Customer Reviews

East of the Sun

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've read this book several times over the last 10 years. This time, it had been packed away after a move and I hadn't seen it in quite a while. When I pulled it out of a box I was searching through for something else, I immediately sat down to read it again. I would love to pass it on to my daughter, who is 14, but I had forgotten about some of the more "romantic" scenes. Someday, though, I know she'll enjoy it as much as I have. This is just one of those books that you carry with you forever. Treat yourself to this one and you'll be glad you did.

I'm always looking for books about Africa. The fact that Ms. Bickmore has never been to Africa was an initial turn-off. It's strange to me that she didn't travel there before using it as a setting for her book. So I think that her descriptions of Africa was what a well-read American would expect. From my limited travel in African (five trips to East and South Africa), I'd say she did that part pretty well.

As to the story itself, it's all about indendent women and the price they pay for that independence. Her three women all married (or committed) too young!

The plot for a typical romance novel is a vehicle for , to put it blatantly, gratuitous sex. I am an avid reader of all types of books, but romance is my main focus. However, instead of picking up the latest stereotypical bodice-ripper, I search for the unique. Bypassing novels with titles such as "Tempestous Yearning Desire" and "Love's Fierce Passionate Heat" , Bickmore's book "East of the Sun" caught my eye. I read the back cover and thought, "This will be one I have to fight through", because the plot describtion was not very flattering. However, with the first words I was hooked. This book is one of those rare finds that causes you to curl up somewhere, forget reality and read for 6 hours straight. Bickmore immediately establishes a talent for suprise and plot twists. My roomate would hear me gasp, laugh, or see me gape at the pages. Also, "East of the Sun" gave me a respect and interest into the African Culture; after the last words I felt as though the book contributed to my own wordly knowledge. Not many authors attack the still mysterious African culture and history. For the romance readers (which make up 40% of the market) there are sex scenes aplenty, but all are tastefully done. This novel is one of the jewels of my book collection, and I will (and have!) recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone. "East of the Sun" is a journey, and Bickmore, with talent, in-depth knowledge of her subjects, and flair of the English language, brings us to love and admire Liliane Hathaway, her children, and the people that live in the heart of Africa

What can I say, I absolutely loved this book. I hated for it to end. I was so drawn in right from the beginning and stayed that way through the entire book. The characters were well developed and believable. I have read three of Bickmores other books and loved all of them as well, but this one is my favorite.

This book is absolutely the best book I have ever read. I've read it about 5 times(both books)and I just love it. It's catching, you can't tear yourself from it until you're finished. You feel like your right there, living their lives and I cry everytime I read the sad parts. I recommend this book to everyone, read it, you won't be the same.

One of my favorite novels. Bickmore depicts her characters in a credible manner and her descriptions are complete without being overly detailed. A great novel about doctors in the Congo and South Africa prior to independence. Recommended.

It is always a treat to find a romance with real taste. East of the Sun is one of them. I enjoyed this book so much mainly due to how smart it was written. It has a good pace and a plot method to keep you reading, but it is no way tacky or cornballish when it comes to love. Th characters are believable and people you want to see get the girl/guy. Get the book.

I found that East of the Sun to be the BEST of the book I have read to his point. I have just purchased "The Back of Beyond" and "Distant Star". Am anxious to read......."East of the Sun" is a book that I have read once and will read again!

This was the first book I had read by this author, I found her style captivating.She has the ability of making the personality become real in one's world.I wanted the book to go on and on.

A book about all the different part of a womans life. The big passion, the choice between love and work, the struggle to become independent. Bickmore really catch your attention from the first word and when you have finished the book after a few the days of constant reading you wnt to start from the beginning again