The Well of Loneliness: A 1920s Classic of Lesbian Fiction

Book Description

First published in 1928, this timeless portrayal of lesbian love is now a classic. The thinly disguised story of Hall's own life, it was banned outright upon publication and almost ruined her literary career.

Customer Reviews:

To Julia .......2006-09-11

Thanks for your in depth review, Julia.

But STOP SHOUTING.

You do know that all capital means "shouting" in web posting, don't you?

extremely well written romantic tragedy.......2006-06-14

The first thing I noticed about Radclyffe Hall's "The Well of Loneliness," was the beautiful descriptive exposition. Before the novel delves too far into modernism, it is apparent that it is hedging out the Victorian. Descriptions of the English countryside, of London and of Paris are some of the finest written in English. Not only this but the painstaking care the Hall takes to describe her characters, though even Stephen remains a bit fuzzy to me, are lovely and purposeful. Her sense of loss, loneliness and love are extremely powerful and extremely well conveyed.

That being said, the bravery it took to write the first English- language novel that addressed "invertedness," in Stephen's case butch-lesbian identity and, overall, homosexuality, is incredible. It is hard to be absolutely disappointed with the author for the ending of the novel, particularly since it seems to be semi-authobiographic. Given the time period, the ending was likely collateral in exchange for being published. Without giving it away, I'll simply add that I felt sad for the world and defiant, and these not unexpected emotions after a 500 page journey that included happiness and hope, depseration and anxiety. To be cliche, it reminds one of how far we've come with civil rights and yet how very far we still must go.

Like some of fellow modernist writer Fitzgerald's characters, Hall's character is wealthy and priveledged and yet likeable. One is inclined to empathize with her situation at most points, and when not, it is easy to become enraged at the world and not Stephen. It's amazing that book was published in the late 20's, and yet problems like those the characters encountered in "The Well of Loneliness" still exist -- we are still fighting to be able to "protect" and "provide security" to those we love.

This book is an amazing journey. If it is slow moving, it is only because it encompasses over 30 years, years which are necessary to fully understanding the social world that "freaks" like us are still only allowed limited access to. This is worth reading no matter what type of outcast you consider yoursel to be. There is much comfort even in feeling one is not alone. So, thanks, Radclyffe.

My favorite fiction piece of all time!.......2006-01-17

This novel has something for everyone: humor, heart-wrenching sadness, a magnificent love story, and beautiful nature scenes. While the back cover of the book claims the book is solely a love story, the main focus of the novel is really on Stephen's upbringing and later livelihood, so that when Stephen does enter into her relationship, it seems all the more realistic.

It is true that Stephen is a rather butch character, but I have read this was necessary for the creation of the story at the time Hall wrote. As for Hall bearing a nasty persona--does it really bear headence on the novel? I can't see how it displays itself at all, if in fact that is true.

I beg you to read this tear-jerker. You will never forget it.

Slow moving, but with great emotional and intellectual impact.......2005-11-20

The Well of Loneliness is called the first undisguised lesbian novel in the English language, which makes it required reading for a women's studies class or scholarly lesbians. Yet, though written in 1928, it is still relevant to all people interested in issues of inclusiveness and diversity. Also, with its arguments based on Christian morality, it should get serious consideration by the religious right before they condemn homosexuality.

The novel is a fictionalized biography of a lesbian born in the 1890s to a well-to-do couple on a country estate in England. They were desiring a son and name their only daughter Stephen, the name they had selected for their heir. Her mother finds it difficult to get close to this girl whose favorite game is dressing up as Admiral Nelson, but her father treats her like the son he was denied. He teaches her horseback riding, and takes her on the local fox hunts where she excels.

Yet as she reaches puberty and young adulthood, her mannish behavior and dress starts to cause her problems. But this is Victorian England and certain things are just not spoken about, so Stephan grows up ignorant of what she is and how society feels about people like her. When her father dies her protection from the prejudices of society also disappear. She is ostracised and eventually forced out of her home by her mother.

This isn't an easy book to read. With such a title, you know that it isn't going to be a lot of fun. Yet Hall wonderfully represents Stephen's life and the adversity she faces because of a situation beyond her control. She argues that "Inversion" is natural because lesbians exist in nature. Since nature is God's creation, so are lesbians and all other inverts of society. She is morally strong and wants to take her inherited place in society, but is blocked by mean-spirited and close-minded people. The book would be like Pride and Prejudice if there was only one daughter and she was gay.

The social turmoil and change in society that takes place because of World War I is well portrayed by the author. Stephen becomes an ambulance driver in France, and stays on in Paris seeking a community of like-minded people. Yet even there she cannot find peace and acceptance.

This is an important book because it takes a serious look at the role of gay people in society. All the issues that face this community today are raised by Radclyffe Hall. Social and religious condemnation, internalized oppression, and even the question of gay marriage are all addressed in clear and persuasive prose. The style is a bit formal and introspective, yet this glimpse into the individual is superbly portrayed and excellently developed. I found it slow moving, but with great emotional and intellectual impact.

A Heartbreaking Journey of Self-Discovery, Love and Society.......2005-11-12

Anna and Sir Phillip Gordon looked happily unpon the upcoming birth of their child, hoping against hope to have a boy, even going so far as to only pick out a boy's name. When the child arrives, Anna is dispirited when she gives birth to a girl. Sir Phillip makes the most of it, but still decides to give her the name they'd already chosen: Stephen. And so enters into the world one of the most astonishing creatures of literary fiction.

Young Stephen knows that she's different from the other children, but her father, noticing her difference also, allows her to grow up her own way: riding horses like a young man, sometimes dressing like a young boy. From a young age to her lae thirties, we watch as Stephen discovers herself, longing to love and to fit into a society that will not accept her or others like her. She puts her feelings into words, becoming a successful author and does find love, but that love is put to the test when someone who can offer her beloved acceptance steps into the picture.

An astonishing book for its time that was banned upon initial publication, openly discussing what was considered taboo with much candor and respect. The characters of Radclyffe Hall's novel deal with the same societal pressures and beliefs which are still prevalent today: same-sex marriage, societal roles of male and female, wanting to fight for one's country during a time of war even when that country doesn't want you because of who you are. A truly remarkbale novel.

Book Description

He was everything she despised in a man. So why couldn't she stay out of his arms?

This had to be the worst night of Sage Tyler's life. First her fiancé jilts her. Then she has to fly home with Harlan Boyd, the arrogant, drop-dead gorgeous stranger who overheard every word of that humiliating episode—and enjoyed it! All Sage wants is for this sexy, no-account drifter to keep his distance—and keep her broken engagement a secret. But Harlan Boyd has desires of his own...

She was the most beautiful, exciting, unpredictable woman Harlan had ever met, and he could barely keep his hands off of her. Yet he tried to stay away, tried to remember that Sage Tyler needed a man who'd convince her of her own worth, not a man who'd be moving on.

Then Sage's family business, the Tyler Drilling Company, came under the threat of ruin, and Sage and Harlan suddenly found themselves fighting side by side to save it... in quarters too close to keep passion at bay. Can spoiled, headstrong Sage find love with a man who seems so easy to get and so hard to keep?

Customer Reviews:

Not as good as the first 2 but it was o.k...........2007-06-07

Sage is book #3 in this 3 books series. Book #1 is Lucky & Book #2 is Chase.

I have to agree with another reviewer who stated that the charm had worn off by this book. I really enjoyed the other 2 books & after meeting Sage in the first book I could wait to read her story but it just never really pulled me in the way I had hoped. I think part of my problem was that I thought the book was more about their business then the relationship between Sage & Harlan. I think I enjoyed seeing Chase & Lucky more than I did Sage. Those 2 crack me up & I just kept looking forward to the scenes with them.

Since I still enjoyed the first 2 so well I would have to say that as a package I recommend this 3 book series.

Texas Sage wonderful!.......2007-01-17

Wonderful service. I received the package wayyyy before it was supposed to arrive. And I was very happy with it. Perfect condition, not even a little wear and tear from shipping. Love it. Definitely recommend.

Wonderful conclusion to the series.......2006-08-09

It is Christmas Eve in Houston, Texas. Sage Tyler is eagerly expecting an engagement ring from her boyfriend. Instead, the wimpy zit doctor (as her brothers like to call him) breaks the news to her. Before she even has the chance to say Merry Christmas, she finds herself jilted. To make matters worse, Tyler Drilling's new employee is witness to her humiliation. With her sister in law due to give birth any minute, Harlan Boyd has been sent by Lucky Tyler to fetch Sage. While her humiliation is bad enough, Sage finds herself infuriated by Harlan's teasing and easy-going manner. But while the two starts off in a rather shaky ground, neither can deny the sexual attraction that sizzles deep within. And there begins the problem...

Wow! What a way to conclude the Tyler saga. Sage is exactly as delightful, headstrong and (at times) annoying as I thought her to be from the first two books. I absolutely enjoyed the animosity between her and Harlan. The verbal spat, constant teasing and sizzling sexual chemistry were just fun to read. It was also good to find out more about Sage--her hidden insecurities and secret dreams add seriousness to her character. As for Harlan, well what a sexy cowboy! Sage never had a chance with that man! He is absolutely gorgeous and sexy just as Mama Tyler describes him. What's more, the guy is intelligent and possesses a good head for business.

TEXAS! SAGE is without a doubt the best in the series. There are plenty of laughs to be had; sexual tension to make the page sizzle and you will just adore seeing the whole Tyler clan together, especially Lucky with his warped sense of humor. Wait until you read his story telling in the end. Even the secondary romance between Laurie (Mama Tyler) and Sheriff Pat add to the fun. Although the unexpected twist toward the end is rather formulaic, I thought it was a great way to end the story and the trilogy.

Simply a perfect ending to the Texas! Saga.

Love's mess.......2006-01-14

In "Texas Sage" this young, fresh from college girl is about to get the surprise of her life expecting an engagement ring from her fiancé but only to get the boot. As if that wasn't bad enough this weird annoying guy named Harlan overheard everything and won't let her live it down. Taking her back home she finds out that her family business is in deep trouble, so trying not to let her older brothers Chase and Lucky find out about her ex she has to watch Harlan and make him not tell, but she starts to get this attraction to him. Harlan finds Sage this selfish little brat that is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen, but why would she want someone who just moves around when she could settle down with someone rich. Now when her families business is about to close Harlan and her must travel across Texas in order to get some business and save the Tyler business, but also they have to come to terms with their feelings before its to late. While traveling Harlan sees some people he never wanted to see again and must come to terms with his past if he is to help Sage and her family but most importantly himself. In it a lot of people find love or already have it, love is the main thing that Sage wants and tries to get whether it's from her family or Harlan. Powerful, emotional and very good this book "Texas Sage" is the book for you if romance and adventure is what you're after. I recommend it highly but caution also because it has a lot of kissing and bed scenes so not for anyone little.

Be still my heart!!! .......2005-11-12

This was one of the best romance novels i have read in sometime. Everytime Harlan Boyd said something naughty and teasing to Sage my heart started beating faster. i liked harlan a lot. he was so sexy and naughty! it's this witty banter between these two that made me laugh a lot of times. this is a fun read. not too heavy on emotions just enough to make u feel the romance and gets u swept away in the sexiness between the two lead character. The sexual tension after they had made love once was electrifying and that conversation between brothers and thier wives after their mothers marriage was hot! For me this was a perfect romance. I have read it twice already and wasn't bored for a sec the second time. I don't think Sandra brown has written much more like this one. Most of her novels are more suspense than romance. Sandra brown as a contemporary romance writer is the best in this one.
must read for all sandra browna and romance novels fan.

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A danagerous, fascinating visit to Purple Sage, Texas
Best Purple Sage Book yet!
Strong Purple Sage gang reunion

Skeletons in Purple Sage
Barbara Burnett Smith
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312284632

Book Description

Purple Sage, Texas, is experiencing a natural disaster, with floodwaters rushing through the streets and torrential downpours continuing with no end in sight. This calls for a dinner party! The governor's in town to assess the damage, and Jolie Wyatt, mystery novelist and amateur sleuth, is hosting an after-hour reception in his honor. Only problem is, the historic home that's to be the site of the extravaganza is under six feet of water.Not to worry--Jolie has it under control. She moves the party next door, making the best of the resulting logistical and personal problems, since the new hostess is the younger second wife of the ex of one of Jolie's best friends. Despite the distractions, the governor's visit is running smoothly until a dead body turns up in a rain-drenched ditch.The investigation takes the whole town by storm, forcing Jolie to step in and find out what really happened on that dark and rainy night in Texas. Skeletons in Purple Sage is a tangled web full of small-town politics and complex personal relationships tinted with the Texas charm that has made Barbara Burnett Smith's cozy Jolie Wyatt mysteries a big hit.

Customer Reviews:

A danagerous, fascinating visit to Purple Sage, Texas.......2004-07-14

With Skeletons in Purple Sage, Barbara Burnett Smith has
created a very appealing heroine in Jolie Wyatt, a
realistic and interesting family and a whole town of
characters, good and bad.
A disasterous flood has brought the Governor to town
to asses the damage and Jolie has been picked to host
a reception - difficult to do when the site is under
six feet of water.
The next available location is logical but difficult,
since the hostess is the new wife of Jolie's good friend's
Ex. After that, the discovery of the body of the town's
beloved doctor in a ditch just piles on the trouble.
Jolie wants to find out who took her doctor's life, why
the local fundamentalist church is shunning the doctor's
funeral and why her Mother always liked her sister best.
I strongly recomment this book for its character development
and the exciting plot.

Best Purple Sage Book yet!.......2002-08-27

Austin, TX writer Barbara Burnett Smith has done it again--Jolie Wyatt, everywoman and perfect amateur detective, is up to her ears in flood waters and murder in the latest Purple Sage mystery. Things start innocently enough when Jolie and best friend Diane arrange a tribute dinner for a couple of old friends from their past. But thanks to the monsoons, before the night is out, one of honored guests has had the humiliating experience of being hosted in her former home by the husband who left her and his new trophy wife--and the other Guest of Honor is dead.

Then the sheriff announces that the death may be a suicide--and Jolie's on the warpath. Dr. Bill did NOT kill himself--and she's going to prove it. Complicating her mission are a host of suspects who may have believed they had ample reason to hate Dr. Bill, the arrival of Jolie's estranged mother, and Jolie's own fluctuating temper and emotions--is it sheer frustration from multiple directions, PMS--or even humble pie, as Jolie discovers friends who are foes, foes who might become friends, black is white, Truth may be relative and...well, the waters run very deep.

This Purple Sage contains the things we've always loved about Smith's books--the great small-town politics and tangled personal relationships--and takes them in unexpected directions. If you enjoyed the other Purple Sages, don't miss this one. And if you haven't tried them yet, what are you waiting for? And yes--I think you can start with this one, if St. Martin's STILL hasn't reprinted the others!

Strong Purple Sage gang reunion.......2002-08-18

Purple Sage is a small Texas town founded by nine religious fundamentalist families and even today their influence can be felt. Jolie Wyatt, a newcomer to the town and married to native-born Matt, is hosting a party in honor of retiring Dr. Bill Marchak and Beverly Kendall, who has returned after a three year absence to take care of her ailing father.

The only problem is that most of Purple Sage is flooding and the house where the reception is supposed to take place is underwater. They are forced to hold the party at the home of Beverly's ex-husband Tom who divorced her to marry Leigh. A gracious Beverly insures no one feels uncomfortable. Later that night, Dr. Bill's body is found tightly wedged in a drawn wrenched ditch. Nobody knows the cause of death but rumors abound. Shortly thereafter, Leigh disappears. Julie finds the body believing that the same person murdered both people.

The protagonist, trying to achieve justice for the dead, almost finds herself becoming the third victim of a demented killer. Her bravery and unwavering quest for the truth as well as her loyalty to friends and family are only some of the reasons the heroine is easy to like. Sad to say, the killer's identity is totally believable and raises some interesting legal and social issues. After a two-year absence, it is good to see the Purple Sage gang reunited again.

Harriet Klausner

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The Texas! Trilogy: Texas! Lucky, Texas! Chase, Texas! Sage (Set of 3)
Sandra Brown
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000K8CJ8S

Product Description

3 mass market paperbacks.

Measuring the Information Society (SAGE Focus Editions)

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Measuring the Information Society (SAGE Focus Editions)

Manufacturer: Sage Publications, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0803931565

Book Description

Expanding communication technologies (such as computers and telecommunications services) are changing the world we live in by contributing to an emerging information society. How do new information age concepts enter the traditional environment? How are schools, occupations, and the media affected by the expansion of information capabilities? Williams (and other well known contributors) examine an information age economy as an exemplar considering such questions as: What methods should be used in studying an information society? What generalizations can be made? What lessons can be learned? Practical and pertinent examples in this well-researched volume illustrate ways to integrate these studies into everyday political, economic, and cultural life. Measuring the Information Society will interest researchers involved in measuring change relative to information society concepts; and economic and social planners. "The writing is succinct, the graphics and tabulations are excellent, and the bibliography is extensive. The narrow and specialized focus of this volume makes it most appropriate for upper-division and graduate collections." --Choice "This book is a welcome addition to the literature on the information society and its growth in the U.S. . . . The work will be of interest to non-economists and policymakers." --Information Economics and Policy "Overall, the book is a stimulating case study of an issue that has major national implications in the United States. It uses diverse methodologies and diverse sources and synthesizes it all very well." --Canadian Journal of Communication

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Texas! Sage
Sandra Brown
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000OFJCC8

Texas Lucky And Texas Chase And Texas Sage Texas Trilogy

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Texas Lucky And Texas Chase And Texas Sage Texas Trilogy
Brown
Manufacturer: Doubleday & Company Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JD2H72

Cultural resources investigation for the Anderson Mill transmission main, Travis and Williamson counties, Texas (SAGE Environmental archeology series)

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Cultural resources investigation for the Anderson Mill transmission main, Travis and Williamson counties, Texas (SAGE Environmental archeology series)
Sam McCulloch
Manufacturer: S.A. Garza Engineers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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L
Benny J Simpson
Manufacturer: Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, the Texas A & M University System
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Ornamental Plants | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00073AW0S

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L
Benny J Simpson
Manufacturer: Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, the Texas A & M University System
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Ornamental Plants | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00073AW0I

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SAGE Environmental archeology series
Melissa Voellinger
Manufacturer: S.A. Garza Engineers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Simply excellent

Riveting Story

Young Soz

Soz's early adventures

Now this is more like it...

Schism: Part One of Triad (Saga of the Skolian Empire)
Catherine Asaro
Manufacturer: Tor Science Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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The Final Key: Part Two of Triad (Saga of the Skolian Empire)

Skyfall (Saga of the Skolian Empire)

The Moon's Shadow (The Saga of the Skolian Empire)

Spherical Harmonic (The Saga of the Skolian Empire)

The Radiant Seas (Skolian Web)

ASIN: 0765348373
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Book Description

In 2002, Catherine Asaro won the Nebula Award for The Quantum Rose, the sixth novel in her Saga of the Skolian Empire. This very same novel was also named Best SF Novel by the Romantic Times. Schism: Part One of Triad is the tenth novel in this multiple award-winning series, and represents an excellent entry point into the series.For Schism harkens back to the early years of the Skolian Empire, back to the beginning of the war between Skolia and the Euban Traders. Twenty-three years have passed since the fateful vote in the Skolian Assembly that Roca missed in Skyfall. It created the first open hostility between Eube and Skolia, which has only deepened over the ensuing years. Now, Eube senses an opportunity, for strife has riven the first family of the Skolian Empire. Sauscony, the daughter of Roca and Eldrinson, is ready to seek her fortune as an officer-in-training in the Skolian military. When her father forbids her to undertake such a dangerous path, a wedge is formed as Soz chooses duty over family. Eube hopes to make this permanent, a divide that will leave the Skolian Empire ripe for conquest. And they're willing to kill anyone to make it happen.Revel in the latest adventure of this Nebula Award-winning series.

Customer Reviews:

Simply excellent.......2007-06-13

Schism is not my favorite book but it's definetly on my list for "Read again in the future"! I am pleased to tell all of you that this book was extremely well-written. I LOVE to read well-written books. The plot is made realistically as also the characters actions and emotions. Despite the fact that every once in a while you'll get "lost" and not know exactly what's going on that'll soon pass and you'll be stuck in reading once more. You'll definetly want to try out Schism.

Soz is a girl dreaming of becoming a J-Force pilot. Her time comes when her step-brother Kurj needs an heir and picks her and her older brother, Althor. Her leaving is upsetting. Her father, his majesty, Eldrinson, the ruler of the Ruby Dynasty doesn't and hasn't ever approved of Soz fighting. He doesn't wish for his daughter to die on the battlefield so he banishes her for leaving and Althor for bringing her with him. That's nothing but trouble for them but they leave anyway and they begin their adventure.

This book is breath-taking and will leave you searching for the sequel. I hope that you all take a chance and try out this wonderful novel. Enjoy!

Riveting Story.......2007-02-07

Asaro rocks us again with a great story. Fans of romance might not like this one as much as her other books in the Raylicon universe -- there are no love scenes. However, being the fabulous storyteller that she is, she again artfully mixes science, scientific speculation, paranormal, and genuine human struggle as Soz and her family each make their way through the obstacles in their path. You'll relate to all her characters and cheer them on to the finish. Of course the end of this book isn't really the finish: there's another book in the 2-book "Triad" group called The Final Key. Slightly confusing, the labeling Triad, but fans who've read the previous books will have no trouble with the reference to the Ruby Dynasty Triad that keeps the Kyle "net" running the Raylicon universe. I especially enjoyed the thread of Schism that deals with one of Soz's younger brothers, Shannon. He is genetically descended from a group called the Blue Dale Archers. Their looks and manner are very elf-like. Shannon is a wonderfully drawn character who, at 15, faces great obstacles to help save his family and find his place in the world. Thoroughly enjoyable and highligh recommended!

Young Soz.......2006-01-29

Asaro books are sprinled with strong female characters. Soz is my favorite. In this book we find out what Soz was like as an adolescent(17 years old). As befits the future Imperator of the Skolian empire Soz is brilliant, driven, opiniated. She has already created some waves; hacking into the computer complex of her planetary system; having the best test score of ten million. However she has not yet found the balance which comes with age and experience. She argues with her father; her father disowns her, she argues with her superior officer and gets demerits. Under all this though; Soz has grit & integrity. She always comes through in the end. This is the story of Soz going to military academy against the wishes of her father, becoming a Jagernaut (cybernetic warrior); and how circumstances combine for a father/daughter reconciliation. I wait impatiently for the next book. The Final Key : Part Two of Triad. Hoping for a description of my favorite hero in combat situation for the first time.

Soz's early adventures.......2005-10-27

In "Schism," Catherine Asaro returns to the saga of one of her most fascinating characters, Sauscony (Soz) Valdoria, who readers first met in the author's first novel in the Skolian Empire series, "Primary Inversion."

Here we drop in on Soz years before, in her late adolescence, as she prepares for military academy, against the wishes of her father, Eldrinson.

Catherine Asaro develops a fascinating contrast--the "fast cold universe" of the high-tech military acadmey and the low-tech world of her father. The author interweaves the adventures of Soz, her parents, and her siblings skillfully, spinning a classic hard science fiction adventure (this time without the author's trademark hot sex).

There are a few scenes that rank with some of the author's best work, and without spoiling the plot I'll mention the scene in which Soz's "node" is implanted, and the thrilling battle between the jagernaut squadron and the invading enemy.

Notes and asides: To the publisher's great credit, "Schism" is prominently billed as "Part 1 of Triad." I.e., the publisher makes no pretense that all of the story is told here (and it clearly is not). And to the author's great credit, she does not leave her readers perched atop a cliff.

Now this is more like it..........2005-05-13

After Skyfall, with its cliche Roca/Eldrinson romance plot, I was a bit apprehensive about what I'd find in this book. Happily, I can report that this novel is a definite improvement over the last one.

While it does deal heavily with Eldrinson and Roca again, this time Roca comes across as a person, rather than a perfect fantasy romance heroine. And Eldrinson actually grows as a character; he starts out as quite provincial and sexist, and is forced to open his eyes to the realities of the harsh universe he lives in. Eldrinson's never been a favorite of mine, but in this book I enjoyed reading about him.

There is a very strong focus on Soz, Roca and Eldrinson's daughter who in earlier books was a great warrior and even became the leader of the Skolian military (Primary Inversion, The Radiant Seas). In this book, a much younger Soz defies her father and goes to the Skolian Jagernaut military academy. Even in her youth, she's a terrific character, with a nice balance of strengths and flaws. I found her reaction to all the pressures she was under quite believable, especially near the end where she behaves in a way that will be recognizable to overstressed students and cadets everywhere. She gives in to temptation, justifies it to herself, but comes clean in the end.

Kurj, Roca's eldest son, also comes across as more of a person than he has in the past. While I like that he's getting more development and is no longer being treated as an unfeeling antagonist, I do fear that he will become less intriguing with too much exposure. After Spherical Harmonic, I found Dyhianna Selei to be more sympathetic but much less interesting. I'd hate to see Kurj go the same way.

We also get some background on Soz's older brother, Althor.

There was a lot of development done on Shannon (another of Roca and Eldrinson's many children) and his relationship to the Blue Dale Archers. The Archers are fascinating (if a bit elvish *G*), but again, too much exposure will probably make them less intriguing. Sometimes the mystery is more interesting than the explanation. I thought we got a good balance in this novel, though. Still, I look forward to finding out more about why the old Ruby Empire engineered the Lyshriol system and its occupants. This mystery has only grown over the last few novels, but I'm enjoying it immensely.

Once again, a member of the Skolian royal family is captured and tortured by an Aristo. That part seemed rather repetitive, as this is a common occurrence in Asaro's books. By the time she's through, that whole family is going to be completely traumatized and dysfunctional. *G* However, in this case it is done so that Eldrinson's character can change and grow, so I'm not going to complain too much.

Overall, this book was a good read. We got a lot of character background and development. There was a decent amount of technical science fiction, but nothing too overwhelming. Asaro's last couple of books only included the science fiction aspects as set dressing, so seeing the advanced tech treated with some depth and as integral to the story was nice.

To sum up, I enjoyed this book and would even recommend it as a good entry point into Asaro's Skolian Empire series.

Book Description

The first comprehensive wedding guide specifically for the Jewish/Christian couple who wants to honor both religious traditions in their service, vows, and readings.Saying "I do" is one of the happiest moments in a couple's life together--but planning that trip to the altar can be a stressful ordeal. The minute an engagement is announced two full clans want to celebrate the union their way! When one of those families is Jewish (50 percent of whom now marry outside their faith) and the other is Christian, the religious details can increase the pressure on the bride- and groom-to-be. Celebrating Interfaith Marriages provides all of the expert advice on how to combine elements of the two faiths so everyone can rejoice with the bride and groom on their wedding day.Devon Lerner draws from her twenty years of officiating interfaith weddings as she discusses the significance of vows and traditions unique to both faiths and suggests how to incorporate them into a service that is balanced and beautiful. She provides Christian and Jewish services readers can mix and match, as well as custom-bled ceremonies contributed by couples who have worked with her over the years. There's a chapter on how to avoid crashes on issues like location, when the ceremony takes place, and whether the bride and groom should see each other before meeting at the altar. A full section of readings, both biblical and secular, are here too, as well as anecdotes that will reassure and amuse. No interfaith couple will want to be without this essential handbook when they plan their special day.

Customer Reviews:

A great resource.......2007-04-26

This book was great at providing structure and helping us understand our options when we wrote our own wedding ceremony (a Jew marrying a Catholic, with sensitivity to the pagans and atheists/agnostics attending). We lent our copy to two couples we know who got married after us (a nonpracticing Jew marrying a nonpracticing Christian; and a Jew marrying a Catholic/Quaker). I know that each of them has passed on the favor to at least one other couple, who also used it in their ceremonies. Anyone writing their own ceremony would get some value out of it, whether interfaith or not, though of course it is most specifically targeted to the Jewish/Christian union. We also supplemented with books specific to each of the religions we wanted to include, but I found this this book to be the best "how-to" of them all.

Great book for writing your own ceremony.......2006-11-10

My fiancee and I were planning an interfaith ceremony, and rather than find a rabbi or priest willing to marry us, we decided to have our non-denominationally ordained Aunt officiate. However, because she wasn't familiar with jewish traditions, we had to write our own ceremony - no easy task! But, this book simplifies the process by including many examples of interfaith marriage, and then a choice of readings and passages for each section of the wedding. My one concern would be that it only addresses interfaith marriages between jews and christians, but does not address interfaith ceremonies between jews, christians, hindus, buddhists, muslims, etc. However, that aside, I HIGHLY recommend this book if you are writing your own ceremony.

A terrific resource - made my life so much easier! And a beautiful wedding........2006-08-23

I was asked to officiate for my brother (who grew up Jewish) and his fiance (who grew up Protestant), as neither of them are religious, but wanted to have a wedding that both families would feel comfortable with. After getting ordained online, I had a huge challenge ahead of me - how to do something beautiful, personal, and would make everyone happy. Well, this book did it for me! It's about 1/3 explanations on wedding ceremonies and things to be aware of that could be sensitive to either side, 1/3 sample ceremonies, and 1/3 a whole bunch of suggested pieces/readings/explanations under each ceremony component - 7 ideas you could use here, 4 ideas here... It made creating their ceremony a breeze, eliminating many of the expected arguments/discussions, and led to a beautiful ceremony. Thanks Rabbi Lerner!!!

Great resource!.......2005-12-30

I am a Catholic woman marrying a Jewish man. We were very fortunate that my priest was supportive of our marriage and provided me with the standard Catholic booklet outlining the typical components of a Catholic wedding. But we were being married outside of the traditional mass and wanted to include my fiancé's Jewish heritage as well. The rabbi we were working with suggested this book. It is a great tool to help in the planning process. Rabbi Lerner provides an explanation of various traditions, gives a few sample outlines and then includes an appendix with various wording for each part of the ceremony. I could not have planned the Jewish half of our ceremony without this book!

Making Interfaith Marriage Ceremony Inclusive.......2005-09-01

This was a very helpful book with information about laws and culture that help make the ceremony inclusive and comfortable for families of different faiths. I highly recommend this book; I bought it for our children who will be getting married in the spring.

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