In a summer community on the coast of New Hampshire at the turn of the last century, a girl is drawn into a passionate affair with a man nearly three times her age. Fortune's Rocks is the story of Olympia Biddeford, proveleged, well-educated, and mature beyond her years, and her affair with John Haskell, who not only is a physician, essayist, and champion of mill workers but also a married man with children. Drawn inexorably together on the night of the summer solstice, the pair set in motion a series of events with far-reaching consequences for all involved.
Virginia K. (GinaK) from CANADENSIS, PA wrote on 4/17/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is one that once you start it, it is impossible to put down. The story revolves around a teenage girl in the beginning of the 1900,s who is mature beyond her years. We learn of her sexual awakening, tragedy mixed with poignant undying love. Love the author, as always, and loved this book, in particular.
Julia S. (simplicity) from LYNCHBURG, VA wrote on 9/25/2008...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I don't recommend this book. It's about a love affair between a teen girl and a married man with children. Why would we celebrate this? Today, we would call the man a "child predator", and we would call the girl a "home wrecker".
Arlene M. (luvtworead) from MORRISVILLE, VT wrote on 7/26/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Simply wonderful. I felt lost when I finished it!
Allison C. (stardancin) from WILSONVILLE, OR wrote on 7/22/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this novel-the descriptions in it are beautiful to say the least, and the story line was very intriguing. I highly recemend this book, its a very good read!
Maureen C. (Modaba) from HIGHLAND, NY wrote on 5/13/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Oh...so GOOD! I couldn't put it down once I got into it. Olympia is quite the woman for the late 1800's, early 20th century! This is a great work of fiction. Very enjoyable. Quite a story!!!
Rate These Member Reviews
Sandy R. (sandy13) from HUNTINGDON VY, PA wrote on 6/8/2008...
I find Anita Shreve books to be hits and misses. For me, this was a hit. I would recommend it, especially if you are an Anita Shreve fan.
Leanna E. (ewoksmom) from JACKSONVILLE, FL wrote on 7/14/2007...
this is a great read
Beverlee M. (villagegirl) from KENNEDALE, TX wrote on 4/5/2007...
A beautifully written page-turner about a morally complex heroine who falls into a passionate, illicit affair with an older man during early 1900s.
Athena M. (luv2teach) from ROSEVILLE, CA wrote on 3/12/2007...
Starts off slow, but then I found it difficult to put down. First book I've read by this author. I do plan to read more of her work.
Elizabeth W. (ewilson7575) from WASHINGTN TWP, MI wrote on 2/21/2007...
I was given this book to read and just couldn't get started and in to it. I hope that you enjoy it.
Susan A. from WINCHESTER, MA wrote on 12/27/2006...
If you like Anita Shreve, you will like this book. Very typical of her style.
Jill W. (jillw) from FRANKLIN, TN wrote on 9/25/2006...
This is one of those books that you read once, but you will never forget. The entire thing is bittersweet and left me with just the right amount of knowledge about the characters. Anita Shreve hit it perfectly with Fortune's Rocks.
Beverly W S. from PIEDMONT, SC wrote on 9/24/2006...
I enjoyed this book, but had a real problem with the 40-year-old married man having an affair with a 15 year old.