Customer Reviews

Starburst: A Novel

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This novel is different & somewhat less predictable than his earlier books. It is an entertaining novel about what can happen when one boldly believes in hope & dreams. Angelique Pascal is a fine Violinist excited by her invitation to perform at the Edinburgh International festival. the main conflict comes from the very unwanted overtures of her manager, a man obsessed with her unique beauty. She gets panicked after a very threatening confrontation with him, & spills her soul to Jamie Stratton a young graduate who insists she take refuge with him.

As the subplots develop, so to do the characters. There is an aspiring comedian who works as a brash bartender, a misguided thief, an elderly director, & a younger beautiful director. All the characters to varying degrees shoud be on the therapists couch. Their individual baggage adds to the main story. Most of their paths will cross during the festivals run as they all search for their own road to happiness. A good fast read.

Just finished this great book which I wish would go on for much longer. I became so involved with these charachters and their lives all surrounding a great festival in Scotland, that it was hard to leave them all. Well written and engaging. Predictable, but still keeps you looking forward to returning to the pages that will bring you back to these wonderful people as they work through the ups and downs of their colorful lives. Don't let the "romance novel" like cover dissuade you. This book is so much better than the cover would lead you to believe. Check this one out. You'll love it.

Despite, having been a devoted fan of Rosamunde Pilcher for many years, I have never read anything by her son Robin until now. He has evidently inherited her gift of creating warm and interesting characters, charming situations, and blissful romances. He even adds a bit of clever comedy and some heart-tugging male bonding. All in all, a delightful book perfect for an armchair escape to Scotland.

Set amidst the real-life Edinburgh International Festival, this fictionalized account is very informative regarding the entertainers and the behind-the-scenes action. A multitude of characters converge in Edinburgh and their lives will intersect with sometimes wonderful, sometimes tragic results. Among the endearing characters are: Tess, the marketing coordinator, who must deal with an old lover, a new husband, and a concerned boss; Angelique, the child prodigy who blossoms into a beautiful concert violinist with a dark secret; Leonard, the aging cinematographer who seizes one last chance to shine; TK, the juvenile delinquent with a flair for car-jacking; Rene, the comedienne her hometown is banking on to make her mark; Jamie, the handsome young college graduate with rooms to rent; Gavin, the attorney who gives solicitors a good name, and Roger, the fireworks mastermind who will give the festival the greatest starburst it has ever seen.

Each needs something but each has much to give. With the festival in full swing, new friendships will provide helping hands and a chance to make dreams come true.

This latest from Robin Pilcher is certainly his best; it lacks some of the stiffness and self-consciousness that occasionally marked his earlier works.

Set against the very interesting backdrop of the annual Edinburgh Festival, the plot revolves against several key figures, each of whom in some way is involved with the festivities, either on or off the stage. Having been to Edinburgh during this fabulous time of every type of cultural and folk activity you can imagine, I was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes information, which was woven effortlessly into the story rather than just being presented as specious information.

I found the characters believable and for the most part likeable (there is at least one villain), and the plot lines quick and easy to read. The book held my interest throughout, and I finished it with a smile on my face.

Highly recommended!

What a gem of a book! And how sad it's probably two years until next time!

Everybody who has seen Robin Pilcher as having not only inherited his mother's (Rosamunde Pilcher) talent but also her writing style, is in for a BIG surprise with this book. "Starburst" is quite different from the author's other novels, and positively so. This book is a genuine Robin Pilcher novel, written in his own unique style. The only thing remaining from his mother being the name.

"Starburst" takes place in Edinburgh during the annual festival. We are following some very different people/destinies through those three weeks in August, first separately and then when they accidently intertwine.

Robin Pilcher's knowledge of the various aspects of the festival and the professional secrets behind the many kinds of art being performed, as well as his insight into the human mind, whether it's world famous violinist Angélique, retired cameraman Leonard, comedienne cum housewife Rene or young car thief T.K. struggling to go straight, is impressive. These people are made so alive they literally walk out of the book.

I've got to especially mention "the two roses", Rene from "'artlepool", Yorkshire and Matti from Lancashire. I'm convinced their show at the "Underbelly" is real, and would somebody please get me a ticket for next year?

"Starburst" is warm, funny and beautifully written. Often I just stopped and repeated sentences, enjoying the masterful use of the English language. Rene's hilarious remarks in cockney, Angélique's stilted speech with charming bits of French thrown in, Leonard's polite gentleman English and T.K.'s badly twisting of his mother tongue.

The description of the city of Edinburgh during the festival, from classical concerts in famous concert halls to simple street performances, is vivid. I have never been to Edinburgh - until now!

The book is not without drama. It's not only a colourful description of partakers and events. Destinies are determined, lives changed forever.

With "Starburst" Robin Pilcher has taken a huge step forward in his authorship. A professional reviewer has written "why has this guy not started to write earlier?" Agreed. But how glad I am that he finally did!

This is Mr. Pilcher's best book yet. His characters are so well-written they become people you want to meet. Reading the book was like visiting Scotland again. I could not wait to find out what happened, then I was sorry because I was at the end of the story too quickly! This is more than just a "good read". It's like a letter from well-loved friends. Hopefully, Mr. Pilcher is busy writing another book.

After waiting for what seemed like years, I devoured this latest book in one day. I tried to make it last longer, but the characters and the setting called to me like home baked chocolate chip cookies. Mr. Pilcher has improved on perfection and I will find it hard to wait for his next book, but I shall! Ronelle Nicholson

This is one of the best books that I've read in quite a while. Mr. Pilcher is an excellent story teller and this book exhibits his talents to the fullest. It's not often that I would read a book a second time, but this book will definitely be re-read. The introduction of the many characters and the weaving together of their lives made this book difficult to put down. Outstanding!

Robin Pilcher has written another lovely, heartwarming story. His writing is so like his mother, Rosemunde Pilcher's great stories. Starburst is a pleasant, gentle read.

This was the first Robin Pilcher novel I've read, and I enjoyed it very much. I was impressed with all the variety of detail Mr. Pilcher wove into his tale. I also enjoyed how the characters all came together, and it was quite an ensemble to work with.

The only thing that bothered me, and I'm probably quite alone in this, was how Albert Dessuin started out as a potentially sympathetic character, then ended up as the villain. That was apparently Mr. Pilcher's intent, but it seemed a little strange to me that after Albert recalls what he did to Angelique and is overcome with remorse, he suddenly turns around and decides it was all her fault. Albert struck me as a tragic figure who I hoped would end up with some sort of happy ending along with everyone else. Maybe I'm just weird that way.

I think it would be really cool if Mr. Pilcher could take up Albert's story as he tries to put the pieces of his life back together and become a better person.