Forever Amber

Rating:
Summary: The only possible equal of GWTW
Review: "Forever Amber" is the only book that to my mind can stand alongside my all-time favorite novel, "Gone with the Wind". I've read both several times in the past 8 or so years, and each time is better than the last. The endings of each especially appeal to me.

Rating:
Summary: Amber makes Scarlet in "Gone With the Wind" look Saintly!
Review: Never dull, never boring, and you'll never want to put the book down. Be prepared to miss lots of sleep, cause you just can't stop reading. Makes you wish you were there. I first read this book 30 years ago at 14 years old. I've just read it again for the 3rd time. Everytime, it just gets better and better. I finally own a copy and plan to pass it down to all my favorite nieces. When they're old enough, of course!

Rating:
Summary: Smart, Funny, Bawdy Historical Novel
Review: FOREVER AMBER is remembered mostly as the sort of novel that a lot of 40's teenagers read at the back of the closet with a tennis racket shoved up their backs. It's mild by comparison with today's bodice-rippers, but Amber is still a much more daring character than is found in these sort of books; she is tough, unscrupulous at times, angry, and restless. But she is smart and funny and resourceful as well and when she suffers serious heartbreak at the end, you feel for her. In short, Kathleen Winsor has written a historical novel with a real human being at its center, which is the mark of good literature . . .

Rating:
Summary: Compelling Historical Romance
Review: 'Forever Amber' is a classic of the historical romance genre comparable to 'Gone With the Wind' (although far less well-known today), Sergeanne Golon's 'Angelique' series and Juliette Benzoni's 'Catherine' books. Amber St Clare is one of historical fiction's most fascinating characters for her beauty, ambition and unscrupulousness. Her adventures take place against a background of Restoration London which is colourful, detailed and convincing. I first read this book when I was fifteen and have come back to it many times since (I now own two copies). The depth of emotion in the story and the twists and turns of the plot make the book an unforgettable reading experience.

Rating:
Summary: A One Shot Novelist?
Review: This indeed a a great story. Forty years ago I followed up reading this book with reading Winsor's subsequent novels -- they were not at all riveting compared to Forever Amber. In fact, they were feebly and tepidly written with only spurts of the historical imagination and character insight shown in Forever Amber. Since Forever Amber was Winsor's first book, I've always wondered whether or not it was her "editor" that made Forever Amber the success it was. Does anyone know the truth?

Rating:
Summary: Great story, killer characters but slightly dated.
Review: I've read the book several times and have always enjoyed it. The characters are amazing and the way the author has woven them into the history of restoration London is remarkable. The detailed discriptions of the period and the vivid real life characters make the fictional ones all the more believable. The only issue I have with the book is the ending, which seems be the only way the book could end when it was first printed. I would love to know if Ms. Winsor would alter it if she wrote it today. It's a great read that you can not put down.

Rating:
Summary: Dissapointing
Review: Forever Amber was a book that I became so engrossed in. I fell in love with Amber's personality and love for Bruce. Although the author used explicit details, I found the ending to be a great dissapointment. The book simply ended leaving the reader unfullfilled. (At least in my circumstance.) With how much love Amber had for Bruce, and for how well the book was written I felt it left me angry with the outcome.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best romance novels ever written!
Review: Forever Amber ranks right up there as one of my all time favorite books. I, also, read it for the first time as a teenager, but have come back to it many times since. Forever Amber, Green Darkness by Anya Seton, and the Angelique series by Sergeanne Golon, have been the staples of my literary life. These books gave me my start into a life of reading and love of books. I have read them all multiple times and will undoubtedly do so again. Forever Amber is a jewel!

Rating:
Summary: This book is a great read if you love Historical romance!
Review: This is the second time I have read this book. It was just as interesting as the first time I read it. It's a classic and the authors attention to detail is marvelous. The characters are rich and engrossing. You almost feel like you are there. I wish Ms. winsor would write a sequel because the movie does the book no justice. Her style of writing is marvelous.

Rating:
Summary: best book ever!!
Review: I read this book thiry years ago and I said then, if I ever have a daughter, her name will be Amber. And that is my daughter's name. I thought this was the best book I've ever read and I still think so to this day. It facinated me how no matter what happened Amber clung to thoughts of Bruce to get her through everything. He was her driving force all of her life. I liked that about her. Sure, she had faults (who doesn't), but she loved Bruce and never gave up hope of having him. And even though it is a huge book, you never want it to end. It is just so interesting and you are always wondering what is going to happen next. If you've never read this wonderful book, do yourself a big favor and do so. You won't be disappointed!!