Far and Away [Import] [Hardcover]

Sonja Massie (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Boxtree (January 1, 1997)
• ISBN-10: 1852833440
• ISBN-13: 978-1852833442
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Since publication of her first novel in 1986, Sonja Massie has authored over fifty published works, including the highly popular and critically acclaimed SAVANNAH REID MYSTERIES under the pseudonym G. A. McKevett.

Sonja's novels range from Irish historicals to contemporary thrillers. Her earthy humor and fast-paced plots delight her fans, while critics applaud her offbeat characterizations and incisive observations on human nature.

Irish by ancestry, Sonja has authored two non-fiction books on the history of Ireland: THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO IRISH HISTORY AND CULTURE and IRISH PRIDE: 101 REASONS TO BE PROUD YOU'RE IRISH. Both books impart detailed knowledge of the complex and controversial Irish story with a light hand and plenty of humor.

On nationwide tours, Sonja lectures to published and "pre-published" authors in her workshop, "The Novel Approach," a seminar which covers such topics as: story structure, characterization, plotting, pacing, and marketing manuscripts.

Sonja has taught numerous courses at university and adult continuing education facilities including: general fiction, historical research, and mystery writing. She was managing editor at "Single Living" magazine and has functioned as a manuscript doctor and storyline editor for major publishers. Earlier in her career, she was a prolific ghostwriter, authoring both fictional and non-fictional books for celebrities and professionals.

Having lived in Los Angeles, Toronto, and County Kerry, Ireland, she now resides in New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Basic Recap of Movie, May 30, 2008

By 

Nancy A. Fox (West Covina, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Far and Away (Paperback)

A novelization of the screenplay for Far and Away, that doesn't really add much to the story. The main reason that someone reads a movie novelization is to learn more about the characters, and get more of the back story that can't be dwelled on in a movie. This book doesn't really add much, except give a little background (emphasis on little) to the social realities in Ireland at the end of the 19th century-explaining part of what keeps Joseph and Shannon apart.

The book tries to be a romance novel, but I don't think there is enough sex to really interest romance novel fans, and there isn't enough details for the fan of the movie to gain more insight into the characters. If you are a fan of the movie, and why else would you be looking to get this book, you would be better served renting or buying a copy of the DVD. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman did a much better job communicating the growing attraction between Joseph and Shannon than this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An unforgettable love story, August 31, 2006

By 

just me "a fan" (CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Far and Away (Paperback)

I've been a fan of the movie for years and finally found the time to read the novel. Sonja Massie bases the novel on the screenplay by Bob Dolman, so there isn't much additional information from the movie. I suggest you read the book first, and then see the movie. The story is about Joseph and Shannon both are struggling for freedom but for different reasons. Joseph wants freedom from poverty and injustice and Shannon a wealthy Irish landowner's daughter wants freedom to be her own person away from her domineering mother. Together they struggle to find that freedom in the form of land. They leave Ireland and travel to America where they are confronted by a city of corruption and sin. Ultimately their journey takes them to the freedom they are truly looking for, love.