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Bittersweet
Bittersweet
Author: Colleen McCullough
In her first epic romantic novel since The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCullough weaves a sweeping story of two sets of twins — all trained as nurses, but each with her own ambitions — stepping into womanhood in 1920s and 30s Australia. Because they are two sets of twins, the four Latimer sisters are as close as can be. Yet these vivacious...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9781476755410
ISBN-10: 1476755418
Publication Date: 8/19/2014
Pages: 352
Rating:
  • Currently 3.2/5 Stars.
 10

3.2 stars, based on 10 ratings
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
Read All 7 Book Reviews of "Bittersweet"

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reviewed Bittersweet on + 1452 more book reviews
Having long enjoyed this author's work, I found this story about a double set of identical twins born to the same father most interesting. Alike in appearance, their personalities, goals and aspirations were very different.

Taking place in Australia during the great depression, the story centers on women who live in Corunda, a fictional city. They have different mothers but the same father, Rev. Thomas Latimer, a rector of the Church of England. So meet Edda and Grace, and Tufts and Kitty and follow their lives from training and work as nurses to careers and marriage. Three marry but two become single again. Grace's husband, losing his job and becoming depressed, commits suicide while Kitty abandons her jealous and possessive husband to move in with a man who understands her.

The author contrasts cultural beliefs of Australians and the English and traditional beliefs with changing mores. Physical Australia, the author's first home, serves as background for the very real characters as their lives develop. Politics, romance, career goals and development emphasize the changing roles of women. Note, too, that the author set up Sydney's department of neurophysiology at Royal North Shore Hospital and was a Yale Medical School researcher for ten years. I urge readers to discover this fine. It's a good one.
reviewed Bittersweet on + 1452 more book reviews
Having long enjoyed this author's work, I found this story about a double set of identical twins born to the same father most interesting. Alike in apperance, their personalities, goals and aspirations were very different.

Taking place in Australia during the great depression, the story centers on women who live in Corunda, a fictional city. They have different mothers but the same father, Rev. Thomas Latimer, a rector of the Church of England. So meet Edda and Grace, and Tufts and Kitty and follow their lives from training and work as nurses to careers and marriage. Three marry but two become single again. Grace's husband, losing his job and becoming depressed, commits suicide while Kitty abandons her jealous and possessive husband to move in with a man who understands her.

The author contrasts cultural beliefs of Australians and the English and traditional beliefs with changing mores. Physical Australia, the author's first home, serves as background for the very real characters as their lives develop. Politics, romance, career goals and development emphasize the changing roles of women. Note, too, that the author set up Sydney's department of neurophysiology at Royal North Shore Hospital and was a Yale Medical School researcher for ten years. I urge readers to discover this fine. It's a good one.
dpecoul avatar reviewed Bittersweet on + 22 more book reviews
Mrs. McCullough always creates some great characters that
feel so real. This story was good also; culture crashes in
Australian marriages. etc.


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