Helpful Score: 3
I like the setting of the story. I am from SC and know first hand the magic and beauty of the low country, Charleston/Sullivan's Island area. The author is witty and talented but the characters are flat and dull. I just didn't ever care what happened to them. They seem unreal and the drama in their lives seems somewhat histrionic like they make a bigger deal out of stuff than it really is and that really bothers me. Pat Conroy's review says the book has the funniest sex scene he's ever read and I do agree with that! It is hilarious! but overall I am not a fan of the book.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a well-told story of a woman who grew up on Sullivan's Island, S.C. in the 60s, and who reviews her past in the course of coming to terms with her divorce from her unfaithful husband and with her relationship with her teenage daughter and her supportive (but almost perfect) sister. It is the first novel by Dorothea Benton Frank I have read, and I plan to read others. I especially like the humor, the sassiness, and the humanity.
Helpful Score: 2
Frank's debut novel is a story of redemption set in South Carolina's steamy low country. Susan Hamilton Hayes's comfortable Charleston existence is shattered when she finds her husband in bed with another woman. Faced with a failed marriage, a confused teenage daughter and a mediocre job, she sets about the business of healing. Slowly, supported by visits to her sister in their childhood home on sleepy Sullivan's Island, Susan becomes a successful newspaper columnist, regains her confidence as a woman (despite a hilariously deflating date) and finally explores the death of her complex, abusive father decades before. Chapters alternate between the present and 1963, the year her father died, as Susan faces both the strength and the damaging effects of her family legacy. The ending - complete with a perfect suitor reemerging from Susan's youth - is almost too picture perfect to ring true but both the setting and the characters are blazingly authentic. Frank evokes the eccentric Hamilton family and their feisty Gullah housekeeper with originality and conviction; Susan herself - smart, sarcastic, funny and endearingly flawed - makes a lively and memorable narrator. Thanks to these scrappily compelling portraits, this is a rich read.
Helpful Score: 2
Good reading. A great story.
Shirley J. (NoShushing) -
Helpful Score: 1
Born and raised on idyllic Sullivan's Island, Susan Hayes navigated through her turbulent childhood with humor, spunk and characteristic Southern sass. But years later, she is a conflicted woman with an unfaithful husband, a sometimes resentful teenage daughter, and a heart that aches with painful memories. As she faces her uncertain future, she realizes that she must go back to her past. To the beachfront house where her sister welcomes her. To a place haunted by long-held secrets and devastating betrayals. To the only place she can truly call home..Sullivan's Island. Includes the funniest, and surprising "seduction" scene I've ever read.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book! It's about a disfunctional catholic family growing up in South Carolina in 1963 and their lives (2 sisters' in particular)today. Very Funny! Easy Read - couldn't put it down.
Set in the steamy, stormy landscape of South Carolina, Sullivan's Island marks the debut of an exquisitely talented writer--and tells the unforgettable story of one woman's courageous journey toward truth.
"A moving story of family, of love, of place and heritage and home. Ms. Frank's evocation of the Lowcountry rivals that of Anne Rivers Siddons and Pat Conroy both, but this tale of island life is uniquely her own."
"A moving story of family, of love, of place and heritage and home. Ms. Frank's evocation of the Lowcountry rivals that of Anne Rivers Siddons and Pat Conroy both, but this tale of island life is uniquely her own."
Born and raised on idyllic Sullivan's Island, Susan Hayes navigated through her turbulent childhood with humor, spunk, and characteristic Southern sass. But years later, she is a conflicted woman with an unfaithful husband, a sometimes resentful teenage daughter, and a heart that aches with painful, pignant memories. As Susan faces her uncertain future, she realizes that she must go back to her past. To the beachfront house where her sister welcomes her with open arms. To a place haunted by long-held secrets and devastating betrayals. To the only place she can truly call home...Sullivan's Island.
Set in the steamy, stormy landscape of South Carolina, Sullivan's Island marks the debut of an exquistely talanted writer-and tells the unforgettable story of one woman's courageous journey toward truth.Born and raised on idyllic Sullivan's Island, Susan Hayes navigated through her turbulent childhod with humor, spunk and characteristic Southern sass. But years later, she is a conflicted woman with an unfaithful husband, a sometimes reentful teenage daughter and a heart that aches with painful,poignant memories. And as Susan faces her uncertain future, she realizes she must go back to her past. To the beachfront house where her sister welcomes her with open arms. To a place haunted by long-held secrets and devastating betrayals. To the only place she can truley call home..
Great beach book!
Barbara M. S. (SWEETIE) reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 180 more book reviews
I love Southern fiction, and this is one of the best. Dorothea Benton Frank knows the south and can write an authentic portrayal of the people of SC. Don't miss it.
Found this great reading, especially as I live here in the low country
. The best part of her books is the humor and whit of her style. Its the best out there. I just wish she would do better with her plots. This one was about Susan. She catches her husband Tom in bed with a younger woman. So, throughout this whole book, she is dealing with her divorce and her daughter. The book goes back and forth between the present and the 60s when she was growing up with 5 brothers and sisters, an abusive father, an unattentive mother and the housekeeper who took her mothers place. I am not sure what the point was going back to her childhood. You are led to believe it is to find out why her father died but I also think it was to learn about her and her family and the person she had become. There was a good bit about racism and religion and southern ways. She tends to get a bit wordy and boring in some parts. But I did enjoy the humor.
Born nd raised on idyllic Sullivan's Island, Susan Hayes, navigated through her turbulent childhood with humor, spunk and characteristic Southern sass. But years later, she is a conflicted woman with an unfaithful husband, a sometimes resentful teenage daughter, and a heart that aches with painful, poignant memories. And as Susan faces her uncertain future, she realizes that she must go back to her past. To the beachfront house where her sister welcomes her with open arms. To a place haunted by long held secrets and devastating betrayals. To the very place she can truly call home...
I actually have 2 copies of this book. Dorothea Benton Frank is a wonderful author whose books captivate you from the very beginning. It's very hard to put down. It tells 2 stories-one about a girl growing up in SC during the times of desegregation. The other of that same girl when she's grown up and realizes her husband isn't the man anymore she once married. Parts of this book will make you howl with laughter and other parts will make you cry.
While reading this book I could almost smell the salt air and feel the hot sand under my feet. A fun read with interesting family relationships.
Janette E. (luvbooks) reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 126 more book reviews
This novel, set in the stormy landscape of South Carolina, is about one woman's courageous journey toward truth. This book is tough, tender and very, very funny!
Set in the steamy, stormy landscape of South Carolina, Sullivan's Island marks the debut of an exquisitely talented writer---and tells the unforgettable story of one woman's courageious journey toward truth.
Dotty Frank delivers again! If you love the low country tales then this book will ring all your chimes.
Out of all the books I have read I think this one has the most details throughout the book. It simple to keep up with the characters as some books are not. This was my favorite book yet.
J.R. P. (TheBookaholic) reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 45 more book reviews
Truthfully, I got this book from a family member and only kept it because of it being a southern author from my locale. But, was I glad I decided to read it. A must read for any southener, or anyone who loves the southern lifestyle. Shows you can take the southern gal into the north, but you can't take the south out of the girl.
Another great book from this author. Great characters, growing up in the Lowcountry of SC.....a great beach read
Jan G. (sunnysouth) - , reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Because I am from the area that this book takes place, I have a special attachment to its content and its author. Ms. Frank was brought up in the South Carolina Lowcountry and has a keen perception of its life and lore which added to my enjoyment of the story. She has spoken to our library group several times and has entertained us with her revelations of being on a book tour, and coming home to face sometimes thinly veiled story lines. Personally enjoyable and recommened to those interested in regional fiction.
Dotty Frank's first chapter will have you laughing out loud. The funniest story ever. Everyone should remember that toothbrush trick!
This is the first Dorothea Frank novel I've read and enjoyed it a great deal. On reading summaries of her other books it sounds like she uses the same formula. Fun read nonetheless!
The best of Benton's beach reads.
I realized after reading it I had read it several years before. Good, easy read. I love visiting Charleston, it was fun reading the references to familiar places I've visited as well.
Great southern Beach reading, one of MBF's best.
A well written tale full of low-country Gechee grit. Kept my interest through to the end. Better than Plantation, just as good as Isle of Palms
Born and raised on idyllic Sullivan's Island, Susan Hayes navigated through her turbulent childhood with humor, spunk, and characteristic Southern sass. But years later, she is a conflicted woman with an unfaithful husband, a sometimes resentful teenage daughter and a heart that ache with painful, poignant memories. And as Susan faces her uncertain future, she realizes that she must go back to her past. To the beachfront house where her sister welcomes her with open arms. TO a place haunted by long-held secrets and devastating betrayals. To the only place she can truly call home.....Sullivan's Island.
Wonderful story of life in the Lowcountry!
Kathy H. (gottabemetoread) reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
One of my absolute favorite books of hers!! I really had a hard time putting it down. I have read others by Franks but for some reason this one, so far, is the one for me.
Cindy F. (johnnysangel) -
This was well done and kept me interested.
Absolutely delightful, heartwarming, and hilarious!
Wonderful modern day story.
Laurel C. (LaurelCollier) reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read all her 'lowcountry tales' Awesome writer.
south carolina landscape setting, a moving story of family, and love.
5 STARS!!!!I read this bood while on vacation at the beach. A great vacation read. Came home and picked up another book by this author.
An excellent story..took me awhile to get into it, but then the story picked up and really got interesting. It's a series of flashback to 1963 and then back to present day...very well done!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Images of the island beach pop right into your head. Wonderful family stories about the area and the geechee life. I will read more of her books!
Fun read. Made me laugh. A good book about how our past affects our present and dealing with it. Love the sister interaction.
Loretta D. (booklover4life) reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Great mystery with a love story
Great Summer Read!!
This is such a great story. The author has a lot of humor and i laughed so hard!! Great summer reading.
Annetta D. (abdunham) reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 437 more book reviews
Great first book to the low country tales series
Funny, tender, full of life book
Katherine H. (Plainjane8160) -
One of my favorites! I also live in the area!
I really liked this story, the STORY, not the writing style. Like Plantation, the author gets stuck on one word and uses it obsessively... let me quote from the book (page 18):
'Eah. Great Gullah word, versatile like anything. It means here, yes, right now, do you hear me, isn't it so, don't you agree and just about anything you want it to.
I have heard (okay and used, I still do fall into it easily, truth be told) 'eah a good bit, but not nearly as much as this author does. I grew up in the lowcountry so I'm familar with the dialect. My problem with this author seems to be that she tells wonderful stories, truly. Her downfall is that she forgets to pepper the story with the language and, instead, dumps the whole damn jar of pepper in there.
Plantation had the overused "Yahn" and this was "'eah"... I'm almost looking forward to the next one so I can see what word she picks next *laugh*
Seriously, the story was good, but it feels like the author is trying too hard.
'Eah. Great Gullah word, versatile like anything. It means here, yes, right now, do you hear me, isn't it so, don't you agree and just about anything you want it to.
I have heard (okay and used, I still do fall into it easily, truth be told) 'eah a good bit, but not nearly as much as this author does. I grew up in the lowcountry so I'm familar with the dialect. My problem with this author seems to be that she tells wonderful stories, truly. Her downfall is that she forgets to pepper the story with the language and, instead, dumps the whole damn jar of pepper in there.
Plantation had the overused "Yahn" and this was "'eah"... I'm almost looking forward to the next one so I can see what word she picks next *laugh*
Seriously, the story was good, but it feels like the author is trying too hard.
Great vacation read!
Book Description
Set in the steamy, stormy landscape of South Carolina, Sullivan's Island marks the debut of an exquisitely talented writer--and tells the unforgettable story of one woman's courageous journey toward truth.
"A moving story of family, of love, of place and heritage and home. Ms. Frank's evocation of the Lowcountry rivals that of Anne Rivers Siddons and Pat Conroy both, but this tale of island life is uniquely her own."--Bret Lott
"A passionate, true-to-life, spit-fire tale of reconciliation and redemption."--Fern Michaels
"Achingly real."--Anne Rivers Siddons
"Hilarious and wise."--Pat Conroy
"Southern womanhood has found a new voice."--John Berendt
Set in the steamy, stormy landscape of South Carolina, Sullivan's Island marks the debut of an exquisitely talented writer--and tells the unforgettable story of one woman's courageous journey toward truth.
"A moving story of family, of love, of place and heritage and home. Ms. Frank's evocation of the Lowcountry rivals that of Anne Rivers Siddons and Pat Conroy both, but this tale of island life is uniquely her own."--Bret Lott
"A passionate, true-to-life, spit-fire tale of reconciliation and redemption."--Fern Michaels
"Achingly real."--Anne Rivers Siddons
"Hilarious and wise."--Pat Conroy
"Southern womanhood has found a new voice."--John Berendt
Great book! Couldn't put it down.
Started a little bit slow, but I'm glad I stayed w/ it because it was fabulous!
Light summer reading about a women who is facing challenges and how her family and the wonderful family home on the bach help her meet them.
This book was great! It had some funny every day happenings that a woman experiences.
Bonnie F. (harmony85) reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 982 more book reviews
Very good book. If you like Anne River Siddons, you will probably enjoy this book, although in my opinion, it's not quite as good as ARS' books.
Jill B. (PuppyMama) - , reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 115 more book reviews
Set in the steamy, stormy landscape of SouthCarolina, Sullivan's Island tells the unforgettable story of one woman's courageous journey toward truth.
I love this book !!
great read
I must be the only person that didn't finish this book. In theory, I should have loved it. I used to live in Charleston, but this one didn't do anything for me.
I enjoyed this book
A book for the 45+ woman. You will see yourself in these pages especially if your even a little bit southern.
Jeanne H. (penguinmama) reviewed Sullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales, Bk 1) on + 91 more book reviews
Very good book.
wonderful
Ms. Frank tells a good story.
