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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 11 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Voluntary Pleasure Jul 03, 2010
By Laura M Lanka
When you fall into Sylvia Beekman's world, you're travelling into forbidden territory: a passionate love affair, a failing marriage, economic instability, mental illness, messed up hopes. Author Joan Jackson cloaks Sylvia's shortcomings by developing an immensely likeable character who, like everyone else, wants something more fulfilling in life. Even those who are her stable touchstones, those who love her and could provide timely refocus, don't--their own lives spiraling out of control.
The more deeply Sylvia falls for Anthony, the more clues Jackson gives the reader that something is amiss. If only Sylvia would listen to her inner voice. She is smart, witty, accomplished, yet completely willing to abandon all her principals to be with her lover. Her return to her midwestern family home, away from Anthony, was the place for her to regain her footing. What should have been grounding for Sylvia is just the eye of the storm, building momentum to push her into even riskier behavior.
It is in the last half of the novel that Sylvia's life explodes into utter chaos. I found myself voyeuristically drawn into the dangerous undercurrent Jackson cleverly develops. The best part of the novel is watching Sylvia's psychological growth amidst the mess that she, herself, has created. The ending of the novel brings satisfying relief, but also a hint that Sylvia is not yet fully where she needs to be. I, for one, can't wait for the sequel.
Grape and grasp! Aug 18, 2009
By Peter E. Morse
Our wine and book club, Vine and Verse, chose this steamy glimpse into Sylvia's struggles in the 70's, as our vacation read. We chose a chilled Oregon rose by Souter as the accompanying wine, which seemed appropriate, as much of the book is set in Oregon. The guys, and most of the women went nuts for the juicy sex parts, and we all agreed the story is compelling. Jackson's tale is a natural conversation-opener for parent-child relationships, mental illness and the toll of abuse. This powerful page-burner isn't a women-only read; it's themes are universal. Hurry up with the sequel!
I couldn't put this book down! Jun 29, 2009
By Gayle Bartscherer
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were well-drawn and realistic and the plot kept me turning the pages to the end, leaving me distraught that it was over. Sylvia Beekman is a real woman with real feelings, emotions, strengths and weaknesses. Her life issues are just as relevant today as they were in the 70's. The struggle to define herself outside of a relationship is one every woman can relate to. Bravo Joan!
Awesome!! Jun 29, 2009
By Carrie A. Tivador
Just finished this amazing book, and was so disappointed to see it come to an end. This story has everything you are looking for. Passion, drama, love, sex, sex, more sex and everything in between. You get completely lost in the drama of Sylvia Beekman, as she is faced with some difficult life altering decisions. You follow her through her struggles of deciding to divorce from her high school sweetheart, having a passionate affair with another married man, and trying to do what's best for her family. Imagine the excitement and drama that causes?!? You can't put it down!! It's a must read and I can't wait for the next one. AMAZING!!!!
 we want more! May 30, 2009
By Sandrine Marlier
"Sandrine M"
I just finished it last night. It feels weird now. I was so caught up with Sylvia's world that I feel a sort of loss now. There was so much love in the book, with all its subtleties and complications. I wasn't sure that I could relate with the character at first, but her emotions are so sincere and studied into its such specifics that it gives it a universal character to which anyone can relate to. I feel like I was right next to her, going through this chaos with her... Bravo and let me know when the second one is out!
See all 11 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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