Customer Reviews

September

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm probably the only reader in the world who likes 'September' better than 'The Shell Seekers', and I want to give my reasons.

Violet is much more likable than Penelope - fortunately, she has got only one child (son Edmund) so that she can't have a favourite child. Unlike Penelope, Violet loves her two grandchildren although they are not perfect.

In 'September' Pilcher is much more generous - like Nancy in 'The Shell Seekers', Violet, Alexa and Edie are fat, but unlike Nancy, they are NOT ugly, for there is something between 'beautiful' and 'ugly' and it is admitted that even plump women may be pretty, lovable and charming!

Yes, I like Violet - she is even a nice mother-in-law!

I was confused to see Archie and Isobel in almost exactly the same situation as George and Nancy - they have got financial problems, but live far beyond their means, keep a giant house and send their to boarding-school. Unlike George and Nancy who are portrayed as greedy and stupid, Archie and Isobel are nice people.

I think it was not logical that Pandora writes a letter in which she tells Archie about her suicidal tendencies without giving her reasons - after all, she has got a very plausible reason (terminal cancer), and it is a relief to her family when they get to know it - Pandora's physician tells them.

Noel who already appears in 'The Shell Seekers' seems to have improved...

This is a good sequel to The Shell Seekers, however... while it is better than R Pilcher's other novels, it still does not hold a candle to The Shell Seekers. It is nice to see what happens to at least one of The Shell Seeks characters afterwards, and Pandora and her family are very compelling.

Compared with The Shell Seekers, all Pilcher books pale.

September, by the beloved author of The Shell Seekers Rosamunde Pilcher, is another book in a long line by this author which most readers will enjoy thoroughly. Set in Scotland, this book focuses on several people gathering together to celebrate the 21st birthday of a local girl. While firmly set in the present through the use of flashbacks, we come to know these people and the events which bring them to this point in time.

Among the various people gathering members and friends of two well known families of the village. Archie Balmerino is a major landowner of the area who is a Lord rather down on his income. During a military exercise he suffered a tragedy which has altered his chance for a livelihood once he left the military as well as leaving him emotionally fragile. Isobel his loving wife hosts tourist families during the season at their stately home while their daughter travels the continent trying to find a place for herself. And then there is Pandora, Archie's sister who left the family home at 18, and is only now returning after 20 years to be with family and friends before it is too late.

The Aird family includes Violet, the 78 year old matriarch of the family and a woman reminiscent of Penelope Keeling from The Shell Seekers. Her prosperous son Edmund is married to his second wife Virginia although he has a secret he never shared with her which is now threatening to undo them. Alexa is Edmund's daughter from his first marriage who now finds happiness with an older man and Henry the progeny of the Airds second marriage is about to leave for boarding school at the tender age of 8 which upsets Virginia greatly. And seeing over this family is Edie who as Mrs. Aird's housekeeper cares for all of them as if they were her own. Added to this cast of characters are several others including Noel Keeling who readers of The Shell Seekers, will remember as Penelope Keeling's son.

While preparations are made for the party during the summer months and then during the party in September, we learn about these people as if they were our friends and are also treated to vivid descriptions of the wonderful countryside of Scotland, the homes these people occupy and their lifestyles both past and present. What awaits readers is seeing how these characters sort out their lives as the book ends with a startling and unanticipated conclusion.

September is the 13th book I've read by Rosamunde Pilcher and I am still as excited and enthusiastic about her books as when I read her first book in 1988. As this author has idonea in the opts, she envelops her readers in her world of people and places through wonderful characterizations and a love for the area where her book take place. While The Shell Seekers remains my all time favorite book by Ms. Pilcher and also one of my top ten all time reads, September takes it's rightful place along with The Shell Seekers as one of Ms. Pilcher's best books in my opinion.

I do hope you will enjoy this author as much as I have in the past. With only two novels left to read by her, Coming Home and Winter Solstice, I do hope she will write another book which will keep me up nights reading till the very end.

I enjoyed learning about Scottish traditions and the countryside north of Britain.

However, plot is nonexistant, and there's really no story to speak of other than the upper-class, clannish Scots going about their daily lives and traditions during the early autumn.

Still, I love learning about distant peoples and foreign lands and sort of travelling without having to leave my living room couch. This is a better way to learn about a foreign land and its people than, say, reading a guidebook.

But for the lack of any action, Rosamunde Pilcher's writing is highly literate and very reader-friendly. She has a very detailed way of describing the scenery and atmosphere which strangely does not bore.

If you enjoy modern English authors like Ian McEwan (Atonement) and like a British-sort of banter without suspense, peril, or action, then you'd like this.

Although there was nothing much going on plot-wise, and none of the characters were ever in any jeopardy or peril....I still loved Pilcher's intimate descriptions of the daily minutae of Scottish life.

This is my first Rosamunde Pilcher. Because of her writing style, and even with only 3 stars, I am still planning to read more by her.

I am a BIG fan of Pilcher's and enjoyed this book especially after the first 100 pages. The story really takes off after that.
You'll meet Violet Aird, who's turning 78 years old, and her family Edmund, her son,along with Virginia, her daughter-in-law, and Henry their son. Also is Isobel and Archie, and their son Hamish who live in Croy, a very large estate.

Other characters include Edie, the lovely neighbor and best friend of Violet's. The Ishaks who own a store in town,Alexa, who is Edmund's daughter from an earlier marriage, and Pandora who is Archie's sister.

In the story, Violet works on planning a great big party for Katy Steyton, Verena's daughter, who is her friendly neighbor.
Invitations are sent out for the party, and there is a large attendance. Pandora, who hasn't been home for years is coming to town with a very sad secret. Alexa has fallen in love with Noel, of whom Violet isn't sure she really trusts, and Henry, who has been sent to boarding school against his will and his mother's as well, runs away and comes back home.

Another character, Lottie, has "some loose screws," and was committed to a mental hospital. She is sent home after supposedly becoming stable however, and creates a problem for everyone.

The book is all about love, betrayals, forgiveness and coming together. I wished it had been even 100 pages longer than it was. Pilcher knows how to put the depth into her stories.

Makes an excellent and enjoyable read. Pilcher's writing style is comfortable and strings together just the right words to form delightful sentences. The story has all the interesting plots of romance, intrigue, family disputes, and hidden secrets. None of these seem contrived or melodramatic. Pilcher also has a touch of describing mundane activities with warmth and wit - making a cup of tea or clearing a sinkful of dishes - actually sound exciting!

Some readers comment that Noel Keeling has changed. I disagree, it is only that some of his burning craving to be a 'somebody' in high-flying society, has been assuaged by his quite sizeable inheritance and the steady sucess in his career. If Alexa had not had her weatlh and riches and Noel had not seen the obvious opulence of Balnaid - I doubt he would have given her a second glance let alone any serious commitment.

Archie and Isobel are reminiscent of Nancy Chamberlain and George from Shell Seekers. Struggling to maintain a rambling house, son beign educated in an expensive school, and maintaining appearances when guests are on the scene.

September is a book I can pick up anytime and turn to any page and no matter what mood I'm in, I feel like I'm having the best visit with an old friend. This is the first Rosamunde Pilcher book I had the pleasure to read (and re-read several times) and I've since read every book she's had published. Her discription of even the most common event is heart warming. The only thing left to be desired, about this book, is a third book about these lovely people.

September is the first book I have read by Rosamunde Pilcher, but I have to say, it will not be last! The families in this book are so mysterious and with such rich histories. Reading this book almost reminded me of watching an episode of Dynasty! I was not aware that "The Shell Seekers" was a prequel to this novel, and I have no problem following the story line.

Pilcher'd descriptions of Scotland were breathtaking. You feel as if you are there with the characters, in the Highlands. She is fantastic author and I can't wait to get a hold of her other novels!

Pilcher's sequel continues with a book that rivals THE SHELL SEEKERS and stands on it's own merit. Her characters come alive amidst the pages, drawing you in deeper with every sentence. The book continues with Noel, the egotistical son of Penelope Keeling, as he searches for his misplaced sense of self. In Alexa he may find a joy and love that he is not quite ready for or capable of.

As in all of Pilcher's books there is a plethora of characters, all as important as the next with stories that tie together and make you feel like part of the family. Love, death, loss, insanity, handicaps that interfere with life as it is, and most of all that sense of belonging to a family that she instills so easily with the stroke of her pen. I can never get enough of this author. Kelsana 11/03/01