Susan Sallis

I have mixed feelings about "No Man's Land" by Susan Sallis. The plot was unique and interesting enough. However, the character's words and actions left a lot to be desired. I know that this is a fiction. However, I have expectations that the character's will be somewhat realistic. The various characters interactions with one another had me shaking my head throughout the novel. Your daughter's boyfriend is in over his head with gambling debts. The mob is after him and nearly kills your show more daughter, but you still like the boyfriend as a person! Really! You are made aware by a reliable source that your new romantic interest might have killed your ex-husband, and you still pursue the relationship. Really? It was too outlandish for me. show less

I have mixed feelings about "No Man's Land" by Susan Sallis. The plot was unique and interesting enough. However, the character's words and actions left a lot to be desired. I know that this is a fiction. However, I have expectations that the character's will be somewhat realistic. The various characters interactions with one another had me shaking my head throughout the novel. Your daughter's boyfriend is in over his head with gambling debts. The mob is after him and nearly kills your show more daughter, but you still like the boyfriend as a person! Really! You are made aware by a reliable source that your new romantic interest might have killed your ex-husband, and you still pursue the relationship. Really? It was too outlandish for me. show less

A saga of "An Ordinary Woman" and her roles as daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, wife and mother and daughter-in-law. In telling the story of Rosamund (Rose or Rosie for short) Harris Fairbrother the reader also learns the stories of Rose's mother and sister, their lives, their loves.

The story begins slowly on VJ Night in Connecticutbut with each detail that is revealed the speed of the story is no longer an issue as it enfolds the reader's attention and becomes captivating. It is a show more story of ordinary days and the choices made on these seemingly ordinary days that sometimes become extraordinary moments and memories all the while changing lives forever.

This novel was my first introduction to the writing of Susan Sallis and I will not hesitate to read more of her writing. I loved how the characters were so easy to visualize from their strengths to their flaws and their life stories unfolded with each page read. show less

about a third of the way through I was tempted to give up as I found it rather sordid in places. Set firmly in rural England in the mid-19th century, there are many events taken for granted which are unfamiliar as well as unpleasant: bolting horses, problems in childbirth, family feuds. But I continued and am glad I did; the novel definitely grew on me.

The main character is Lydia Fielding of the title, and I found her fairly likeable although I never felt entirely in sympathy with her. The show more book opens at her 21st birthday party where it becomes apparent that two very different young men are attracted to her: one a rather blustery businessman, and the other a straight-laced Methodist. The overall plot follows Lydia's emotions as she finds herself often torn between the two, and eventually realises where her heart lies.

But along the way there's much unpleasantness, a rather confusing number of other characters, and everyday life passing by. It was interesting as a piece of social history, since it also covered some political issues such as caring for 'fallen women', educating poor children, and rights for women, but I doubt if I'll be reading it again. show less