship between Marion and her mother Miss Josie and then on the wedding of Marion’s son Charlie and his love Priscilla. No more info forthcoming here without spoilers! Marion lives in a townhouse in New York. She leases an apartment to her beloved friend Kevin who quite literally holds her up in times of trouble. A new leader is Liz who turns the plot on its head. But the real star is Harry, Marion’s African Gray parrot, who provides pithy statements throughout the book.
The evilest of evil women social climbers gets your heart racing and kicks off the first of many layers of this endearing book. I can’t wait to forget enough of it so I can read it again!
July 6, 2018
I usually dip into a crime solving, murder mystery I can binge in a few days. This past book I read was recommended to me by my 80 something year old co worker. I was hesitant about it because it’s a love story, and I started to hate reading love stories somewhere in my late teens because it always made me wish I had something that was too unique and special for real life. This book took me the longest to read, I would read about a chapter or two a week. It took me a very long time to really immerse myself into this story but as I turned the page to the last chapter I wish there were 5 more to follow. It made me cry with sorrow and laugh with embarrassment and hilarity.
It did exactly what love stories do for me, it made me want to pick up and leave, live an organic life and fall in love all over again. Finishing a love story always leaves my heart aching for more and this story was no different.
I would have to say it is geared more to a middle age to older audience.
It did exactly what love stories do for me, it made me want to pick up and leave, live an organic life and fall in love all over again. Finishing a love story always leaves my heart aching for more and this story was no different.
I would have to say it is geared more to a middle age to older audience.
September 8, 2012
If your love for the Dorothea Benton Frank books comes from your love of or facination with the South Carolina Lowcountry or the ocean settings, this book will disappoint you. Almost the entire book takes place in New York City during a cold, snowy winter with only brief excursions to Sullivan's Island where Miriam (Mrs. Know It All on her way to self-discovery) visits her mother (Miss Josephine). You won't catch up with characters from previous books in this one, but you will get a dose of common sense concerning family relationships and how to keep the bonds close. The characters in this book are alive and individual. They may remind you of someone you know, but, at least for me, there was no feeling that I had read about that person before. Entertaining and a quick read, Mango Sunsets is not one of my favorite Frank books but it is a welcome addition.
June 28, 2013
I found the storyline confusing. One minute Miriam/Mellie is in New York with no money selling family heirlooms lamenting over her ex “Charles is a horse’s ass” husband while trying to keep in with the rich crowd but traveling on a whim to Sullivan’s Island to spend time with her Mom or newly found man friend Manny (who also turns out to be a horse’s ass) or Harrison Ford (not the actor). There was some nice family connection with her son’s wedding and mother’s illness. I understand she was a woman in the middle of a mid life crisis or awakening, but something didn’t flow for me.
What I did enjoy was some of the Southern wit Miss Josie (Josephine) her mother had to offer. She was one of those sparky sharp women. I could have passed on listening to this audio book.
What I did enjoy was some of the Southern wit Miss Josie (Josephine) her mother had to offer. She was one of those sparky sharp women. I could have passed on listening to this audio book.
October 17, 2025
There is a lesson to be found in this novel. One I was happy to be reminded of; that life is too short to not make time reconnecting with your family and long lost friends. Miriam lives in New York City where she owns a building and has renters. One of her long time closest friends and renter is Kevin and he is someone that Miriam depends on to tell her things she doesn't want to hear. Miriam's mother, Miss Josie lives on Sullivan Island and this is where Miriam grew up and that is where this heartwarming story will take you.
January 30, 2009
Fast-paced book about the life and transformation of recently-divorced, transplanted New Yorker, Miriam Swanson. I always enjoy Dottie's books and this one was full of quirky characters ~ especially liked the trash-talking parrot, Harry! It didn't spend as much time as I would have liked in South Carolina, so I really didn't get a feel for the people or culture there. Also, had a predictably sad ending for one of the characters.
August 19, 2009
I had just come off of reading a book I loved, so I had a little rough start with this one ... I was into it about 60-65 pages before it really got a hold of me ... and then I quite enjoyed it. I liked the characters in the story - the end was rushed, but it tied everything up in a nice little package and when I read a "mindless read" that's what I like. This was certainly not a serious read - but a fun one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 557 reviews