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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 27 customer reviews )
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13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
 Didn't want it to end.... Sep 17, 2009
By D. Harley
"D. Harley"
I was drawn to this novel because I lived in Charleston when Hurricane Hugo came through. As a survivor of the storm, I wanted to see if the author gave an accurate account of what it was like to find yourself in a category four hurricane. The answer: not only did he accurately describe that terrifying evening, but he made me feel like I was reliving it all over again, down to finest of details like the popping sound that shingles make as they are ripped from your roof by the wind.
But enough about the hurricane. The heart of this story is the way the storm affected Angela's life. What I really liked was the way Olsen took his time to draw us into Angela's world before Hugo struck. Although I wouldn't exactly call her pre-Hugo existence as being `ordinary', it was far different from the chaotic mess she found herself in afterwards. And this reflects perfectly the way many of us were affected by Hugo--one day we were leading normal lives, the next day we found ourselves homeless, wondering how in the world we were going put the pieces of our lives back together.
There are so many things that are touched upon in this novel--the difficulties of growing from adolescence to adulthood, the true meaning of friendship, learning to forgive, and finding your inner strength in the face of adversity--that it makes it impossible to comment on them all. But I will say that I found all of these themes presented in an entertaining way. Never did the book have a `heavy' feel to it, even during the most tragic parts. And it was refreshing to read a novel that actually uses symbolism to convey subtle messages--something that almost seems like a lost art form in modern fiction.
If you're looking for a quick, fluffy read, then this isn't the book for you. But if you're wanting to immerse yourself in a story that will stay with you long after the last chapter, then by all means give this book a try.
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
A real page-turner Aug 17, 2009
By Rita B. Miller
Just as I was getting to know teenager Angela Jenkins and finding a comfortable groove, Hurricane Hugo comes along and devastates her family. Her old concerns are set aside as she faces new challenges. Some are typical although most are not.
Angela and her friend, Suzanne, stumble their way into adulthood amid a few missteps that lead to unexpected plot twists. Some surprises are brewing, like a hurricane building up speed in the Atlantic Ocean. Others are like tornadoes - unpredictable and capable of lashing out without notice. All lend to a fast-paced read with characters we're not likely to soon forget.
As a writer of three novels, I admire H.A. Olsen's ability to draw me into Angela's life from page one. Folly Beach is now a favorite place of mine, but I've yet to visit.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Loved it! Sep 22, 2009
By Crystal W. Raney
I loved this book! I like it when I can relate to the characters and I could relate to Angela on many levels. The main character pulls you in and has you rooting for her from the beginning. I look forward to hearing more of her story in future books to come!
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Awesome Coming of Age Story Oct 29, 2010
By L Martin
I bought this book along with its sequel, Saving Sara, because I love Folly Beach, the setting for both stories. I read A Lone Palm Stands in two nights, a new record for me. Very few books have pulled me in like this one did, and just wouldn't let me go. I kept thinking "Just one more chapter, then I'll go to sleep,' but then something would happen that would keep me reading to the wee hours.
I think there's a little soemthing for everyone in this novel. If you like character development, you'll love the way Angela grows from a shy adolescent to a self-confident singer/songwriter,with all the pitfalls she encounters along the way. If you have ever survived a disaster, you will definitely relate to the way Hurricane Hugo changes Angela's life forever. And if you like ghost stories, this novel has one interwoven into the plot. In fact, I found the ghost mystery to be one of the most intriguing parts of the book.
If you're a lover of southern fiction, A Lone Palm Stands won't disappoint. In fact, I found it made me feel young again, helping me remember some of the misadventures of my own youth!
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Lone Palm Series Jan 25, 2012
By Sharon DePalma
I have officially read all three in this series and am truly looking forward to anything that this author writes. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading every single word!!!
I downloaded A Lone Palm Stands because I love reading anything about the Low-country of South Carolina. In 1989, I lived 20 miles inland from Georgetown and did not evacuate because we were not in a danger zone. Your descriptive account of Hugo put into words feelings that I had at the height of the storm. I don't believe I have ever been so afraid. Fear of death was not what I was afraid of - the fear of being half dead was just about the end of me. I remember listening to Charlie Hall as do you.
Since I have now read all three books in this series, I was totally captivated by the characters - such depth on each of the extremely strong women in each. There fears were exposed and their strength excelled.
Thank you so much for writing this series.
Sharon DePalma
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